The Springfield Armory National Match M1A had been the gold standard of accurate autoloading rifles for quite some time before the .308 ARs stole the crown and beat the M1A into submission with said crown.
Guess what, though? There are a whole bunch of old guys that have been shooting them for some time, that could put most shooters to shame. Don’t dismiss the M1A National Match, and it might just be the wood and steel throwback rifle that you are looking for.
Inside the box:
I was surprised when I opened the cardboard box to find a useful nylon rifle case inside instead of just a rifle. It seems all too often that manufacturers will forgo something of actual value in an effort to cut costs. When a rifle is shipped out with an appreciated extra, like a case, I take notice.
The rifle comes with a single, 10-round magazine, sadly. I would have preferred to see more than one or even a single 20-round mag. Still, I imagine that Springfield Armory only included the reduced-capacity magazine to ensure that the rifle was legal in states like California.
Beyond the usual things like user manuals and a lock, there wasn’t anything else of note in the box when the rifle arrived.
Features, Controls & Operation:
The National Match M1A has some slight enhancements made to it, like a National Match two-stage trigger group, upgraded sights, and a glass bedded stock, to eke out as much accuracy as possible from the aging platform. The trigger is identical in function to the standard M1A trigger pack, with the exception of a slightly better trigger. The safety is also identical to the standard M1A, a simple push forward, and the rifle is ready to make loud noises.
Some of the other selling points of the M1A National Match are the upgraded National Match sights, which feature a .0595″ rear aperture, a .062″ front sight blade, and1/2 MOA adjustments that allow you to dial in the perfect zero. The rifle is also glass-bedded at the factory in an effort to give the shooter the most consistent rifle possible.
Springfield also fits the National Match M1A with a match-tuned gas cylinder (whatever that might mean) and a National Match recoil spring guide.
Shooting Impressions:
Even though it has been forever since I have spent some time trying to get an iron-sighted rifle to shoot tiny groups, the M1A did an alright job with match-grade ammo. I loaded up several mags of Silver State Armory 168 grain match ammo and got to blasting, but sadly, the best group that I could muster was just over a minute and a half at a hundred yards. That means larger than 1.5″ at 100 yards for ye knuckle draggers.
The recoil was manageable, and the trigger wasn’t half bad. While I have been long spoiled by Geissele triggers on AR platform rifles and tuned, two-stage triggers on my bolt guns, the National Match trigger still allowed me to shoot reasonably well. The overall feel of the rifle was quite nice. There is just something about shooting a gun with irons and a nice wood stock.
Pros:
The pros for the rifle are kinda short. While the rifle is more accurate than a standard M1A, it isn’t that much more accurate, based on my experience. The overall feel of the rifle did put a smile on my face, but really, the gun isn’t up to modern standards.
Springfield did add some nice features that make the rifle feel like it is worth closer to the hefty asking price of $2,359, but not close enough for me to seriously consider buying the rifle.
I really did quite like the stock and the fact that it had been glass-bedded without me having to do it myself. I have to admit, they did a far nicer job than I would have. The 22″ 6 groove barrel with a 1-11 twist that has been air gauged is a nice touch as well.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Springfield Armory M1A Standard Issue .308 Win/7.62x51mm 15rd Rifle, Black | Palmetto State Armory | $ 1763.99 $ 1602.99 |
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Springfield Armory M1A Standard .308 Win Rifle - 22" | Rainier Arms | $ 1749.95 |
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Springfield Armory M1A Standard Issue .308 Win/7.62x51mm 15rd Rifle, Black | Palmetto State Armory | $ 2166.99 $ 1602.99 |
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Springfield Armory M1A Standard Issue 308 Winchester 22 15+1 (Speckled)" | Ammunition Depot | $ 1577.49 |
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Cons:
Pretty much the biggest con is that the rifle was designed off of one of the worst service rifles our nation has adopted since we have moved to a semi-auto for general issues. The National Match M1A is not anything beyond a target rifle in my mind. It just isn’t designed in a manner that would allow it to operate reliably in harsh conditions.
You can wipe that zombie fantasy where you fend off hoards of lumbering undead from the roof of your local Walmart now. This rifle is gonna jam, and your neighbor is probably going to eat your eyeballs.
Other cons include the singular 10-round magazine. Factory magazines are expensive, and it would have been nice to have more than one included, given the hefty price tag.
