CMP Opens M14 Rifle Sales; First Deliveries Late 2026
The Civilian Marksmanship Program announced it will sell modified surplus M14 rifles starting late 2026 or early 2027. This marks the first major M14 offering through CMP in years, providing shooters direct access to the military's classic 7.62 NATO battle rifle at competitive pricing.
CMP did not announce final pricing, but historically CMP rifles undercut private market rates by 20-30%. The organization will handle all federal paperwork and transfer requirements. Initial inventory details remain sparse, but CMP typically sources rifles from Department of Defense storage.
The M14—adopted by the U.S. military in 1957—fires 7.62×51mm NATO (commonly loaded as .308 Winchester). The rifle saw combat through Vietnam and remains popular among shooters for its accuracy, power, and cultural significance. Military versions fire semi-auto only in civilian sales, meeting all federal regulations.
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
Quality surplus rifles at fair prices are becoming scarce. Private dealers charge $800-$1,200+ for decent M14s. CMP's entry changes that math significantly.
For shooters seeking a reliable 7.62 NATO rifle, the M14 offers proven reliability. The gun works in harsh conditions. Parts remain affordable. Ammunition is common at every major retailer. Unlike AR-10s or other modern platforms, you can find M14 ammo at nearly every gun store.
CMP membership requirements are straightforward. You must join an affiliated shooting club, pass a background check, and complete an application. Total time: 4-6 weeks typically. CMP ships directly to your door in most states, handling all transfers through licensed dealers where required.
The timing matters too. Current administration policies haven't targeted the M14 specifically. Waiting lists for quality surplus rifles through CMP typically run 6-12 months after announcement. Starting your application now positions you for first-wave availability.
Background
The Civilian Marksmanship Program operates as a federally chartered nonprofit under the Department of Defense. CMP sells surplus military rifles to American civilians, promoting marksmanship and firearms safety. It's the only legal source for large-scale government rifle inventory sales.
CMP previously sold M1 Garand rifles (.30-06) and M1 Carbines (.30 Carbine). The M1 Garand program supplied shooters with hundreds of thousands of rifles since 2007. Demand consistently exceeded supply. Many applications wait years for fulfillment.
The M14 announcement follows similar patterns. CMP identified available inventory in federal storage. Rifles were inspected, test-fired, and modified to civilian specifications (semi-auto only, safety features added where needed). The process takes months for each batch.
Surplus M14s come from various military service eras. Some saw active duty; others remained in storage for decades. CMP rates rifle condition and prices accordingly. Expect options ranging from "good" (cosmetic wear, fully functional) to "excellent" (minimal use, nearly new appearance).
DownRange Bottom Line
This is real ammunition (literally). CMP's M14 announcement gives working gun owners a direct path to quality surplus rifles at prices no private dealer can match. Late 2026 arrival means applications matter now.
Join a CMP-affiliated club this month. Submit your application before late 2025. By the time M14s ship, you'll be registered and ready. Missing this window means waiting for second or third allocation batches—potentially years of delay.
The M14 is combat-proven, powerful, and simple to maintain. If you've been hunting or considering a 7.62 NATO rifle, this is the clearest opportunity you'll get at fair pricing.
