Spingfield Armory has put out another cool video giving us a brief look behind the scenes. The first video details Springfield’s expert pistolsmiths working on custom 1911s. This latest one, embedded above, showcases the creation of the iconic M1A rifle.
“The M1A product line has been produced by Springfield Armory since 1974,” stated the Illinois-based company. “Not only is Springfield Armory one of the only manufacturers currently producing this civilian version of the M14 rifle, but it is also incredibly proud to continue the tradition of building such a demanding rifle.”
SEE ALSO: Masters At Work: A Peek Inside the Springfield Armory Custom Shop
“The careful hours, scrupulous effort, expert machining and meticulous tool work needed to complete an M1A from start to finish, make it a labor-intensive yet wholly worthwhile process,” said Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese. “The end result honors the tradition and legacy of the M1A. It is truly an exceptional rifle and a beloved American firearm.”
Although I have a closet full of rifles and pistols, I have always, always yearned for an M1 Garand. Finally found their “tanker” on sale locally and went and grabbed on prior to this recent disaster (thank goodness). I am on a small ranch in Central Texas and had a shooting range built years ago. Have had a Mini 14 forever and the first thing I did in the shop was dismantle the M1A 7.62 very similar to the Mini 14. Cleaned and examined all parts. Sighted it in no time at all. Shoots great and it doesn’t recoil quite like a regular .308. Love it! The only thing that kinda bothered me about the classic rifle was the “plastic” top forearm protector. Not a problem. I found a matching American Walnut upper stock at Fulton Armory that matched the absolutely beautiful existing stock. Matched the stain with Old English light colored furniture oil and there ya’ go. Amazing thing is the upper stock is not only an exact replacement but it is under $30.00. Dam, I am sooo glad I got it right before this mess started!
I bought a new one on sale from an FFL in November. Finally a couple days ago took it to an indoor range.
First three rounds shot a little low and to the right. After correction at the 25 yd zero, it was spot on. I went thru Basic at Ft. Polk and trained with an M-14. It was like home week when I started range time! Of the rifles I have, it will be in the forefront of the go to firearms. Thanks Springfield!
Love this rifle, putting money away and hopefully soon i’ll be putting some down range.
The M1a is a beautiful precision ass kicking weapon that is hand made in AMERICA. Another reason to make me Proud of my country.
When I took Basic Training, we learned the M-14. I was a lightweight, and it seemed to kick like a mule. I barely qualified for that rifle, but I really never shot a high-powered rifle wearing a “steel pot” that kept hitting the rear sight, lowering it. The second day, I figured it out and did not miss a shot.
I carried that rifle to Vietnam in 1966. We supported Infantry, which carried the M-16, which was notably problematic. They told me they would love to have my rifle, and I told them I would trade, except I fell in love, and could not let her go. She was a great rifle, but could not stay on target on full auto. So, the M1A would be perfect for my collection, but I can’t afford it.
I would really like to own a M-14! Where can I get one?
An M-14 is a Select Fire weapon. Most were destroyed but a few survive I’ve been told. I haven’t seen any for sale on the civilian market. Hawk M-14 dummy kits can be attached to the stock to simulate an M-14. Springfield M1As do not come with a bayonet lug but Numrich or Fulton makes the flash suppressor with the lug. A wrench to get the nut off along with an Allen wrench will be needed. It looks authentic when done. A little patience is required. No work on the receiver is needed or advised.
The M-14 / M-1A , remains one of the finest battle rifles of all time .
Enjoyed the post , and any others relating to the weapon , in the future .
Keep up the good work & keep ’em in the 10-ring (easy to do with an M-1A) !
Shame they start off with some guy talking about how much of a challenge they are to build(in every way) and shoot with iron sights. I’m just a regular joe and I’ve built an M1A to match quality, and shot it in matches to NRA Master. If you know what you’re doing, it’s not a challenge, its just straightforward. I *seriously* hope these guys are better experts than me.
Great weapon platform.
Aside from Springfield “pimping themselves”, as the “only maker of the M1A” (they are, in that – they licensed the “M1A” name) – there are a number of other quality M14SA manufacturers out there. LRB, Fulton Armory, James River Armory (who licensed the Rock Ola name), Smith Enterprises, Bula Forge. I have of one of each (except for a Bula, who kinda of stole JRA’s tweaks, as the forge making receivers & parts for them) – that I hand built myself (being one of the few ppl in FL who can actually build one), after going up to GA to learn from a good friend that has built over 100 (who learned from the old jarhead guy who smith’d for the Marine Marksmanship Team for years and years). Also have a SAI Super Match – which is a fine shooting rifle.
There’s also a lot of USGI new & reconditioned parts from the original mil contract manufacturing runs (Springfield used to use them also, until it became more cost effective to manufacture their own – China I think). My Super Match has a TRW Trigger Group & Bolt, Winchester OpRod.
What the video says IS TRUE. This is not an AR (that you could train a monkey to build). I have close to $1K in M-14 specialty tools – that are only for building M-14’s. I’ve hand lapped bolts for hours (for headspace and contact). Match conditioned triggers, finish reamed chambers, twisted barrels into receivers. It’s a labor of love to build one, and all my builds shoot under 1″ @ 100.
Cool video though – even if it is an advertisement. Shows we can STILL MAKE STUFF WITH OUR HANDS.
Rick
Well done!
And that’s why I own one,