Conclusion:
Is the National Match M1A a rifle that I would spend my hard-earned dollars on? Probably not. There are just too many other options that aren’t $2,359 that either beat the National Match M1A in performance or are exactly as good.
That said if you are looking for an M1A that is more attainable than the ludicrously priced $3,708 Super Match M1A with a McMillan stock, the National Match M1A might just be the right gun.
You can find all the specs that your heart might desire on the Springfield Armory website.
About Patrick R.
Patrick is a firearms enthusiast who values the quest for not only the best possible gear setup but also pragmatic ways to improve his shooting skills across a wide range of disciplines. He values truthful, honest information above all else and has committed to cutting through marketing fluff to deliver the truth. You can find the rest of his work on FirearmRack.com as well as on the YouTube channel Firearm Rack or on Instagram at @thepatrickroberts.
Sorry you are not capable of mastering the M1A rifle. It is a fine rifle and is far from unreliable. It is obvious your experience is limited to this umm shall we say “review”. Like all military firerams the M1/M14 are built to operate in all conditions…kind of like the AK, Galil, FNFALs. All work when AR will not.. The Natl Match trigger is easy to shoot. Then again l grew up shooting surplus 30/40Krags, M98s, M1Garands, M1Carbines, Schmidt Rubins, Enfields etc. All of those rifles were/are capable of consistent accuracy in all weather. These are all rifles that still… Read more »
I own two M1A’s, one a NM, the other a synthetic stock standard. Neither one has ever jammed. Both shoot well, and yes, the NM is more accurate, about 1 MOA, versus 2 MOA. I got bit hard by the M1A bug when I first saw the NM at the gun shop about 10 years ago. I thought to myself “That is a very impressive, very beautiful rifle” and I bought it. I brought it home, worried about what my wife would say. I opened the case, and she said “That is an impressive rifle, and beautiful too – can… Read more »
Yes I don’t agree with this article. The M1A (M14) is a accurate hard hitting rifle that is easy to fire. The extra weight helps to balance the gun. I think these guys are use to carrying around a sandbag or bipod to shoot. Off hand shooting that extra weight helps with recoil and steadiness. the .308 has much more hitting power and range than the puny .223. .223=varmint gun. .308 can take a deer.
I would get the wood one over the plastic even though the plastic might take the elements better.
Ignorant armchair commando. I can rip him all i want, but waste of time. Cant fix stupid!
M14/M1A Is still in service, lethal and 100% reliable.
Extremely stupid article.
Patrick,
I have watched and enjoyed quite a few YouTube videos of yours, and I generally respect your work. As for this article, though, it’s pretty shoddy work. It does seem to have accomplished one thing. It has gotten numerous readers into a heated debate about the M-14/M-1A platform. Other than that, your article seems to be pretty sloppily written. You are more than entitled to voice your opinion on the National Match rifle, but I think you need to do a much better job of backing it up.
I own a Springfield Armory M1A. Standard model I recall when I bought it right after 911. I have used several different manufacturers of ammo in it and it has never jammed once! It’s roots came from the M1 Garand and we all know what reputation that rifle had! The M14 was a great rifle but useless in full auto. The author should maybe talk with some men that used & carried it in the military! And still used today in special applications. Maybe Mr. Roberts should go to the gym and do some curls so he can handle it!
An M1A National Match was the first rifle I ever bought for myself brand new right after high school as a reward to myself. I have shot groundhogs running with the iron sights at over 400 yards. I freaking love that gun, many guns have come and gone over the last 16 years but that ones a keeper.
I am an old guy, USMC. I was on the Marine Corps Reserve National Rifle Team for four years, 1964 to 68. Our Staff Sargeant Sweet, built M14 National Match M14’s, were the finest match rifles I have ever fired. My last 1000 yd match, I had 11 center hits out of twenty rounds fired, that is X ring tens for those who are unfamiliar with the scoring of the competition target back then. Dropped two rounds into the 9 ring, because of me, not the ability of the weapon. Today, I own a Springfield Armory M1A, NM grade rifle.… Read more »
What jamming issue is this guy talking about? M14 reliability issues? I think not. Beginning to doubt this guy even fired one
Worst service rifle since we adopted a semiautomatic platform…??? This article just lost all credibility.