Editing Springfield Armory M1A

{{Infobox weapon
|name= Springfield Armory M1A
| image= M1A Kafziel.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption= Springfield Armory M1A with [[bipod]] and [[M6 bayonet]]
|origin=United States
|type=[[Semi-automatic rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged=yes
<!-- Service history -->
|service=
|used_by=
|wars=
<!-- Production history -->
|designer= Elmer C. Ballance, in Devine Texas
|design_date= 1971
|manufacturer= [[Springfield Armory, Inc.]]
|production_date= 1971–present
|number=
|unit_cost= Depends on model
|variants= Standard, Loaded, National Match, Super Match, M21, M25, SOCOM 16, Scout Squad, SOCOM II, Tanker
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight=7.8–11.6 pounds (empty magazine)
|length=37.25–44.33 inches (946–1126 mm)
|part_length=16–22 inches (406–559 mm)
|height=
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge=[[7.62×51mm NATO]]<br>[[.308 Winchester]]<br>[[6.5mm Creedmoor]]
|action=[[Gas-operated]], [[rotating bolt]]
|rate=[[Semi-automatic firearm|Semi-automatic]]
<!-- |trigger_pull=4.5 lb, 2-stage military trigger -->
|range=
|max_range=
|feed= detachable [[Magazine (firearm)|box magazine]] 
|sights=National Match front blade, match-grade hooded aperture with one-half minute adj. for windage and elevation.
}}

The '''Springfield Armory M1A''' is a [[semi-automatic rifle]] made by [[Springfield Armory, Inc.]], beginning in 1971, based on the [[M14 rifle]], for the civilian and law enforcement markets in the [[United States]]. "M1A" is a proprietary name for Springfield Armory's M14-pattern rifle. Early M1A rifles were built with surplus [[G.I.]] parts until Springfield Armory, Inc. began manufacturing their own. Robert Reese bought Springfield Armory from Elmer Ballance and moved the manufacturing from Devine, Texas to Geneseo, Illinois in 1974.

==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.

==M1A/M14 select fire rifles==
Most of the M1A rifles manufactured since 1971 were made for the commercial market and thus were only capable of semi-automatic fire. Springfield Armory, Inc. and [[Smith Enterprise Inc.]] were the two companies that produced select fire M14-type rifles for civilian ownership. [[Hughes Amendment|Up until May 1986]], Springfield Armory, Inc. had a Full Auto Department at their factory in Illinois. A few M1A rifles were converted to select fire and registered with the ATF by Class II manufacturers like Neal Smith and Rock Island Armory. The receivers of these select fire rifles have the selector lug and operating rod rail cuts for the connector assembly.

==Variants==
[[file:SA M1A NM.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Springfield Armory M1A National Match]]
Besides the standard M1A, Springfield Armory also produces multiple variants. The [[M21 Sniper Weapon System|M21 Tactical]] and [[M25 Sniper Weapon System|M25 White Feather]] have been discontinued.

===Loaded rifles===
The Loaded variants are available with either a walnut or synthetic stock, and one model comes with a Precision Adjustable Stock. All Loaded models include the following features:<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/m1a-loaded/ | title=M1A™ Loaded Rifles }}</ref>
* Barrel: air-gauged medium-weight National Match (available in stainless steel or Parkerized chrome moly steel), {{convert|22|in|cm}} in length with a 1:11 right-hand twist.
* Front Sight: National Match .062” Military Post
* Rear Sight: GI Match Grade Non-hooded Rear Sight: Aperture .0520, Adjustable, One-half Minute for Windage and One Minute for Elevation
* Two-stage Military Trigger, Match Tuned, {{convert|4.5|to|5.0|lbf}}
The Loaded models do not have the action glass bedded into the stock as do the National Match models.

===Match rifles===
Two M1As are advertised as [[Shooting sports|match]] rifles, the National Match M1A and the Super Match M1A. The National Match is a more basic model, while the Super Match is more customizable has additional features on some models such as a McMillan stock and a Douglas [[stainless steel]] barrel.

===Scout Squad===
The Scout Squad is an M1A marketed toward [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement]] users. It has an {{convert|18|in|cm|adj=on}} barrel, a forward-mounted optical sight base, and a proprietary [[Muzzle brake|muzzle stabilizer]]. It is advertised as being optimal for [[Aimpoint AB|Aimpoint]] optics, although most mounts attached to the factory [[Rail Integration System|accessory rail]] will still require a cheekrest in order to get the proper weld. It is available in both wood-stocked and synthetic furniture options with different colors of wood and synthetic stocks.

