After World War II, the engineers at the US Government’s Springfield Armory set about designing a replacement for the M1 Garand. In 1959, the US military adopted the resultant M14. The rugged reliability of the M14 coupled with its formidable 7.62×51 NATO cartridge left an enduring impression on America’s fighting forces despite its relatively short tenure. From 1959 to 1970 the M14 served with distinction as the standard issue rifle of the United States military. When it was replaced in 1970, the stage was set for the next step in its history.
In 1974, the Reese family ensured that the legacy of the M14 would live on and shooters could finally be able to enjoy the same rifle that so many servicemen had utilized in the past. Springfield Armory® in Geneseo, Illinois began offering a civilian legal semi-automatic version known as the M1A™. The Standard Series is a faithful semi-auto only recreation of the original M14. Powerful, accurate and reliable, M1A™’s were soon found dominating the National Matches at Camp Perry. Shooters across the country discovered the versatility and enjoyable satisfaction of owning an M1A™.
Keep in mind that the Standard M1A™ is as well suited for a day at the range as it is for filling that special place in your military collection. All the design features that the Armed Services found essential for a battle rifle make the Standard M1A™ a great shooter. The windage and elevation adjustable rear sight minimizes the effort required to zero the rifle. The two-stage military trigger, detachable box magazine, op-rod and roller cam bolt call to mind the rich history of the M1A™ while providing functional ease of operation and legendary reliability.
You may be looking for a special addition to your collection, or you may be looking for a hard-working rifle that will pull duty on the range, in the treestand or in your truck. Today, the M1A™ is firmly established as a platform that can handle any mission, any condition, any foe at any range. M1A™’s are found in national competitions, in the hands of operators on elite tactical teams, and in the back country hunting big game. And although the M14 is no longer the service rifle of the US military, it still sees action as a designated marksman rifle and as a sniper rifle.
The Standard M1A™ is ready for its next mission.