Italy's M14: The BM-59 at the Range (ad-free)

Looks like the muzzle break is pretty efective in changing that recoil impulse into a mostly straight back vector. IS that accurate? Is that how it feels when shot?

Jeff Price

But then you're looking at an M15 [if you include the heavy barrel...] 😉

Bruce Brodnax

Yes, I know. But when they were available for less than 1,000 dollars I should have bought one or bought the kit and had a Blue Sky Korean Garand converted to BM-59 configuration.

Mark S

Semi-auto ones are around here and there in the US. Expect to pay $3000 minimum for one though.

Lance Thundercock

The muzzlebrake on the BM59 functions like a grenade launcher, yes. Folding or two-piece guns are massively helpful for parachute drops. I suspect the M14 could have been a lot more usable in full-auto if they had looked at providing an integrated bipod and a muzzlebrake to reign in the hefty climb it has, like the Italians did.

Lance Thundercock

A fellow USAF Combat Arms Instructor got assigned to Italy and developed a very good relationship with the local Italian Air Force counterparts at his base as well the Carabinieri (Italian Police). He got to fire all kinds of weapons from a Beretta 1938 Sub machine gun to the BM-59 (lucky guy). I asked how the BM-59 was in full auto and he said (his words, not mine). "It jumped around like a five year old needing to go potty in church". (he did have a way with words). It was hard to keep on target and overheated after about several magazines (hard to hold the fore end after that point.). I'd loved to own a semi-auto version just to add to my collection.

Mark S

Hmm. BM59 or FSA 1949/56? Look awfully similar, both also employ grenade launchers and so on, but the former is full-auto capable, the latter semi-auto-only (like the SLR L1A1 FALs...) 20rd. magazine vs. 10rd. magazine... 7.62x51mm vs. 7.5x54mm... I'd think the French rifle is way simpler to disassemble and service...

that is ages ago and I wasn't a fan of it otherwise but.. could swear an issued g3 kicked less. man talking about a lousy stock.. that qualifies for damn sure. see... that is my issue with loaded mags next issue is I NEVER have enough ammo.

Guido Schriewer

Ian, when you do these at the range videos, can you please add some footage of the " Down Range Target ". Would like to see what you are shooting at and the spread of the firing action . If possible . Thank you.

Thomas M Dunne

It is a grenade launcher and sight

Mick Gillen

Apart from my 1958 SLR it's my favourite 7.62 semi to shoot, mine is a Beretta one made in 1971

Mick Gillen

That sure looks like a grenade launcher on the muzzle, complete with grenade sight that seems like if you raise it then it also cuts off the gas port, maybe?

Matisse Enzer

I believe that part of the "muzzle brake" is actually the grenade launcher. The folding stock makes no sense (our paras jumped with full length M1 rifles w/no problem). The M14 had a very nice bipod available for it, they are not common. The biggest fault with the M14 was the Ord. Dept. insistence on the selective fire feature. Totally unnecessary, otherwise, the best service rifle the US ever produced (mine humble opinion). As a side comment, all US infantry rifles weight 10 pounds plus or minus one.

Thomas Batha

Here's one for a Q&A maybe sometime: Which would you rather have as a para, this or an FG42 in 8mm?

A perfect example of why using only ONE type of long gun isn't the best choice for your country's military. A Poor Bloody Infantryman issued one of these will be dragging around 10 pounds of rifle, when perhaps 4 pounds of that won't really be needed in most circumstances.

Pat Patterson

They were liked in Afghanistan. Sometimes volume and intensity of firepower are liked. In defensive roles in Afghanistan - Many times people are shooting back in a general direction everyone throwing rounds in the same direction - accuracy isn't as important - but 308 firepower (real or perceived) is valued.

Kenneth Marshall