Hands-On with the M1A National Match

By Fred Mastison
Posted in #Guns
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Hands-On with the M1A National Match

January 15th, 2021

5:59 runtime

Since its launch, the Springfield M1A has been one of the most iconic rifles to grace American ranges. The M1A is the semi-auto version of the classic M14, and to better understand the love affair with this gun, we need to look at its history.

The M1A National Match from Springfield Armory delivers everything that’s great about the M1A, but with enhanced accuracy.

Building Blocks

In 1957, the M14 replaced the M1 Garand after extensive competition. The military was looking for an improvement on the Garand including a detachable magazine and full-auto capability. The accuracy and reliability of the rifle soon found it being modified for specialized work.

The M1A is a semi-auto sibling of the military M14 rifle, and a National Match variant is shown here with a 20-round magazine.

In 1969, Rock Island Arsenal converted over 1,400 National Match M14s to be used as sniper rifles during the Vietnam War. The modifications included the addition of a Leatherwood 3-9X scope and providing match grade ammunition to the shooters. This version was designated the M21 and it remained the U.S. Army’s primary sniper rifle until 1988. Even after its retirement the M21 kept finding its way back to war. In small circles it was reissued during the Gulf War and was seen being carried by numerous elite units throughout the military.

The beautiful walnut stock of the National Match houses a glass-bedded action for improved accuracy.

Semi-Auto Sibling

Springfield has the distinction of allowing civilian shooters an opportunity to own their very own semi-auto rifle inspired by the M14. In 1974, they began manufacturing what would be labeled the “M1A”. It was a civilian version of the M14 and shared many parts with the original rifle, with Springfield initially using many surplus G.I. parts to build their guns.

The National Match features a match-grade hooded aperture rear sight. Stainless steel barrel variant shown here.

My favorite version of this gun is the National Match model. The National Match’s specific features include high-quality touches like a glass-bedded action in its new walnut stock that provides a platform as rock solid as your reputation at the range, while a crisp 4.5- to 5-lb. two-stage trigger ensures your shots line up. It has a medium-weight premium air-gauged National Match barrel that they offer in carbon or stainless steel.

The result is a rifle that will help you get to the top of the leader boards and always be on target. Most importantly though, the action is glass bedded and parts are precisely fitted to make sure everything on the rifle sets together perfectly.

M1A National Match Specifications

Chambering.308 Win./7.62 NATO
Barrel22”
Weight9 lbs. 8 oz.
Overall Length44.33”
SightsHooded aperture rear, NM front blade
StockWalnut, glass-bedded
ActionSemi-auto
FinishBlack, black or stainless barrel
Capacity10 (one)
MSRP$2,485-$2,542

Hands-On

On the range, the gun is exceptionally soft shooting. The weight and density of the rifle absorb recoil well, and long shooting sessions are a breeze. The gun is feature-rich and is a perfect mix of modern manufacturing technology and old school gun building. It is a beautiful classic rifle that, in my opinion, belongs in the safe of any serious gun owner in America.

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Springfield Armory® recommends you seek qualified and competent training from a certified instructor prior to handling any firearm and be sure to read your owner’s manual. These articles and videos are considered to be suggestions and not recommendations from Springfield Armory. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Springfield Armory.

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Fred Mastison

Fred Mastison

Fred Mastison is a national magazine contributor, professional firearms & combatives instructor and executive protection provider and trainer. He is also the host of the weekly firearms podcast Center Mass. He has written over 600 articles for 27 different magazines. He is a reserve police officer and has been training in firearms & close quarter combatives for over three decades. Additionally he has almost 40 years in the martial arts and holds advanced degrees in multiple arts. He currently holds 17 separate law enforcement POST course certifications around the U.S. and is a certifying instructor for law enforcement firearms instructors in handgun, patrol rifle, shotgun and sub machine gun. In addition to training in the US, Mr. Mastison has divisions in Germany, Ireland and Mexico.

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