SPRINGFIELD ARMORY M1

Posted May 25, 2023

The M1A, or Springfield Armory's M1A, is an iconic and historic rifle that has been captivating gun enthusiasts for decades. The M1A is a semi-automatic rifle chambered for the venerable .308 Winchester cartridge and known for its reliability and accuracy. As a rifle designed for long range shooting, hunting, and competition, the Springfield Armory M1A has been a rifle of choice for many users, competitors, and hunters for several years.

The M1A is a rifle designed by a team of engineers and designers at Springfield Armory in Geneseo, Illinois. Derived from the famous M14 Rifle that was adopted in 1957 by the United States military, the M1A draws heavily on the M14's design and look, while incorporating newer technology and materials. The M14 was a rifle adopted by the United States military during the 1950s and 1960s, and is known for its reliability and accuracy in combat. The M14 served the military for over 30 years until it was replaced by newer weapons such as the M16 and M16 variants.

Although the M14 was eventually replaced by new military arms, the rifle still had a great impact on the civilian market. The M14's reliability and accuracy, along with its powerful .308 Winchester ballistic advantage, made it a popular choice among civilian gun enthusiasts for hunting, target shooting, and competition. In 1974, Springfield Armory decided to capitalize on the M14’s popularity by introducing the semi-automatic M1A as an alternate version of the M14 rifle for civilian use.

In the United States, the M1A was initially offered in three versions of the rifle – the basic M1A, the upgraded M1A Scout Squad version, and the precision-target version, the M1A Super Match. Since its introduction, the M1A has gone through several modifications and improvements. Today, the M1A is offered in a variety of models, including the National Match, an updated version of the Super Match, and the SOCOM model, specifically designed for close-quarter and tactical operations.

In the shooting world, the M1A is considered to be one of the most accurate rifles on the market. The M1A is built on a modified M14 platform and has several features that make it an affordable alternative to bolt-action CO rifle. The M1A is designed with a 20-inch barrel and boasts a high-quality National Match chamber that is known for producing excellent accuracy and reliability. The barrel is designed with a muzzle brake that helps to reduce recoil and muzzle rise, allowing the shooter to keep the rifle on target with greater accuracy.

In addition to its accuracy, the M1A is also known for its reliability. The M1A is a gas-operated rifle with a long-stroke piston system that produces less heat and wear than other rifles on the market. The bolt-action is locked, offering a sure-fire and consistent lock-up that helps to reduce feed malfunctions. The M1A is also equipped with a three-position safety system which allows users to access the rifle quickly and safely in any situation.

The M1A also comes with a variety of stock options to suit most shooters. The most common stock is the traditional military-style wood stock, which features a standard A-2 style butt and a stepped-down pistol grip. The wood stock also offers various finishes, such as gray, green, and walnut. The M1A is also offered with several synthetic stocks, such as the SOCOM variants, which feature adjustable cheek pieces and a textured finish for improved grip. In addition, the M1A is available with several aftermarket stocks, such as those from Magpul and LMT, for those who are looking for a more custom look.

Overall, the M1A is a reliable and accurate rifle that offers shooters an affordable alternative to a bolt-action precision rifle. With its long-stroke piston system, accuracy, and reliability, the M1A is an excellent choice for shooters who are looking for a rifle for precision rifle shooting, competition, hunting, and target shooting. The M1A is offered in a variety of models and configurations, allowing shooters to customize their rifle to their own individual needs. For those looking for an iconic and historical rifle that is sure to perform, the M1A is worth considering for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate rifle.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very reliable and accurate rifle.

• Durable, with proper maintenance the M1 can last for decades.

• Ammo is relatively inexpensive and widely available.

• Can be easily customized with after market parts and accessories.

Cons:

• Heavy, with a unloaded weight of 10lbs it can be cumbersome to carry for extended periods of time.

• Old technology, the M1A is a much more modern design.

• Relatively expensive compared to other comparable rifles.

• Not as easy to customize and upgrade as other rifles.

Who Should Buy

Anyone who is familiar and comfortable with shooting and maintaining firearms and who has access to the proper licensing should consider buying a Springfield Armory M1. Springfield Armory M1s are considered reliable and accurate rifles and can be purchased from a variety of retailers for a reasonable price.

On the other hand, anyone who does not feel comfortable handling or maintaining firearms or does not have the legal authority to purchase a firearm should not buy a Springfield Armory M1. Non-firearm owners who want to explore shooting as a hobby should consider taking a gun safety class and talking to a gun specialist before deciding if a Springfield Armory M1 is the right fit.

Comparisons

Product	Caliber	Capacity	Weight
Springfield Armory M1	.30-06	8	8.7lbs
Remington Model 700	.308	3	7.5lbs
Ruger American Synthetic Rifle	.308	4	6.6lbs
Savage Mark II	.22LR	10	5.5lbs

Features / Specs

• Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

• Overall Length: 44.3 Inches

• Barrel Length: 22 Inches

•Action: Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt

•Weight: 9.5lbs

• Feed: 5/10-Round Clip

• Finish: Parkerized & Blued

Popular Accessories

Springfield Armory Scope Mount

NcSTAR M1A/M14 Quick Detach Scope Mount

Tactical Springfield Armory M1A1 Receiver Mount

Archangel Springfield Armory M1A Precision Stock

Magpul M1A Stock

Springfield Armory Scope Rings

Springfield Armory Sling

Troy Industries M1A Mount

Springfield Armory Muzzle Brake

Springfield Armory Front Sight Post Assembly

Accuracy

The SPRINGFIELD ARMORY M1 is an incredibly accurate and reliable firearm. Its semi-automatic action ensures precise and rapid follow up shots while its noteworthy accuracy can make even a novice shooter look like a marksman. The M1 boasts powerful .30-06 rounds that provide reliable and powerful performance both in the field and on the range. Additionally, its gas operating system facilitates smooth and reliable cycling for flawless operation. The accuracy of the Springfield Armory M1 is, in a word, legendary. Its receiver is made with military standards, and its sights are tuned for precision shooting. The gun is, as a result, capable of stunningly accurate five-shot groups at 100 yards. For most shooters, precision accuracy can really be achieved at 200 yards.