New Loaded M1A

Springfield Armory will introduce a new version of the company’s Loaded M1A rifle in 2015. These new long guns will use a precision adjustable composite stock to allow for better fit of gun to shooter.

The new stocks adjust for both length of pull and for cheek rise. Additionally, the stock is cut in such a way as to give the shooter a better grasp on the gun with a pistol grip like cut.

This new gun will share many of the other features of existing Loaded M1A rifles. It will have a National Match 22″ stainless steel barrel with a 1:11″ RH twist. The front sight is a National Match 0.62″ blade, while the rear is a non-hooded National Match adjustable aperture. One 10-round magazine comes standard with the gun.

Obviously, the adjustable stock is the big change in this new model. The overall length is normally 44.33″ on the Loaded M1A (in both the composite and walnut stocks.) However, the precision adjustable stock moves the OAL to 45″ – 46.25″. I have not seen a length of pull measurement for this rifle, so I do not know how that compares to the standard fixed stocks.

With the addition of the adjustable stock, the weight of the gun has increased. Typically, a Loaded M1A will weigh either 9.3 pounds (fixed composite stock) or 9.8 pounds (walnut stock.) The new adjustable stock ups the weight to 11.25 pounds – a nearly 2 pound increase over the fixed composite model. Since I imagine most shooters will not be buying these to carry around through the woods, I don’t think the extra weight will negatively affect the target market.

One thing that is not mentioned in the Springfield Armory literature, but appears obvious in the photos, is the accessory rail in the 6 o’clock position of the hand guard. In the photos, it appears the rail has a cover – standard option I hope – and would be in a good location for the easy addition of a bipod.

I expect to see these rifles at the 2015 SHOT Show. I’ll make sure that I stop by the booth and see what additional information I can find on these. Make sure you follow my SHOT Show news coverage by going to this page here.