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A long time ago and far, far away I carried a XM-21 through jungles and rice paddies, one of the few in the 173rd issued the new upgraded M-14's.
Initially the XM-21 was only a match grade M-14 with a drop style scope attachment, where scope could be easily rotated out of the way of the bolt and stripper clamp. Weapon was zeroed for 400m due to the limited open firelanes we had to deal with in the highlands.
The prime reason for the M-14/XM-21 as a field sniper weapon was the need for the quick "follow on" shot as well as the ability to also act as a battle rifle when needed. Bolt rifles were good for firing out of the firebases, but out in the boonies, a bolt action was a liability in a firefight.
I still play with my upgraded G+G M-14 moded as my original XM-21, for the exact same reasons as noted above. I can snipe with the ability to have that immediate "follow on" shot without losing sight picture, and the ability to act as a support weapon in a closer firefight. I maintain very strict range restrictions on myself due to fps/safety concerns and I do carry a XM-177 as a backup, as well as a GBB M1911. Old habits die hard, and since I am very limited in movement due to age and disability I have resurrected my training and skills as an "interdiction rifleman" taught and perfected all those years ago.
Initially the XM-21 was only a match grade M-14 with a drop style scope attachment, where scope could be easily rotated out of the way of the bolt and stripper clamp. Weapon was zeroed for 400m due to the limited open firelanes we had to deal with in the highlands.
The prime reason for the M-14/XM-21 as a field sniper weapon was the need for the quick "follow on" shot as well as the ability to also act as a battle rifle when needed. Bolt rifles were good for firing out of the firebases, but out in the boonies, a bolt action was a liability in a firefight.
I still play with my upgraded G+G M-14 moded as my original XM-21, for the exact same reasons as noted above. I can snipe with the ability to have that immediate "follow on" shot without losing sight picture, and the ability to act as a support weapon in a closer firefight. I maintain very strict range restrictions on myself due to fps/safety concerns and I do carry a XM-177 as a backup, as well as a GBB M1911. Old habits die hard, and since I am very limited in movement due to age and disability I have resurrected my training and skills as an "interdiction rifleman" taught and perfected all those years ago.