Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
If you’ve ever wished you could own a real surplus M14 through the Civilian Marksmanship Program, your patience is finally paying off.
In a surprise announcement, the CMP revealed it has been specially authorized to sell surplus U.S. military M14 rifles. It’ll be the first time the iconic rifle has ever been offered through the program. And it’s safe to say collectors are already counting the days.
Before anyone gets too excited, there’s one catch: you can’t order one just yet.
The CMP says it expects the first rifles to start shipping sometime between late 2026 and early 2027. Pricing, purchase limits, ordering details, and whether they’ll be available by mail or only in CMP stores will all be announced later.
Every rifle will also be permanently and irreversibly converted to semi-automatic. Making them compliant with federal law and the legislation that governs CMP firearm sales.
Even with that modification, this is a pretty big deal.
The M14 isn’t just another surplus rifle. It’s the direct descendant of the legendary M1 Garand, designed by John C. Garand himself. And adopted as the U.S. Army’s standard service rifle in 1957. While the M16 eventually replaced it as the military’s primary rifle, the M14 stuck around for decades in designated marksman and sniper roles and still pops up today in ceremonial use.
SEE ALSO: Springfield Armory M1A Tanker Unboxed at the Gun Counter
For military firearms collectors, it’s one of the most recognizable American battle rifles ever made.
The CMP says it’s uniquely authorized to modify these surplus rifles and sell them to eligible U.S. citizens. Like every other historic firearm the organization sells, proceeds help fund firearms safety education, marksmanship training, youth programs, competitions, and scholarships across the country.
If you’ve bought an M1 Garand, M1911, or Springfield through the CMP before, you already know the drill: popular rifles don’t tend to sit around very long.
This announcement also comes as interest in historic U.S. military firearms continues to grow. Original M14-pattern rifles have always been difficult (and expensive) to own legally, making this one of the most anticipated CMP releases in years.
For now, there’s still a lot we don’t know. The CMP hasn’t released pricing or purchase requirements, and it hasn’t said how many rifles will ultimately become available.
But one thing is certain.
The moment those order forms go live, there are going to be a whole lot of refreshed browsers across America.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
Available on GunsAmerica Now
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
I think it is a nice gesture and I suppose it would come off as being ungracious but why are pre-1986 machine guns being irreversibly converted to semi auto? To a more practical reality- these are very likely to be gobbled up by flippers and speculators who will then overcharge someone else, akin to the 1911s and Garands.
Great idea but I am comfortable believing I will never see one, but I suppose if I want one bad enough I could have bought one from Springfield or a Norinco going back many years now.
Im sure they will be prohibitively expensive for the average joe.
It’s not an “M-14” without the full-auto selector. A true collector’s piece would be one that hasn’t been mutilated with ugly weld spots and whatever else they do to the receiver to render it semi-auto only. It’s a damn shame because I’d bet they are all pre-86. CMP can keep them, I wouldn’t spend a dime on one……
I was lucky enough to grab a ‘correct grade’ M1 from the CMP about 18 years ago, and I hate to admit it, I’ve never fired it. Don’t ask me why — don’t know really. “Safe Queen” maybe? Us old fart gun collector do that you know. Buy a cool gun, stick it in the safe, never shoot it. Take it out once in a while, wipe it down, “ohh & ahh” over it, then park it back in the safe. As the ‘ol saying goes; “the man that dies with the most toys wins”…
I’ve always wanted a M14 but the Springfield Armory prices are quite high, especially on a retiree’s budget. Seems like the CMP M1 was about $1100 dollars 18 years ago when I ordered it. Now the ‘Correct Grade’ is no longer available, except through the auction.
CMP prices have become ridiculously high over the last couple of decades. I have no doubt these mil-grade M14’s prices will be eye-watering high too. Wanna take bets? I’m guessing in the $3500 to $4000 range for nicer ones. Definitely too rich for my blood!
Definitely agree there! The amount they want for a clapped out 1911 is absolutely ridiculous, can’t imagine what they’re going to charge for even a rack grade M14!!!
Still, would be very cool to own an actual M14 though!
Indeed! I think the M14 was one of the nicest military rifles ever produced. I understand why the military switched to the M16/5.56 back in the 60’s due a more compact light-weight design and more firepower, but our troops definitely needed a more powerful round in the jungles than the 5.56 had to offer.
I never understood why they didn’t use a heavier projectile like the 6.5mm or 6.8mm instead of the 5.56 in that small cartridge. Maybe if they could have used a hollow point .22 it would have been more effective. I missed the Vietnam war by one year, but my uncle was there for two tours and told me stories about gooks getting shot multiple times with a M16 and never slowed down. Before retiring, my cohort told me a story of hitting a VC at least 5 times and he continued to run and they never found a drop of blood. He said he always tried for head-shots whenever possible. He loved the M14 and hated the M16. He was also a sniper.