TM M14 vs TM M14 Socom

[azamat]

Hola,

i wanna build myself a nice m14 and i chose to take the marui as base-model.
I am unsure which version i should take.
here are my considerations:
I wanna buy a real wood stock a different outer barrel.
can i convert the m14 socom into a "real looking m14" (i dont care about minor differences as long as the whole thing looks like a typical m14) , by installing a different outerbarrel and some addition stuff, i dont know about yet?

because in that case i would have the benefit, that i could still install the socom "front-parts (outerbarrel,...)" if i chose too.

so i would ideally have two weapons instead of one.

[Jiggiwatt]

I've been looking to start a similar project when I have the funds.

As I understand it, you can simply swap out the outer and inner barrels to go between Socom and Standard size M14's.

[Roughneck]

Correct, M14 inner barrels are specific to TM M14's.. the lengths are different between regular and socom. Socom models are great for someone under 6 feet tall (like myself) and the difference in range/accuracy after upgrades is hardly noticable.

[Kimbo]

I initially bought a full size then got a socom front end. I now run a socomm frontend with a fullsize flashider which hides my long inner barrel nicely. I now have a 4" shorter M14 with the same length inner barrel. Looks more badass too.

[ILLusion]

If you're expecting to do a "quick swap", good luck. To swap the inner barrel, you'll need to do an almost complete disassembly of the gun down to the gearbox just to change to shorter / longer barrels

[Roughneck]

I've only had my socom apart once to put in some upgrade parts and I don't care to do it again. I would pick a barrel length and stick with it, personally.

[azamat]

no i dont intend to do quick changes on the barrel length. i just heard, that the socom has an overall better finish (esp the stock). so i would like to buy the socom and then install the longer inner and outer-barrel and leave it that way.

the extra option of downsizing it later if wanted to is nice, too.

[Roughneck]

Yeah, socom stock for the win. Its a black stone finish I think its called.. the OD stock is too shiney and the wood is too fake for my tastes. I would, however trade my socom stock for a real wood one.

[azamat]

Originally Posted by Roughneck

I would, however trade my socom stock for a real wood one.

o rly?

[Ceriph]

I have to second what Roughneck just mentioned. I have a TM M14 Socom and i love the detailing. The stock is solid and well textured. I was also thinking of a similar project but once i started to use the socom length in repeated games I feel in love with it. Now i wouldn't trade it for anything.

[Holy^Ghost]

hmm

[LUTNIT]

When I hold a SOCOM I kinda feel like I'm in CQB, then again I'm also 6'3"

SOCOM has a 420mm inner, full size has a 450mm inner, proper length in a full size (to the end of the barrel, not going into the flash hider) is 500mm which is what I run in mine, PDI 6.01mm.

If I could easily get a SOCOM stock on a full size M14 I would, its real nice. Though add a little skateboard deck tape to a normal M14 and now its all grippy.

Stock colour whether too shiney or fake looking wood doesn't matter, a can of krylon fixes that. Also I don't like wood stocks. They make the gun as heavy as hell with no benefit and they then look all Vietnam-ish, I want a modern rifle.