M14 Rifle and Springfield Armory M1A Rifle
The Ultimate M14 Rifle and Springfield Armory M1A Rifle Reference Guide
M14 Rifle History and Facts
- The United States Rifle, 7.62 mm, M14 Rifle is an American select-fire rifle that fires 7.62×51mm NATO (.308) ammunition.
- The M14 became the standard-issued rifle for the U.S. military in 1959 replacing the M1 Garand rifle in the U.S. Army by 1961 and the U.S. Marine Corps by 1965
- The M14 was replaced by the M16 rifle beginning in 1964. The M14 was used by U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps for basic and advanced individual training (AIT) from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s.
- The M14 was the last American battle rifle issued in quantity to U.S. military personnel. It was replaced by the M16 assault rifle, a lighter weapon using a smaller caliber intermediate cartridge.
- The M14 rifle remains in limited service in all branches of the U.S. military as an accurized competition weapon, a ceremonial weapon by honor guards, color guards, drill teams and ceremonial guards, and sniper rifle/designated marksman rifle. Civilian models in semi-automatic are used for hunting, plinking, target shooting, and shooting competitions.
- The M14 is the basis for the M21 and M25 sniper rifles which were largely replaced by the M24 Sniper Weapon System. A new variant of the M14, the Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle has been in service since 2002.
M14 vs Springfield Armory M1A
M14 vs Springfield Armory M1A
- M1A (M1A1) is the trademarked model designation of the Springfield Armory M14 Rifle.
- Manufactured by Springfield Armory the M1A (M1A1) is the civilian version of M14 Rifle
- Early M1A receivers were made from surplus M14 receiver blanks
- Current M1A receivers are made from precision investment cast AISI 8620 alloy steel.
- The military M14 receivers were manufactured using the complicated and expensive drop forge process
- Until the late 1990s, the Springfield Armory M1A retained the M14 selector switch cutout in the rear right of the stock.
- Since 1991 Springfield Armory has omitted the “7.62-MM” caliber designator on the M1A receiver.
- The January 1, 2000 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 that replaced the standard flash suppressor on all M1A models to be sold in California.
M14 & M1A1 Manufacturers
There is not a large supply of manufacturers offering complete M14 rifles or the parts to build an M14 parts.
M14 & M1A1 Rifle Manufacturers
- Springfield Armory: The M1A and M1A1 are trademarked model designations of their version of the M14 rifle. Visit Springfield Armory
- James River Armory: aka JRA. Visit James River Armory
- Bula Defense Systems: Bula Defense Systems offers an affordable and decent selection of M14 rifles from milspec classics to a National Match 6.5 Creedmoor and an XM21 flat top suppressor ready version. BDS also sells parts and parts kits. Visit Bula Defense Systems
- Fulton Armory: FA offers premium M14 rifles and parts at a premium price. Visit Fulton Armory
- GunWorks of Lower Alabama aka GWLA: GWLA manufactures some of the highest quality M14 receivers in the industry. Visit GunWorks of Lower Alabama
- LRB Arms: LRB offers standard and custom premium M14 rifles at the low end of premium pricing. They also offer premium quality M14 parts. Visit LRB Arms
- Smith Enterprise, Inc. aka SEI: SEI has been working the M14 for decades and know the platform as good or better than anyone else. The offer quality parts, barreled actions and gunsmith services. Visit Smith Enterprise
- Ted Brown Shooters Den:
Archangel Springfield Armory M1A Precision Stock
The Archangel© AAM1A Precision Stock for the Springfield Armory© M1A™ and M14 rifles* provides all the advanced features, ergonomics, and snug fit required to make your rifle more accurate and feel great too. The inlet design applies gentle pressure to the barreled action to reduce group size. This next generation stock incorporates click adjustable cheek with a 1.75” travel and length of pull adjustments of 13.50″ to 14.8125″ and a contoured, textured, soft rubber recoil pad.
VLTOR M1-S M14 M1A IMPROVED MODSTOCK SYSTEM
While the original VLTOR M14/M1A Stock System has been the essential upgrade to the Springfield SOCOM platform, VLTOR saw huge areas of improvement. The stock system is now formed with VLTOR’s proprietary mold and is manufactured with a proprietary carbon fiber composite. This makes the stock system stronger and lighter than ever before. The stock is adjustable for five lengths of pull and adjusts for elevation. In its lowest position the stock will allow for the use of iron sights or the stock can be raised up to 1.25″ higher for use with mounted optics. This stock system features an improved magwell relief that allows for easier operation of any M14/M1A magazine. The buttstock is slightly wider and longer at the toe than a regular M4 stock with a noticeable negative pitch, making transitions from the ready position feel more natural.
