M-14 Rifle .308
by D. Bishop
I like hunting with an M14 battle rifle for several reasons. I hunt in Wyoming on the eastern side of Yellowstone park and also around Teton National park where there are many grizzly bears. I hunt alone and have to pack out the elk in numerous trips. My formula for a charging bear is semi-auto ability and large magazine capacity. It is also great for follow up shots on elk. Two possible objections are light caliber (.308) and a bolt action's rep for greater reliability. As to reliability, the M14 is a battle rifle, tested in battle, is one rugged and utterly dependable weapon. It fires reliably in 20 below zero or 110 degrees, and never malfunctions. As to caliber, I reload using BarnesX bullets, 165 grain, loaded to close to 2800 fps, exact same ballistics as a 30-06 which has taken every big game in North America. Shoots a 1 MOA group, a little heavy at 9 lbs, but recoil is negligible. It has a bedded natural striped birch stock with a tung oil finish. Heck, half the fun for me is hiking around in the most beautiful wilderness anywhere with a fine rifleman's rife, the elk is a bonus.
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