A Comprehensive Comparison: M14 Rifle vs. Beretta BM 59
Both the M14 rifle and the Beretta BM 59 have significant historical and design similarities, their origins rooted in the renowned M1 Garand rifle. However, there are notable differences in their mechanical features and overall design.
Origins and Background
The search for a truly reliable and effective self-loading rifle began intensively at the beginning of the 20th century, spurred by advancements in military technology. However, World War I (WWI) put a halt to such endeavors, and the aftermath of the war made new weapon development less urgent.
Post-World War II (WWII), the American M1 became a prominent example of a successful self-loading rifle. Many European countries, including Italy, adopted the US-designed M1 Garand rifle in the .30-06 Springfield, which is also known as 7.62times;63mm. Italy even manufactured it under license.
However, by the late 1950s, the M1 Garand was deemed obsolete. Given the formation of NATO and the need for a standardized rifle caliber among its members, Beretta designed the BM 59 as a modernized version of the M1 Garand. This model was essentially rechambered to support the 7.62mm NATO round, along with several innovative features.
Design and Mechanical Differences
M14 Rifle
The M14 rifle was developed as a new design in response to the needs of the post-WWII era. While heavily inspired by the M1 Garand, the M14 featured distinct mechanical differences. For instance, it utilized a short-stroke gas piston and a long operating rod. It included a gas cut-off valve, but in comparison to the BM 59, it was a smaller valve rather than a larger sight assembly.
The M14 also featured a bipod, but it was a separate component that was often not issued alongside the rifle. Additionally, even though the M14 was designed with compatibility in mind, it did not maintain the M1’s detachable magazine feature due to design changes necessitated by the 7.62mm NATO round.
Beretta BM 59
The BM 59, on the other hand, was a direct conversion of the original M1 Garand. This transformation involved rechambering to the 7.62mm NATO-round while retaining many of the original M1’s design features. Notably, the BM 59 kept the gas cut-off and a built-in grenade sight, a feature that made it a versatile rifle for various battlefield needs.
Another significant difference was the inclusion of a non-detachable bipod, which was designed to be more integrated into the rifle’s structure. Some models of the BM 59 also featured a pistol grip, either a pistol grip or a folding stock, and some offered a shorter barrel length. The BM-59 also included a muzzle brake that served to reduce recoil and flash, making it easier to use in combat scenarios.
Impact and Usage
The M14, despite its advancements and the promise of improved firepower, faced criticism due to its complex mechanics and user training requirements. The rifle was officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1957 but was later supplanted by the M16 in the mid-1960s due to the increased demand for lighter and more readily available automatic weapons.
The BM 59, while also experiencing initial challenges, saw more widespread use among European NATO forces. It remained an important weapon during the Cold War era, known for its reliability and versatility. However, by the late 1970s, the BM 59 began to be phased out in favor of the more modern FN FAL and other NATO standards.
Conclusion
Both the M14 and the Beretta BM 59 represent important chapters in the evolution of military rifles post-WWII. While the M14 was a newly designed weapon, the BM 59 was a direct conversion of the M1 Garand, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of classic designs in new combat scenarios.