Springfield Armory M1A Loaded
Springfield Armory, Inc. · Battle Rifle · In Production · 1991
Also known as: M1A Loaded .308, M1A Loaded Standard, MA9222
Overview
The Springfield Armory M1A Loaded is the match-grade civilian configuration of the M1A platform, introduced in the early 1990s as Springfield Armory, Inc.'s answer to NRA High Power and CMP competition shooters who wanted a competition-ready M14 derivative without paying the premium of the National Match or Super Match grades. The 'Loaded' designation refers to the rifle being pre-equipped with a National Match medium-weight, air-gauged premium barrel, a tuned two-stage National Match trigger that breaks at approximately 4.5–5 lbs (20–22 N), match-grade aperture iron sights with a 0.062-inch front blade, and a 1:11 right-hand twist optimized for 168–175 grain target bullets. Available in walnut or composite stock variants chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester (and a later 6.5 Creedmoor variant), the M1A Loaded is one of the most popular semi-automatic match rifles in U.S. civilian competition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4310 g (152.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4760 g (167.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1126 mm (44.33") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Sight Radius | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3457 J (2550 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3725 m (4074 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Carbon Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Trigger Block Safety
- Features: National Match Medium Weight Barrel, Air Gauged Barrel, National Match Two Stage Trigger, Match Grade Aperture Rear Sight, National Match 062 Front Blade, Muzzle Brake, Semi Auto Only, Civilian Legal Configuration, Garand Style Operating Rod
Variants
- M1A Loaded Precision — Chassis Precision
- M1A Loaded 6.5 Creedmoor — Alt Caliber
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Sport Shooters · adopted 1991
- Civilian Marksmanship Program competitors
Production
Production years: 1991-present
Currently in production; the Loaded grade is one of Springfield Armory, Inc.'s flagship M1A configurations alongside Standard, National Match, and Super Match.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Springfield Armory, Inc. (engineering team)
Notes
Walnut stock variant weighs ~4.45 kg (9.8 lb); composite/synthetic stocks ~4.31 kg (9.5 lb). MSRP ranges from approximately USD 1,925 to 2,170 depending on stock and finish. Includes a single 10-round magazine for compliance with state magazine restrictions; standard 20-round M14 magazines are compatible. The Loaded Precision variant uses a chassis stock and adjustable cheekpiece for scoped use.
Background
The M1A Loaded earned its nickname 'the working man's National Match' because it offered roughly 80% of the accuracy of a Super Match rifle for less than half the price - a positioning Springfield Armory deliberately engineered to capture the high-volume CMP and three-gun-precision crowd in the 1990s.