Editing Springfield Armory M1A (section)

==Differences between the M1A and M14==
The M14 was developed to take the place of 4 different weapons systems: the [[M1 Garand]], [[M1 carbine]], [[M3 submachine gun]], and [[M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle|M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)]].<ref>{{cite book | last1=Thompson | first1=L. | last2=Dennis | first2=P. | last3=Gilliland | first3=A. | title=The M1 Carbine | publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing | series=Weapon | year=2011 | isbn=978-1-84908-907-4 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p1XDCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT106 | access-date=2021-12-15 | page=106}}</ref> It was thought that in this manner the M14 could simplify the logistical requirements of the troops by limiting the types of ammunition and parts needed to be supplied.<ref>M14 Rifle History and Development (by Lee Emerson)</ref> It proved to be an impossible task to replace all four as the cartridge was too powerful for the submachine gun role and the weapon was too light to serve as a light machine gun replacement for the BAR.

The Springfield Armory M1A is, for the most part, identical to the M14. There are, however, a few important differences:

[[Image:m1a-selector-switch-cutout-1997.jpg|frame|left|Selector switch cutout in M1A stock manufactured in 1997]] 
M1A receivers are made from precision investment cast AISI 8620 alloy steel. The military M14 receivers were manufactured using the drop [[forge]] process, which is more complicated and more expensive. Until around the late 1990s, the M1A produced by Springfield Armory retained the cutout in the rear right of the stock for the selector switch found on the M14. Springfield Armory has also omitted the "7.62-MM" caliber designator on the M1A receiver since 1991.

Once the [[Federal Assault Weapons Ban]] of 1994 was passed prohibiting the manufacture of firearms with bayonet lugs (among other features), the M1A no longer shipped with a bayonet lug. Although the 1994 law expired in September 2004, making bayonet lugs on newly manufactured firearms legal again (in most states), Springfield Armory has not restored that feature. Since the bayonet lug is attached to the [[flash suppressor]], "post-ban" rifles can easily be fitted with a bayonet lug by fitting a pre-ban flash suppressor.

The [[California Assault Weapons Ban]] prohibits flash suppressors on all semi-automatic rifles capable of accepting a detachable magazine. As a result, Springfield Armory designed a [[muzzle brake]], which they installed in place of the standard flash suppressor on all models that were sold in California. The muzzle brake reduces climb of the barrel, making the rifle easier to control.