Springfield Armory M1A Loaded 7.62 NATO 22″ 10rd
Pros & cons
What works
- National Match barrel maintains sub-MOA accuracy for 5,000+ rounds
- Two-stage trigger breaks consistently at 4.5 pounds—2 pounds lighter than standard M1A triggers
- 44.33-inch overall length provides stable shooting platform for 600-yard engagements
- Parkerized steel magazine survives drops on concrete without feed lip deformation
Trade-offs
- 9.3-pound weight exceeds modern composite rifles by 2-3 pounds—noticeable during extended carries
- No optic mounting solution included—adds $200-350 to effective cost
- Proprietary magazines cost $42 each versus $18 for PMAG AR-10 options
- Field stripping requires 15 minutes versus 2 minutes for bolt-action alternatives
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Springfield Armory M1A Loaded is a semi-automatic 7.62 NATO rifle built on the M14 platform with National Match components for precision shooting. This 22-inch barreled version balances competition-grade accuracy with the durability needed for field use. At 9.3 pounds unloaded, it's heavier than many modern sporting rifles but delivers superior long-range performance.
What is the M1A Loaded used for?
The M1A Loaded is primarily designed for precision target shooting and competitive matches requiring reliability under rapid fire. Its National Match barrel maintains sub-MOA accuracy out to 600 yards with match-grade ammunition, while the two-stage trigger provides crisp break consistency essential for competitive edges. This rifle handles both bench rest shooting and practical rifle courses effectively.
How does the M1A Loaded compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The M1A Loaded outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in rapid-fire precision but costs nearly $900 more. While the Stevens 334's bolt-action design delivers consistent 1.5 MOA groups, the M1A's semi-auto system allows follow-up shots in under 2 seconds—crucial for timed competition stages. The M1A's National Match sights also provide finer adjustments than the Stevens' basic rifle scope base.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The M1A Loaded weighs 9.3 pounds unloaded and measures 44.33 inches overall length. Its 22-inch medium-weight barrel contributes significantly to the weight distribution, adding stability during sustained firing strings. The synthetic stock dimensions accommodate most adult shooters without modification, though the length of pull may require adjustment for shooters under 5'8".
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not ideal for hunters needing lightweight portability or beginners on a tight budget. The 9.3-pound weight becomes noticeable after carrying more than 3 miles in rough terrain, and the $1,785 price point excludes casual shooters. Those preferring simpler maintenance should consider bolt-action alternatives like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, which disassembles in under 2 minutes versus the M1A's 15-minute field strip process.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 10-round detachable parkerized steel magazine and basic owner's documentation. Unlike some competitors, it does not include cleaning kits or scope mounting hardware—expect to spend an additional $150-300 for essential accessories. The magazine alone retails for $42, making the inclusion meaningful for initial function testing.
Is the M1A Loaded worth it at $1,785?
At $1,785, the M1A Loaded justifies its price for shooters needing semi-auto precision without custom shop markups. The National Match barrel and trigger would cost over $600 if added separately to a standard M1A, representing genuine value for competitive shooters. For plinking or occasional use, the investment is difficult to recoup through performance gains over $800 rifles.
Key attributes
| upc | 706397012267 |
| manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
| manufacturer part number | MA9226 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Carbon |
| barrel length | 22'' |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 10-Round |
| color | Black |
| length | 47.3 |
| model | M1A |
| number of magazines | 1 / 10 rd. |
| package height | 4.5 |
| package width | 13.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 13.75 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (pr) | Puerto Rico |
| state restriction (vi) | Virgin Islands |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with AR-10 magazines?
- No, the M1A uses proprietary magazines incompatible with AR-10 platforms. Springfield Armory and Check-Mate Industries produce compatible 10-round magazines retailing for $42-55 each. The magazine well dimensions differ by 0.3 inches in width from AR-10 pattern magazines.
- Can I mount optics directly to the receiver?
- The receiver requires an aftermarket scope mount like the Sadlak Airborne or ARMS 18 for optic installation. Direct mounting isn't possible due to the absent Picatinny rail—expect to spend $200-350 for a quality mount system. Installation typically requires 20 minutes with proper tools and headspace verification.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 3 business days after documentation verification. Transit time averages 5-7 days via UPS Ground, varying by dealer location. All shipments require signed FFL paperwork before dispatch—incomplete forms delay processing by 2 additional days.
- Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?
- The factory barrel lacks threading, requiring gunsmith modification for suppressor use. Threading services cost $150-250 and may void the warranty if not performed by Springfield-certified smiths. The 22-inch barrel length also necessitates NFA registration if shortened below 16 inches during modification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to 15% restocking fee. FFL transfer fees are non-refundable, typically costing $25-50 per transaction. Returns require pre-authorization and must ship via approved carriers with insurance coverage.