IMHO the M14 wasfinest evolutionof the full size/power battle rifle.
It was so great that it was the standard issue rifle for what? 2Years?
Patton would've probably laughed if he saw an M16.
Doubtful. The M1 was a radical design in its time as was the M16 when it was introduced. The M16 has already been a standard issue military rifle for twice as long as the M1 and M14 were combined.