SPRINGFIELD ARMORY M1A SOCOM 16
Posted May 19, 2023
The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 is a reliable and accurate semi-automatic rifle that would be an excellent choice for a number of shooting enthusiasts, including hunters, target shooters, home defense situations, and even military personnel. From its durable construction to its reliable performance, this rifle is a perfect mix of form and function.
At first glance, the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 is quite impressive. It features an attractive all-black finish with the word “M1A” on the right side of the stock. The rifle also features a 16.25-inch barrel with a 1:11-inch twist rate. This barrel length is ideal for a variety of shooting applications, with some people even using it for hunting. Additionally, the barrel features chrome-lined bore and chamber that help to ensure the highest level of accuracy out-of-the-box. Other features that make this rifle so attractive include a 10-round detachable box magazine, adjustable gas system, and a two-stage trigger.
As far as the construction and durability of the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 go, the entire rifle is constructed from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand heavy use and environmental elements. The receiver is made of heat-treated steel for increased strength and the stock is made from a special polymer material that helps reduce felt recoil. Furthermore, the entire rifle is treated with a protective coating to better resist corrosion and other potential damage.
In terms of performance, the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 is built to outperform. Its two-stage trigger is crisp and predictable, and the adjustable gas system makes it possible to customize the rifle to fit a variety of shooting styles and needs. Additionally, the chrome-lined bore and chamber help to ensure the highest level of accuracy with most ammunition types. When properly sighted-in, this rifle has the potential to shoot sub-minute-of-angle groups at 100 yards. Furthermore, its 10-round capacity magazine gives the shooter plenty of capacity if they need to quickly and accurately shoot multiple targets.
In comparison to similar semi-automatic rifles, the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 is highly competitive. It is lightweight at 7.8 pounds, so it can be handled and carried with ease. Furthermore, it is reasonably priced, with a base MSRP of just $1,163. This price point is well within the range of other semi-automatic rifles of a similar caliber and style.
In summary, the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 is a reliable and accurate semi-automatic rifle that can be used to handle a variety of shooting needs with ease. The rifle features an all-black finish, 16.25-inch chrome-lined barrel, adjustable gas system, two-stage trigger, and 10-round detachable box magazine. It is relatively lightweight at just 7.8 pounds and is priced affordably when compared to similar rifles. With its attractive look and reliable performance, the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 is an excellent choice for a variety of shooting uses.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Durable and reliable semi-automatic rifle
• Very accurate and easy to shoot
• Compact and light enough to carry around
• A large variety of aftermarket parts for customization
• Can be used as a home defense weapon
Cons:
• High price tag
• Limited magazine capacity (10 rounds in most states)
• Recoil can be a bit stiff
• Not suitable for long range shooting
• Weight and size may be intimidating for smaller shooters
Who Should Buy
The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 is a premium-grade tactical rifle that is designed for military and law enforcement use, and is intended for highly experienced shooters. The rifle is designed to be able to handle heavy-duty use, and as such is relatively expensive and requires more maintenance than most firearms. It should only be purchased by individuals who have experience with operating and maintaining firearms, are comfortable shooting at longer distances, and are aware of the associated costs and responsibilities of owning a rifle of this type.
This rifle is not appropriate for first time firearm users and should not be purchased by anyone without an understanding of firearm safety, use, and maintenance. This rifle is also not appropriate for casual, recreational shooting.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Barrel | Stock | Magazine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1A SOCOM 16 | .308 | 16" | Black Synthetic | 10-Round |
| M1A SOCOM II | .308 | 16" | Black Synthetic | 10-Round |
| M1A Standard | .308 | 22" | Walnut | 10-Round |
| M1A Scout | .308 | 18" | Black Synthetic | 10-Round |
| M1A Loaded | .308 | 18" | Walnut | 10-Round |
Features / Specs
•Semi-automatic, gas-operated rifle
•Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Win)
•Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds
•Barrel Length: 16.25”
•Twist Rate: 1 in 11”
•Overall Length: 37" Collapsed
•Weight: 9.3 lbs.
•Stock: Synthetic, Textured Black
•Sights: XS 24/7 Tritium Night Sights
•Trigger: Two-Stage Military
Popular Accessories
RIFLE
- Stock – the main accessory for any rifle is the stock, which gives the shooter adjustability in terms of length of pull and comb height, as well as providing a more comfortable feel when shooting. There are many popular stock options for the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16.
- Scope – a rifle is no good with a good quality optics scope attached. Most popular optics for the M1A would include the Trijicon ACOG, Leupold Mark IV and Vortex Optics Viper PST.
- Rail System – adding a rail system to the rifle gives you endless customization and accessory mounting options for things such as bipods, lights, lasers, etc. Popular rail systems for the M1A include the UTG Pro Super Slim 12-slot and the Midwest Industries M-LOK Free Float Handguard.
- Magazine – most popular magazine options include the DPMS LR-308 magazine and Magpul Gen 3 PMAG.
- Bipod – a bipod allows for much greater stability when shooting, with popular options including the Harris Engineering S-BRM and the UTG AccuShot SWAT Bipod.
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 is an incredibly accurate firearm. It is specifically designed to excel at long-range shooting, and its muzzle brake and military Grade stock make it surprisingly easy to handle and shoot accurately. The short length of the barrel combined with its adjustable gas-system makes it incredibly reliable and accurate, even at extended ranges. Many users report achieving a one-inch group at 100 yards with the standard iron sights and this rifle can often achieve even better accuracy with the addition of a scope. It is an extremely popular choice for competitive shooters and hunters alike.