Delta 14 Chassis Gen 2 with Folding Stock FS3
This Delta 14 Chassis Gen 2 with Folding Stock FS3, constructed of glass filled nylon. Mounting of the stock is simple with the 5/16X18 fastener that will mate in any Mossberg 500 stock onto the chassis system. Installation of the chassis with the rifle does not require any tools.
Springfield Armory M1A Socom 308 Win Kryptek Highlander Rifle AA9613
The Springfield Armory M1A Socom .308 Win Kryptek Highlander Rifle appears to be a special edition SOCOM 16 that features a Kryptek camouflage rifle stock. I have only seen this model for sale at Palmetto State Armory and the gun selling websites. It retails for $1500 but can be found on sales at PSA for $1199.00 which is a great price
Fulton Armory M65 Enhanced Sniper Rifle FA-M14-M65
Clint McKee and Fulton Armory know the M14 and they know it well, in fact they build some of the tightest and most accurate M14 style rifles available. When you purchase a complete Fulton Armory Rifle you are purchasing a rifle handcrafted by very skilled people. These are not mass produced firearms by any measure. FA also has outstanding service and support, they do business the old fashioned way and rely heavily on their reputation. Fulton Armory often gets a slight ding from purists who prefer forged receivers over cast receivers. I’m not sure this matters with today’s modern manufacturing methods but that’s a discussion for another page. Additionally about a decade and a half ago there were complaints about soft bolts. That has long since disappeared but internet posts don’t disappear and keep regurgitating. The M65 Enhanced Sniper Rifle is one version of Fulton Armory’s take on the M14 platform based M21 Sniper Weapon System
M21 Sniper Weapon System
The United States Army wanted an accurate sniper rifle during the Vietnam War. The M14 was selected because of its accuracy, reliability, and the ability for a quick follow up shot. As a result, in 1969, the Rock Island Arsenal converted 1,435 National Match (target grade) M14s by adding a Redfield ART Adjustable Ranging Telescope 3–9× and providing National Match grade ammunition (7.62 Lake City Long Range XM-118). This version, called the XM21, had a specially selected walnut stock and was first fielded in the second half of 1969. An improved version with a fiberglass stock was designated the M21 in 1975. The M21 remained the Army’s primary sniper rifle until 1988, when it was replaced by the M24 Sniper Weapon System; some M21s were later re-issued and used in the Iraq War.
The M21 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is the semi-automatic sniper rifle version of the M14 rifle. It’s chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge and 7.62×54mmR for Vietnamese and Chinese modified versions, as well the rare .30-06 version.
Sage M14ALCS M14 EBR Stock Enhanced Battle Rifle Stock
The Sage M14ALCS Enhanced Battle Rifle Chassis Stock System is precision CNC machined from a solid billet of high strength aircraft grade aluminum. Fits Mil-Spec M1A/M14 rifles with standard or medium weight barrels. The M14ALCS is a drop-in chassis and features a six position telescoping stock and an adjustable polymer cheek rest with two inches of vertical adjustment. Additionally the chassis includes five Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny rails, three ambidextrous sling mounts, a removable Kydex forend with a built in palm swell, and a soft one inch recoil pad. Rigidity of the chassis increases accuracy and reliability and is achieved through the use of a patented replacement operating rod guide block. Precision machined receiver lug recesses also eliminate the need for additional bedding. Fitting SAGE EBR chassis to non Mil-Spec/Commercial rifles may require additional gunsmithing. Does NOT accept rear-lugged receivers.
Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Model
I’m old enough to remember Jeff Cooper in the 1980’s and 1990’s passionately writing about the need for a “Scout Rifle” . The Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Model Rifle is a departure from his definition in two significant ways. The Springfield Armory M1A Scout Rifle is semi-automatic, Jeff Cooper specified bolt action and the Springfield Armory M1A Scout Rifle weighs in at 8.8 pounds while Jeff Cooper specified the scout rifle weigh less than 6.5 pounds. With that said I think in this day and age Jeff Cooper would have embraced the Springfield Armory Scout Rifle
Springfield Armory Loaded M1A
The Springfield Armory Loaded M1A™ combines the appearance and tradition of the Standard M1A™ with all the goodies you want to take the rifle to the next level. All Loaded models have a medium-weight premium air-gauged National Match barrel for greater accuracy. Competitive shooters will also appreciate the National Match tuned 4.5-5lb 2 stage trigger. A National Match front sight blade and non-hooded National Match rear aperture aid in precise target acquisition.
There are several combinations of stocks and barrels to ensure that you can get a Springfield Armory Loaded M1A™ to fill the perfect niche in your collection. If you’re looking for a proven rifle that comes Loaded with all the features you need, you need look no further than the Springfield Armory Loaded M1A™.