===SOCOM rifles===
{{infobox weapon
| name               = Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM
| image              = Flickr - ~Steve Z~ - Springfield Armory SOCOM II .308.jpg
| caption            = An M1A SOCOM II chambered for .308 Winchester
| origin             = [[United States]]
| type               = [[Battle rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged          = yes
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 
| used_by            = 
| wars               = 
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = 
| design_date        = 2004
| manufacturer       = [[Springfield Armory, Inc.]]
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 2004–present
| number             = 
| variants           = 
<!-- General specifications -->
| weight             = {{convert|8.8|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (with empty magazine)
| length             = {{convert|37.25|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| part_length        = {{convert|16.25|in|mm|abbr=on}}
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> 
| cartridge          = [[7.62×51mm NATO]]<br>[[.308 Winchester]]
| action             = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], [[rotating bolt]], [[Semi-automatic firearm|self-loading]]
| rate               = [[Semi-automatic firearm|Semi-automatic]]
| velocity           = {{convert|762|m/s|ft/s}}
| range              = 
| max_range          = 
| feed               = [[M14 rifle|M14]] detachable [[Magazine (firearms)#Box|box magazines]]
| sights             = XS Sights post with [[tritium]] inserts (front) / Enlarged military aperture (ghost ring) adjustable for [[windage]] and [[elevation]] (rear)
}}
The SOCOM 16 and SOCOM II are modern variants of the M14 manufactured with lighter materials. SOCOM is an abbreviation which refers to the [[United States Special Operations Command]]. These variants have a barrel that is just slightly longer than the minimum barrel length of {{convert|16|in|mm}} permissible without taxing and registration under the [[National Firearms Act]] in the [[United States]]. The gas system was reworked to ensure proper operation with the shortened barrel, and a new [[muzzle brake]] was added to help soften recoil.

The SOCOM 16 was introduced in 2004, with the SOCOM II being introduced the following year; they are essentially the same except for their [[Rail Integration System|accessory rail]]s. An uncommon 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. It appears the SOCOM II was discontinued at the end of 2014.<ref name="IA 28Dec14">{{cite web|url=http://www.springfield-armory.com/m1a-series|title=M1A series on Internet Archive, December 28, 2014|access-date=July 4, 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228050755/http://www.springfield-armory.com/m1a-series|archive-date=December 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name="IA 08Jan15">{{cite web|url=http://www.springfield-armory.com/m1a-series|title=M1A series on Internet Archive, January 8, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108125047/http://www.springfield-armory.com/m1a-series|archive-date=January 8, 2015}}</ref> The SOCOM 16 CQB (close-quarters battle), a SOCOM 16 with a pistol grip and telescoping stock, was introduced in early 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/springfield-m1a-socom-16-cqb-swja16/ |title=M1A SOCOM 16 CQB: Springfield's Close-Quarters Brawler |first=Dave |last=Bahde |website=tactical-life.com |date=May 3, 2016 |access-date=June 3, 2020}}</ref>

The SOCOM 16 and SOCOM II are largely identical to the standard M1A, but feature a {{convert|16.25|in|mm|adj=on}} barrel, rather than the standard model's {{convert|22|in|mm|adj=on}} barrel. The specially designed muzzle brake is designed to reduce the increased recoil produced by the shorter barrel. In addition to the top accessory rail for optics, the rifle has enclosed [[M1 Garand|Garand]]-style iron sights, with [[tritium]] inserts for low or dim light conditions. The rifle will accept any [[M14 rifle|M14]] magazine, with typical capacities of 5, 10, or 20 rounds.

The only difference between the SOCOM 16 and SOCOM II is the [[Picatinny rail]]s. The SOCOM 16 features a short length of Picatinny rail in front of the action, above the handguard,<ref name="SOCOM 16">{{cite web|url=http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/m1a-socom-16/|title=SOCOM 16 on Springfield Armory's official website|access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref> while the SOCOM II features a continuous top Picatinny rail from just ahead of the action to the front of the handguard, and shorter lengths of rail on the sides and bottom of the handguard.<ref name="SOCOM II">{{cite web|url=http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/m1a-socom-ii/|title=SOCOM II on Springfield Armory's official website|access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref> The extra Picatinny rails allow for more attachments, including scopes, grips, lights, and lasers, but also means the SOCOM II weighs {{convert|10|lb|kg}}, compared to the SOCOM 16's {{convert|8.8|lb|kg}}. Because the rails add weight at the front of the weapon, it is more muzzle-heavy than the SOCOM 16, making it more difficult for some users to engage multiple targets quickly.

==See also==
* [[M21 Sniper Weapon System]]
*[[Ruger XGI]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

* Springfield Armory USA (2006 Catalog)
* Duff, Scott A, Miller, John M and contributing editor Clark, David C. ''The M14 Owner's Guide and Match Conditioning Instructions''. Scott A. Duff Publications, 1996. {{ISBN|1-888722-07-X}}
* U. S. March 1989 foreign small arms import ban [https://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/wbardwel/public/nfalist/assault_weapons.txt Semi-automatic rifles banned from importation in 1989]
* Emerson, Lee and contributing editors [http://www.imageseek.com/m1a Different's M1A/M14 Information Archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510033930/http://imageseek.com/m1a/ |date=2018-05-10 }}
* U. S. Department of State Dispatch Bureau of Public Affairs: May 30, 1994
* Iannamico, Frank.  ''The Last Steel Warrior U.S. M14 Rifle''.  Moose Lake Publishing, LLC: Henderson, NV, '05.

==Further reading==
*{{cite web |url=https://www.range365.com/story/guns-101/why-to-buy-a-springfield-m1a-rifle/ |title=The Last Battle Rifle: Why To Buy An M1A |first=David |last=Maccar |website=range365.com |date=March 4, 2020 |access-date=July 2, 2020}}

==External links==
*{{official website|https://www.springfield-armory.com/m1a-series-rifles/}}

{{Springfield Armory firearms}}
{{M1GarandderivativesNav}}

[[Category:7.62×51mm NATO semi-automatic rifles]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic rifles of the United States]]
[[Category:Springfield Armory Inc. firearms]]