Lithuanian Armed Forces have announced that it received a batch of upgraded M14 rifles for use in Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces.

An image of a US production M14 rifles in advanced configuration was posted on the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ official Twitter on 8 April.

“Lithuanian Armed Forces and Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces have received upgraded weapons – US production M-14. More than 400 rifles were upgraded with the use of support legs and a modern optical target. The project used the financial support funds from citizens allocated in 2016.,” announced in a Twitter post.

M14s are used for ceremonial purposes by the Lithuanian army and as a designated marksman rifle M14 L1. Small quantity is in the new modernization process.

The M14 is the last American battle rifle issued in quantity to U.S. military personnel. It was replaced by the M16 assault rifle, a lighter weapon using a smaller caliber intermediate cartridge.

The M14 rifle remains in limited service in all branches of the U.S. military as an accurized competition weapon, a ceremonial weapon by honor guards, color guards, drill teams and ceremonial guards, and sniper rifle/designated marksman rifle.