Springfield Armory M1A Tanker .308 Rifle: A Fusion of Heritage and Modern Performance

The Springfield Armory M1A Tanker .308 Rifle (UPC: 706397926748, SKU: AA9622) stands as a testament to American firearm engineering, seamlessly blending historical lineage with contemporary features. This compact yet powerful rifle caters to a diverse range of users, from discerning collectors and firearms enthusiasts to hunters navigating dense brush and individuals seeking a robust, reliable option for personal defense or range training. Its unique design, inspired by the prototype T26 Tanker Garand of World War II, offers a distinct advantage in maneuverability without sacrificing the formidable power of the .308 Winchester cartridge.

What sets the M1A Tanker apart is its harmonious combination of timeless aesthetics and practical advancements. Users frequently ask, "What makes the M1A Tanker different from other M1A rifles?" or "Is the M1A Tanker a good choice for modern applications?" The answer lies in its optimized 16.25-inch barrel, which significantly reduces overall length, enhancing its utility in confined spaces or for rapid deployment. Coupled with a classic stained American walnut stock and modern sighting systems, it delivers a compelling package for those who appreciate both tradition and functional superiority.

Core Features and Specifications of the SA M1A Tanker Rifle

The M1A Tanker is engineered for reliable performance and intuitive handling. Every component is meticulously crafted to uphold the legendary M1A standard.

• Caliber: .308 Win / 7.62x51mm NATO. This versatile and powerful cartridge is renowned for its effectiveness in a wide range of applications, from medium-to-large game hunting to competitive target shooting and self-defense scenarios. Its widespread availability and proven ballistics make it a favored choice among riflemen.
• Barrel: A compact 16.25-inch carbon steel barrel is the heart of the "Tanker" designation. This length provides excellent balance and reduces overall weight, making the rifle exceptionally nimble. It features a 1:11-inch right-hand twist and six-groove precision rifling, designed to stabilize a broad spectrum of .308 projectiles for consistent accuracy. The shorter barrel also translates to quicker target acquisition and easier transportation.
• Magazines: The rifle ships with one 10-round, Parkerized steel magazine. Parkerizing offers enhanced corrosion resistance and durability, critical for a rifle designed for rigorous use. The 10-round capacity is compliant with most state regulations and offers a practical balance for various shooting disciplines. Additional capacities may be available aftermarket, but the included 10-round magazine ensures immediate utility.
• Length: An overall length of 37.25 inches underscores the M1A Tanker's compact design. This shorter stature is a key selling point for individuals who need a potent rifle that is easy to manage in tight quarters, whether it's a vehicle, dense woodland, or home environment.
• Weight: Weighing in at 8.75 pounds, the M1A Tanker strikes an optimal balance between solid construction and portability. This weight helps mitigate felt recoil from the potent .308 cartridge, contributing to faster follow-up shots and improved shooter comfort during extended range sessions or hunting expeditions.
• Stock: The rifle features a quality stained American walnut stock. This traditional material not only provides a timeless aesthetic appeal but also offers a natural feel and robust durability. The warmth and classic grain of the walnut enhance the rifle's collectible value while providing a solid, stable platform for shooting.
• Front Sight: Equipped with an XS Post with Tritium Insert (.125 Blade), the front sight offers exceptional visibility in all lighting conditions. The tritium insert glows in low-light environments, making it an invaluable feature for quick target acquisition during dawn, dusk, or in dimly lit tactical situations. The .125-inch blade provides a crisp sight picture.
• Rear Sight: The Ghost Ring Aperture rear sight (.135) with MOA (Minute of Angle) adjustment for both windage and elevation allows for precise zeroing and corrections. The ghost ring design facilitates extremely fast target acquisition, as the shooter naturally centers the front sight within the large rear aperture. This combination of speed and precision is ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios.

Springfield Armory M1A Tanker Rifle Key Features Explored

The M1A™ Tanker isn't just a sum of its parts; it's a meticulously engineered system designed for performance and reliability. Its key features are carefully chosen to optimize its role as a versatile and potent firearm.

The Compact Powerhouse: 16.25" Carbon Steel Barrel

The decision to equip the M1A Tanker with a 16.25-inch carbon steel barrel is central to its identity. This length is significantly shorter than the standard M1A, drastically improving the rifle's maneuverability. What are the benefits of a shorter barrel?

• Enhanced Portability: Easier to transport in vehicles, through brush, or within buildings.
• Faster Handling: Quicker to bring to bear on a target, especially in dynamic or close-quarters scenarios.
• Reduced Weight: Contributes to the rifle's overall lighter profile, minimizing shooter fatigue during extended carry or shooting sessions.
• Optimal Ballistics: Despite its compact size, the 1:11" right-hand twist and six-groove precision rifling ensure that the .308 Winchester cartridge retains sufficient velocity and accuracy for most practical distances.

