Introduction

M14 was a controversial weapon; based on the M1 Garand and firing 7.62x51mm ammunition, it had the accuracy and range of the “old time” military rifles, but was too heavy and lacked the automatic firepower of a true assault rifle. M14 was replaced as a first line weapon in the late 1960s, however during recent campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan many old M14 rifles were withdrawn from warehouses and issued to US troops to improve range and lethality of their basic 5.56mm weapon arsenal. Some M14s were issued as is, but many were fitted with new telescope sights, new polymer stocks, detachable bipods, etc.

The creation of the Mark 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) began in 2000, after a request by US Navy SEALs for the development of a more compact M14. Fitted with new stock with adjustable butt, plenty of Picatinny rails and loads of new accessories, the Mk14 EBR is in use with US Navy SEALs since 2004. Recently, the US Army is also being armed with the Mk14EBR-RI, while US Marine Corps developed M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle instead.

This review covers a 1/35 scale set released by Live Resin featuring United States Navy Mark 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) (LRE-35035).

Review

The US Navy Mk14 EBR weapon set comes packed in a zip-lock bag safely secured between a firm cardboard backing (9X10cm). The box art on the front shows all the kit parts, while the one on the back lists Live Resin offerings which could be combined with the basic Mk14 EBR kit: US Army scope sets (LRE-35007, LRE-35008 and LRE-35028), Insight's Technology AN/PEQ-2, AN/PEQ-15 (LRE-35010), Forward grip set (LRE-35011) and Harris bipod set/Surefire tactical Weapon Lights set (LRE-35012).

The kit consists of 6 Mk14 EBRs, each rifle on its own casting block. The grey resin looks really good and I found no casting imperfections; even the tiniest and most delicate weapon details are perfectly rendered. The EBR barrel and stock are very thin and delicate, so I suggest being extra careful when removing the weapons off their casting blocks.

Two different EBR versions are included in this set: Mk14 EBR-RI and Mk14 EBR Mod 0. The main difference between the two is the Mk14 EBR-RI features full length 22.0’’ barrel with standard lugged GI flash suppressor, while the Mk14 EBR Mod 0 incorporates shorter 18.0’’ barrel with more effective DC Vortex flash hider. Both versions feature aluminum telescopic stock system with adjustable cheek rest & butt pad, M4-style pistol grip, new front sight and four Picatinny accessory rails surrounding the barrel. All the Mk14 EBR features are clearly identifiable and well delivered in this 1/35 scale kit. As with all Live Resin weapon sets, the level of details is absolutely amazing… digitally sculpted and developed using high-resolution 3D printing technology, these weapons are definitely a work of art. One thing to note though; the Mk14 EBRs in this set are depicted in their basic configuration and should be upgraded with various accessories available separately from Live Resin… addition of different magnifying scopes, forward grips, laser designators and Harris bipod will make these weapons come to life. The best thing about adding extra accessories on the basic EBR setup is that it enables modelers to build almost any kind of Mk14 EBR system possible.

Conclusion

This kit features Mk14 Enhanced Battle Rifle, a modernized M14 rifle currently deployed by US Military in Afghanistan and Iraq. The set consists of six rifles depicted in two different configurations: Mk14 EBR-RI and Mk14 EBR Mod0. The resin cast is flawless and features incredibly well defined details. With some optical sights, AN/PEQs, forward grips and Harris bipods which are all available separately from Live Resin, these Mk14 EBRs can be built into real 1/35 scale masterpieces.

Thanks to Yaroslav from Live Resin for this review sample.

References

World of Guns
Global Security