For enthusiasts, collectors, and responsible citizens seeking a powerful, reliable, and aesthetically striking rifle, the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker .308 Rifle stands out as an exceptional choice. This rifle masterfully blends the revered heritage of a classic military design with modern enhancements, delivering a compact and potent firearm capable of excelling in diverse scenarios, from the shooting range to the field.

What problems does the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker solve for a discerning shooter?

• Need for Compact Power: Many shooters desire the potent performance of the .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) cartridge but in a more maneuverable, shorter platform than traditional full-size battle rifles. The M1A Tanker's 16.25-inch barrel achieves this balance perfectly.
• Desire for Classic Aesthetics: For those who appreciate the timeless beauty and feel of traditional firearms, the rich walnut stock offers an undeniable appeal, a stark contrast to many contemporary polymer-stocked rifles.
• Reliable Performance: Based on the legendary M14 platform, the M1A series is renowned for its robust construction and dependable operation, making it a trusted tool for various applications.
• Enhanced Low-Light Capability: Standard iron sights can be challenging in dim conditions. The M1A Tanker addresses this with advanced tritium night sights.
• Versatile Application: Whether for target shooting, hunting medium-to-large game, or for a dependable defensive option, this rifle provides the necessary power and precision.

The Heart of the M1A Tanker: Caliber and Compact Design

The Springfield Armory M1A Tanker is chambered in .308 Winchester, also known as 7.62x51mm NATO. This widely available and highly effective cartridge is celebrated for its ballistic versatility, offering a superb balance of power, trajectory, and manageable recoil. It's a favorite among hunters for deer, elk, and wild boar, and its proven accuracy makes it a staple for target shooters and tactical applications.

A defining characteristic of the Tanker model is its 16.25-inch carbon steel barrel. This shorter barrel length significantly reduces the rifle's overall footprint, bringing the total length down to a mere 37.25 inches. This makes the M1A Tanker exceptionally maneuverable in confined spaces, easier to transport, and quicker to bring to bear. Despite its compact size, the precision-rifled barrel, featuring a 1:11" right-hand twist and six-groove rifling, ensures impressive accuracy, maximizing the inherent capabilities of the .308 cartridge. The lighter weight, at just 8.75 pounds, further enhances its portability without sacrificing the robust feel and stability expected from an M1A platform.

A Nod to History: Inspired by the T26 Tanker Garand

The name "Tanker" is a direct homage to a piece of American military history: the prototype T26 "Tanker" Garand developed toward the end of World War II. This experimental rifle was a shortened version of the venerable M1 Garand, intended for use by paratroopers, tankers, and other personnel who required a more compact weapon in tight quarters. While the T26 never saw widespread production, its concept of a powerful, reduced-length battle rifle lives on in the M1A Tanker. Springfield Armory has meticulously captured the spirit of this historical innovation, marrying it with the modern M1A platform, which itself is a civilian-legal descendant of the iconic M14 rifle. This deep connection to a rich legacy makes the M1A Tanker not just a firearm, but a piece of living history for collectors and enthusiasts.

Premium Features for Enhanced Performance and User Experience

Every component of the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker has been thoughtfully selected to deliver a superior shooting experience:

• Walnut Stock: The stained American walnut stock is perhaps the most striking visual feature, instantly distinguishing the Tanker from its synthetic-stocked counterparts. Beyond its classic appeal and warm aesthetic, walnut is known for its durability and natural feel in the hands. This traditional material grounds the rifle in its historical roots while providing a comfortable and stable shooting platform. For those who value craftsmanship and timeless design, the walnut stock is a significant draw.
• Advanced Sighting System: The M1A Tanker is equipped with a sophisticated sighting system designed for rapid target acquisition in varying light conditions.
  • Front Sight: It features an XS Post with Tritium Insert and a .125 Blade. Tritium is a self-illuminating gas that glows in low light conditions, allowing the shooter to maintain a clear sight picture even in twilight or darkness. The bold post design facilitates quick front sight acquisition.
  • Rear Sight: The Ghost Ring Aperture rear sight offers a fast and intuitive aiming solution. Its large aperture allows for a broad field of view, promoting natural target alignment. Crucially, this rear sight is fully adjustable for both windage and elevation with MOA (Minute of Angle) adjustments, providing the precision necessary to zero the rifle effectively for different distances and ammunition types.
• 2-Stage NM Tuned Trigger: A rifle's trigger is paramount to its accuracy potential, and the M1A Tanker does not disappoint. It boasts a match-grade two-stage trigger that is factory-tuned to break crisply at an ideal 5 pounds. A two-stage trigger offers a take-up (first stage) before reaching a distinct wall (second stage) where the actual break occurs. This allows the shooter to prepare for the shot, reduce anticipation, and achieve greater precision compared to many single-stage triggers. The "NM Tuned" designation signifies that it has been optimized for national match-grade performance.
• Magazine: The rifle comes standard with one 10-round Parkerized steel magazine. This capacity offers a balance between sufficient rounds for most applications and compliance with various state regulations. Parkerized steel ensures durability and corrosion resistance, essential for reliable feeding.

