M1A: The Variations Pt. 3

The stock's raised comb comfortably kept my eye aligned with the ocular lens. It was downright simple to place the crosshairs squarely on target and get a telling hit with each squeeze of the trigger. In any event, the semi-automatic action--which generated zero jams--would have made for some rather quick follow-up shots.

For those who simply have to have the "best of the best," Springfield last year introduced the M25 White Feather Tactical Rifle. Named in honor of legendary Marine Corps sniper Carlos "White Feather" Hathcock, the M25 features a rear-lugged receiver, Kreiger 1:10" twist heavy match barrel (carbon or stainless), an integral Picatinny scope base, two-stage adjustable match trigger (1 1/2 to 4 3/4 lbs.), Harris bipod and low-profile custom muzzle brake/stabilizer. The fiberglass stock has an adjustable comb and a pistol grip with palm swell and is available in different colors. By special arrangement with the estate and family of Carlos Hathcock, the receiver of each M25 is marked with a facsimile of Hathcock's signature and the White Feather logo.

A shortened (18" barrel), lightened version of the M1A is catalogued as the M1A Scout Squad Rifle. It was introduced in 1998 (see "Dope Bag," [i]American Rifleman[d], April, 2000, p. 50). That arm is being proffered to law enforcement as a viable replacement for the police shotgun and an alternative to the AR-15-style carbine for those departments phasing out scatterguns. There is a strong case that may be made for the M1A Scout as the preferable long arm for law enforcement. The compact rifle offers better precision, range and firepower than a shotgun loaded with either slugs or buckshot and twice the muzzle energy of a .223-cal. gun.

Moreover, the M1A Scout, when fitted with a forward-mounted Aimpoint sight, makes a terrific all-around gun for anyone who appreciates a compact, reliable .30-cal. semi-auto carbine (and who doesn't?). It makes a particularly fine ranch rifle.