I believe this is the photo you are referring to.
However, I don't believe Marines began to receive M14 rifles until early 1962. 2nd MarDiv units deployed to Gitmo in November 1962 were equipped with M14 rifles and M60 machine guns. Many Marine Reserve units were still equipped with the M1 up through the mid-1960's
Last edited by Garden Valley; 09-18-2014 at 11:32.
Thanks, that is the picture I was referring to. My friend has pretty good records regarding rifles he had. He tells me that upon his return from Japan in Feb. 1961, he was issued an M1 Garand (2113737), which he turned in for an M14 in late Jan. 1962. He says that the M14's were in cardboard boxes with wrappings around them. They got the bayonet and pistol belt, along with (4) single pouches that were for the (4) mag's that they were issued. He also says at that time he was with VMF-333, stationed at MCAS Beaufort S.C.. In Mar. of 1962 he went to P.I. for familiarization with the M14. In May of 1962 he returned to P.I. to qualify. This took about a week or week and a half. The serial # of the M14 was 367574.
He also had the ser. # of the M1 (2488400) he got at MCRD San Diego on 2 Feb. 1959. Also the Ser. # (894648) of the M1 he was issued at MCAS El Toro prior to going to Japan. He turned that M1 in during Feb. 1961 at MCAS Futema, just prior to returning stateside.
I couldn't believe he had all this info. I can only remember the serial # of the M1 (4380578) I was issued in boot camp (PISC), and only because the D.I.s drummed it into my head.
Anyway, I haven't heard from any former Marine that recalls receiving the M14 prior to Jan. 1962. Guess an email to Leatherneck is in order.
Thanks again for the picture.