SPRINGFIELD ARMORY M1A TANKER
Posted May 19, 2023
The Springfield Armory M1A Tanker is a unique and powerful rifle that has earned its place in history and is today one of the most sought-after rifles in the American arms market. Created in 1966 as an attempt to recreate the power and accuracy of the M1 Garand, the M1A Tanker is still one of the most dependable and accurate weapons on the market today. The M1A Tanker is ideal for those looking for a versatile battle rifle with the power to penetrate tough substances like steel plate and still have enough accuracy to hit targets at extended distances.
The M1A Tanker, like its parent weapon the M1 Garand, was designed for the harsh conditions of infantry combat. It uses a gas operated semi-automatic action to harness the power of the .30-06 cartridge and launch them with high accuracy and deadly force. The M1A Tanker’s barrel is a 22-inch medium-weight profile, which is highly accurate and makes the rifle suitable for use in combat scenarios. Its overall length is 44 inches and it has an eye-catching black matte finish, which gives it a classic military look.
The stock itself is made from black American walnut, an extremely strong and dense material, which adds further to its dependability. The rifle is also equipped with a durable lower receiver forged from ordnance-grade steel, while the upper receiver is made from aluminum alloy. The barrel is rifled with a 1-in-11-inch twist rate, and the rifle also features adjustable gas-flow capabilities to accommodate different cartridges and Bullet Pointe dust cover and forward assist.
In terms of accuracy, the M1A Tanker is capable of striking targets at distances of up to 800 yards. Its reach is made possible by a superior trigger system, which helps to ensure shots are dead-on and consistent. The trigger is adjustable and can be set to match different shooters needs. The system is well-engineered, making the rifle easy to shoot accurately as well as very comfortable to shoot over long periods of time.
The M1A Tanker also comes with special flash suppressor mounted on the front of the barrel. This helps to reduce muzzle flash, and it’s an important feature especially for night-time shooting. The included iron sights are adjustable for windage and elevation, while the National Match rear sight is fully adjustable and allows for extreme accuracy at long distances. The included detachable 10-round box magazine makes for quick reloads and makes it easy to switch between different types of ammunition.
Overall, the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker is the perfect battle rifle for those who want to combine versatility, accuracy and good looks. It’s a rifle that’s capable of handling tough targets, and its aesthetics make it a desirable piece to add to any collection. However, the M1A comes with a price tag that may be off-putting for some, but when you consider its power and reliability, the price tag is well worth it. This is a rifle that looks good and performs even better and will no doubt continue to be an iconic battle rifle for many years to come.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• This M1A Tanker is the rarest of the M1A family. It features a shortened barrel and buttstock of the M14s, making it small enough to be considered a carbine.
• Its lightweight design offers high maneuverability and convenience when shooting.
• The Springfield Armory M1A Tanker is accurate and reliable, perfect for close quarters.
• It comes with a chrome-lined barrel, muzzle compensator, and gas cylinder for improved performance.
• With adjustable battle sight and scope mount, this gun is ideal for both precision and CQB shooting.
• Its forged aluminum alloy receiver is extremely durable and resistant to corrosion and wear.
Cons:
• Being made with a lightweight design, this rifle has less recoil absorption than its full-size counterparts, making it more difficult to control when shooting rapidly.
• The shortened barrel and buttstock reduce accuracy at further ranges.
• With fewer aftermarket parts available for this rifle than other models, customization is more limited.
• Its limited magazine capacity of only 10 rounds makes it less suitable for extended shooting sessions.
Who Should Buy
The Springfield Armory M1A Tanker is an American-style tank complete with a gas piston operated semi-automatic action and a 10-round magazine. It is perfect for target shooting and plinking, and is a powerful and reliable weapon for self-defense.
Those who should buy the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker include competition shooters, avid plinkers, and anyone who wants a dependable self-defense weapon.
The Springfield Armory M1A Tanker should not be used by novice shooters, those who are unfamiliar with firearms safety, or those who are uncomfortable with the weight and size of the weapon.
Comparisons
| Rifle Model | Trigger | Stock | Barrel Length | Caliber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield Armory M1A Tanker | 2.5–3 lbs | Composite | 18.25" | 7.62 NATO |
| SAKO TRG 42 | 2–4 lbs | Synthetic | 24” | .308 Winchester |
| Remington 700P | 2.5–3.5 lbs | Grayboe Stock | 26” | .308 Winchester |
| Ruger Precision | 2.25–5 lbs | Folding | 18” | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| Ruger 6.5 Creedmoor | 3.5 lbs | Folding | 24” | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester
• Action Type: Semi-Automatic
• Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 16.25”
• Stock: KOFS PST Gas Piston Tanker
• Overall Length: 36.3”
• Weight: 8.4 lbs
Popular Accessories
- Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Rifle with 5-Round Magazine
- Springfield Armory National Match Rear Sight Assembly
- Springfield Armory Scope Mount with Picatinny-Style Rails
- Timney Trigger with 2-Stage Adjustment
- Springfield Armory Enhanced Safety Lever
- Harris Bipod
- Blackhawk Tactical Single Point Sling Adapter
- Advanced Technology International M-14/M1A Stock and Handguard System
- Eagle Industries M1A Tanker Magazine Pouch
- VISM by NcStar Tactical Rifle Scope with Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory M1A Tanker is a very accurate rifle. It is designed with a Parkerized finish that prevents rust and corrosion, and also features precision machining throughout for improved accuracy and reliability. With a match-grade medium weight barrel, and an adjustable gas system, the M1A Tanker can provide excellent accuracy with a variety of ammunition. When properly sighted in and used with quality ammo, it can perform 1 MOA accuracy at 100 yards, making it an excellent choice for target shooting or small game hunting.