Classic Aesthetics Meets Modern Utility: The Walnut Stock

The stained American walnut stock gives the M1A™ Tanker its undeniable classic appeal. Beyond its visual charm, the walnut stock offers practical advantages:

• Timeless Look: Appeals to collectors and those who appreciate traditional firearm craftsmanship.
• Ergonomic Feel: Walnut provides a natural, warm feel in hand, which many shooters prefer over synthetic materials.
• Durability: Properly maintained walnut stocks are incredibly durable and resilient, capable of withstanding harsh conditions.
• Recoil Absorption: The density of walnut can help absorb some felt recoil, contributing to shooter comfort.

A Nod to History: Inspired by the Tanker Garand of WWII Era

The M1A™ Tanker draws its inspiration from the prototype T26 Tanker Garand developed toward the end of World War II. This historical connection is a significant draw for many. The original "Tanker" Garand was an experimental short-barreled variant of the iconic M1 Garand, intended for easier handling by troops in tanks or other confined spaces. Springfield Armory’s M1A Tanker revives this concept, applying it to the venerable M1A platform, which itself is a civilian-legal semi-automatic version of the U.S. Military's M14 rifle. This heritage imbues the M1A Tanker with a sense of historical significance and proven military lineage, connecting the shooter to a legacy of robust and effective battle rifles.

Precision and Control: The 2-Stage NM Tuned Trigger

"A rifle like this deserves a perfect trigger," as the original description states, and the M1A Tanker delivers with a match-grade two-stage trigger. This National Match (NM) tuned version breaks crisply at an ideal 5 pounds. What are the benefits of a 2-stage trigger, especially one that is "NM Tuned"?

• Enhanced Accuracy: A consistent and predictable trigger pull is crucial for precise shot placement. The two-stage design allows the shooter to take up the initial slack (first stage) before encountering a crisp break (second stage), minimizing unintended movement.
• Improved Control: The clean break at 5 lbs provides excellent feedback to the shooter, aiding in trigger discipline and reducing flinching.
• Reduced Operator Error: Eliminates creep and excessive overtravel, common issues with less refined triggers that can negatively impact accuracy.

Advanced Sighting System: Tritium Night Sight and Ghost Ring Aperture

The M1A Tanker's sighting system is a blend of traditional effectiveness and modern technology.

• XS Post with Tritium Insert: Tritium is a radioactive isotope that self-illuminates, providing a glowing sight post without the need for batteries or external light sources. This feature is invaluable for shooting in low-light conditions, enabling rapid and accurate target acquisition where traditional iron sights would be obscured.
• Ghost Ring Aperture: The ghost ring rear sight is known for its speed. Its large aperture naturally encourages the eye to center the front sight, allowing for quick target acquisition, particularly useful in dynamic or defensive scenarios where split-second decisions are critical. The MOA adjustments ensure that this fast-acquisition system can also be precisely zeroed for specific distances and ammunition types.

Using and Maintaining Your Springfield Armory M1A Tanker Rifle

Proper use and diligent maintenance are paramount for ensuring the longevity, reliability, and safe operation of your Springfield Armory M1A Tanker.

Firing the Firearm: Safety First

WARNING: BEFORE AIMING AND FIRING YOUR FIREARM BE SURE IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. KNOW WHERE YOUR BULLET WILL BE STOPPED.

When the firearm is loaded and you intend to fire, aim at your target, move the safety to the off position, and pull the trigger. Expect the firearm to fire loudly and recoil. Do not drop the firearm. The M1A™ will automatically chamber a live round from the magazine after each shot until the magazine is empty. When through firing, put the safety “ON” and unload the firearm. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

A firearm may be fired from various positions. If you are unfamiliar with shooting a firearm, you should get instructions from a competent instructor before attempting to fire your firearm.

This manual does not attempt to provide instruction on marksmanship, hunting, self-defense, or the many other uses of a firearm. Each firearm discipline requires training and practice from a certified instructor. Do not attempt to use any high-power firearm such as an M1A™ for home or neighborhood defense without prior training and consideration of other options. Always adhere to the four fundamental rules of firearm safety:

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to fire.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Essential Maintenance for Your M1A™ Firearm

Your M1A™ firearm is one of the finest military-type firearms ever built. Very little maintenance is needed to keep your M1A™ in good condition. Disassembly should be kept to an absolute minimum. This is especially true with National Match and Super Match firearms, whose actions are glass-bedded to their stocks. Unnecessary removal promotes wear, sloppy fit, inaccuracy, and defeats the purpose of the bedding. Please do not field strip your match firearm unless it is absolutely necessary.

