M1A: The Variations Pt.1

With input from armorers for the Army and Marine Marksmanship units, a series of tuning procedures and mechanical features quickly developed for the M14/M1A. Springfield Armory, ever sensitive to the desires of its customers, incorporated the procedures and features into the production of a line of premium M1As designed specifically for service rifle matches. However, at the same time, it was careful not to alter the outward appearance of the gun and thereby kept it DCM-compliant.

In 1974, the company introduced the National Match M1A rifle. This rifle is built to do one thing--win service rifle matches. It comes equipped with a high-grade National Match walnut stock; 22" stainless steel, air-gauged, National Match, medium weight barrel with a 1:11" right-hand twist; National Match trigger group with 4 1/2 lb. two-stage trigger; National Match blade front sight; match-grade hooded aperture rear sight with one-half m.o.a. windage and elevation adjustments, a National Match gas cylinder, National Match recoil spring guide and a glass-bedded action.

The National Match was without peer among DCM-legal .30-cal. service rifles--until the company unveiled the Super Match in 1975. Added to the already impressive National Match features were a choice of an oversized walnut stock or one in black or Marine camo McMillan fiberglass; 22" Douglas Premium, stainless steel, air-gauged, custom heavy match barrel with a 1:10" twist; and--since 1993--a rear-lugged receiver.