The SOCOM 16 are modern variants of the M14 (Vietnam era semi-automatic rifle) manufactured with lighter materials. The SOCOM 16 has a shorter barrel lentgh (16 inches). The gas system was reworked to ensure proper operation with the shortened barrel, and a new compensator was added to help soften recoil. The SOCOM 16 has a single short scope base. Another, more rare variant called the SOCOM II Extended Cluster Rail features a longer top rail that extends over the ejection port to the stripper clip guide, allowing the operator to mount optics farther to the rear.