How to Safely Operate and Maintain Your M1A Tanker

Responsible firearm ownership includes a thorough understanding of safe operation and proper maintenance. The M1A Tanker, like all high-power firearms, requires adherence to strict safety protocols.

Fundamental Firearm Safety:

• ALWAYS treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
• ALWAYS keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• ALWAYS be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• NEVER drop the firearm.

Firing the Firearm:

Before aiming and firing, confirm the area is safe and know precisely where your bullet will impact. With the firearm loaded and aimed at your intended target, move the safety to the "off" position and pull the trigger. Expect a loud report and recoil. The M1A is a semi-automatic rifle and will automatically chamber a live round from the magazine after each shot until the magazine is empty. Once you have finished firing, immediately engage the safety and unload the firearm. If you are new to shooting, seek instruction from a qualified and competent instructor. This manual provides essential information but does not substitute for comprehensive training in marksmanship, hunting, self-defense, or any specific firearm discipline. High-power firearms like the M1A should not be used for home or neighborhood defense without extensive prior training and careful consideration of all available options.

Maintenance and Care:

The Springfield Armory M1A platform is renowned for its robust military-grade construction, requiring minimal maintenance to remain in excellent condition. Excessive disassembly should be avoided, particularly with National Match and Super Match firearms where actions are precisely glass-bedded to their stocks. Unnecessary removal can lead to wear, a looser fit, and reduced accuracy, undermining the bedding's purpose. Only field strip your match firearm when absolutely necessary.

Gas System Care:

1. Ensure the rifle is unloaded and safe, and the action is clear.
2. Using a Springfield Armory combination tool or a 3/8-inch (6-point) socket wrench, turn the gas cylinder plug counter-clockwise and carefully withdraw it from the gas cylinder.
3. Tilt the firearm muzzle down to remove the gas piston.
4. Clean the gas piston with a bore solvent and wipe it completely dry.
5. Clean the inside of the gas cylinder and wipe it dry.
6. Use a #15 aircraft length drill bit and a letter "P" standard drill bit to effectively remove carbon buildup from the interior of the piston and the plug.
7. Insert the piston into the gas cylinder with the flat side facing up toward the barrel. Ensure the piston is fully below the threads within the gas cylinder before attempting to replace the plug.
8. Re-assemble the system dry. Apply only a SMALL dab of grease to the threads on the gas cylinder plug.
9. CAUTION: The gas piston is engineered to operate dry; do not lubricate it.

General Cleaning:

The bore and chamber should be regularly cleaned using appropriate cleaning equipment and solvents. Modern barrels typically perform best when clean. To properly clean the barrel, remove powder fouling and copper fouling (metal residue) from the bore. Also, clean the flash suppressor and any residue from the chamber. When cleaning the barrel, position the firearm upside down to prevent solvents, oils, or other liquids from entering the stock and the gas system, which could negatively impact performance or damage the wood.

For detailed instructions and diagrams, always refer to the official Springfield Armory M1A Tanker 308 Rifle Manual, available for download from reputable sources.

Who is the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker For?

This rifle is an ideal choice for a variety of individuals and applications:

• The Discerning Collector: Its unique blend of historical inspiration (T26 Tanker Garand), classic aesthetics (walnut stock), and the renowned Springfield Armory M1A platform makes it a prized addition to any firearm collection.
• The Experienced Shooter: Shooters who appreciate the proven reliability and accuracy of the M1A system will find the compact size and enhanced features of the Tanker model particularly appealing for range sessions or tactical training.
• The Hunter: With its powerful .308 Winchester chambering and manageable size, the M1A Tanker is well-suited for hunting medium to large game in various terrains where maneuverability might be an advantage.
• The Prepared Citizen: For those seeking a robust and powerful rifle for home defense or general preparedness, the M1A Tanker offers formidable capabilities, especially with its tritium night sights. However, extensive training and understanding of its power are crucial for such roles.
• Anyone Seeking a Balance of Tradition and Modernity: The M1A Tanker beautifully bridges the gap between classic rifle design and modern functional enhancements, offering the best of both worlds.

Available from trusted firearm retailers like DEGuns, the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker .308 Rifle represents a significant investment in a high-quality, versatile, and historically significant firearm. It’s a rifle that offers compelling answers to questions about compact power, classic style, and unwavering reliability.

Springfield Armory M1A Tanker Rifle Specifications

Feature	Detail
Caliber	.308 Win / 7.62x51mm
Barrel Length	16.25 inches
Magazine	1 x 10rd, Parkerized Steel
Overall Length	37.25 inches
Weight	8.75 lbs
Stock	Walnut
Front Sight	XS Post w/ Tritium Insert, .125 Blade
Rear Sight	Ghost Ring Aperture, .135 w/MOA Adj.
Trigger	2-Stage NM Tuned, 5 lbs Break
UPC	706397926748
SKU	AA9622