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  4. Springfield Armory Debuts 50th Anniversary M1A Rifle

 

In a salute to the battle rifle clone that started the company in 1974, Springfield Armory has announced a limited run of commemorative M1As. 
 
No relation to the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, Massachusetts, which shut its doors in 1968, today's Springfield Armory, Inc. dates to the efforts of Dennis Reese, now a half-century ago. Operating out of a former diner on State Street in Geneseo, Illinois, the 19-year-old Reese's first gun was the M1A rifle in .308 Winchester. 
 

Reese, who grew up amid piles of demilitarized military classics including BARs, M1 and M2 Carbines, M1 Garands, Thompson submachine guns, and 1911 pistols that he spent lots of time stripping for useable components as part of the family business, managed to come across a stock of pristine surplus M14 components and set up a shop making the M1A in 1974. The rest, as they say, is history. (Photos: Springfield Armory)

 
Now, with 50 years in the rearview and Springfield Armory still a family-owned company with Reese as CEO, the decision to release a special run of M1As, limited to 1,974 rifles, would seem a no-brainer. 
 

Springfield Armory 50th Anniversary M1A Rifle
The rifle has all the standard features one expects on a classic M1A, including an air-gauged 22-inch National Match barrel with an integrated flash suppressor and bayonet lug, precisely fitted into a hand-selected walnut stock, which is adorned with an inlet 50th Anniversary Crossed Cannon medallion.
Springfield Armory 50th Anniversary M1A Rifle
The 50th anniversary M1A ships in a padded black zippered case but comes complete with a hand-built display crate constructed of Eastern white pine. 
Springfield Armory 50th Anniversary M1A Rifle
An OD green cotton canvas sling, a boxed cleaning kit, a 10-round magazine (20-rounders available), and the M14's Army TM-9-1005-223-12 technical manual are included with the rifle. Each also has a signed certificate of authenticity with a matching serial number and the personal signature of Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese.
Springfield Armory 50th Anniversary M1A Rifle
Each rifle features a custom-engraved 1 of 1974 operating rod. 

 
"The M1A rifle is easily one the most recognizable — and respected — offerings from Springfield Armory," said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing. "With this new limited-edition rifle, we are offering fans of the firearm a rare opportunity to own their own collectible part of its iconic history."
 
The MSRP on the limited edition M1A is $2,499.

For those who are OK with a plainer model, the M1A Standard is available for about $800 less, and for those who want something more dynamic, there is always the M1A Scout.

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