Routine cleaning and inspection will ensure your M1A Tanker remains in peak operating condition, delivering the reliable performance it was designed for.

Gas System Care: Crucial for Semi-Automatic Function

The only normal maintenance procedure requiring any disassembly pertains to gas system care. After clearing the action, making sure the rifle is unloaded and safe, remove the gas cylinder plug using a Springfield Armory® combination tool or a 3/8” (6 point) socket wrench by turning it counter-clockwise and withdrawing it from the gas cylinder. Tilting the firearm muzzle down, remove the gas piston, clean with bore solvent, and wipe dry. Clean the inside of the gas cylinder and wipe dry. Use a #15 aircraft length drill bit and a letter “P” standard drill bit to remove carbon from inside the piston and plug. Insert the piston into the gas cylinder with the flat side up toward the barrel. Make sure the piston is completely below the threads in the gas cylinder before replacing the plug. Re-assemble dry - apply a SMALL dab of grease to the threads on the plug. CAUTION: The gas piston was designed to operate dry.

Regular cleaning of the gas system is vital for the M1A's semi-automatic operation. Carbon fouling can build up, hindering the smooth movement of the gas piston and potentially leading to malfunctions.

Cleaning the Bore and Chamber

The bore and chamber should be regularly cleaned using proper equipment. Modern barrels shoot better when clean. To properly clean the barrel, you should remove powder fouling and copper fouling metal from the bore, clean the flash suppressor, and clean various residue from the chamber. When cleaning the barrel, place the firearm upside down to prevent solvent, oil, etc., from entering the stock and the gas system.

Recommended cleaning practices include:

• Use a high-quality bore solvent: To effectively dissolve powder and copper fouling.
• Proper cleaning rods and patches: Ensure the rod is coated to prevent barrel damage, and use patches of appropriate size.
• Clean from the breech whenever possible: To avoid pushing debris back into the action and to protect the muzzle crown, which is critical for accuracy.
• Inspect after cleaning: Ensure all fouling is removed and the bore is bright and clear.
• Light lubrication: Apply a very thin layer of high-quality gun oil to external metal surfaces and specific internal components as recommended by the manual to prevent corrosion.

Owner's Manual and Video Resources

For comprehensive instructions on operation, safety, and detailed maintenance procedures, always refer to the official owner's manual.

Springfield Armory M1A Tanker 308 Rifle Manual

Who is the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker For?

The M1A Tanker appeals to a broad demographic due to its unique blend of features:

• Firearms Enthusiasts and Collectors: Its historical inspiration and classic walnut stock make it a desirable piece for those who appreciate military firearms heritage.
• Hunters: The compact length and potent .308 caliber make it an excellent choice for hunting in dense brush or situations requiring a powerful, fast-handling rifle.
• Range Shooters: Enjoy the reliability and accuracy of the M1A platform in a more maneuverable package for target practice and drills.
• Prepared Citizens: Offers a robust and reliable option for home defense or general preparedness, blending potent firepower with a manageable size.
• Anyone Seeking a Versatile .308 Semi-Automatic: For those who desire a rifle capable of excelling in various scenarios without being overly cumbersome.

The Legacy of the M1A Platform

The M1A series by Springfield Armory continues the proud legacy of the M14 rifle, which served as the standard-issue service rifle for the U.S. military from 1959 to 1970. Renowned for its ruggedness, reliability, and powerful .308 Winchester cartridge, the M14 gained a reputation as a dependable battle rifle. Springfield Armory, leveraging its deep understanding of military-spec firearms, faithfully reproduces the M14's design in the semi-automatic M1A platform. The M1A Tanker variant takes this proven design and refines it for modern demands, demonstrating Springfield Armory's commitment to innovation while honoring tradition. This deep-rooted heritage contributes significantly to the M1A Tanker's trusted performance and widespread appeal among experienced shooters.

Conclusion: Why Choose the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker?

The Springfield Armory M1A Tanker .308 Rifle offers a compelling combination of historical reverence, modern functionality, and potent performance. Its compact dimensions make it exceptionally versatile for various applications, from navigating challenging terrain during a hunt to serving as a reliable companion at the shooting range. The integration of modern sighting technology with the classic appeal of a walnut stock highlights its unique position in the market. Backed by the reputation of Springfield Armory, this rifle delivers the robust reliability and inherent accuracy that the M1A platform is celebrated for. For those seeking a powerful, maneuverable, and aesthetically pleasing .308 semi-automatic rifle with a rich heritage, the M1A Tanker stands as an outstanding choice, ready to meet the demands of discerning shooters.

Product Specifications & Details

Feature	Detail
UPC	706397926748
SKU	AA9622
Manufacturer	Springfield Armory