Springfield Armory M1A Rifles in Two-Tone Desert FDE

The M1A is a fantastic rifle platform, one that’s been the gold standard as the semi-automatic, civilian version of the military’s M14 for years. Springfield Armory has the M1A designation trademarked and their M1A line is fairly extensive. If you are a fan of the M1A platform and want a rifle that’s built to blend in with its surroundings, Springfield Armory’s Two-Tone in Desert FDE is absolutely worth a closer look.

The Springfield Armory M1A Two-Tone Desert FDE rifle is a fantastic gun built for reliable performance with a finish so it blends in with its surroundings. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)

If you’re curious about the M1A platform, Springfield Armory supplied the following details about it:

The classic. The ultimate icon. The legendary hero. Descended from the M14 rifle, the M1A is a civilian-legal semi-auto version of that revered U.S. Military rifle that dominates the competition fields — and the heart of America.

From 1959 to 1970, the M14 served with distinction as the standard issue rifle of the United States military after the revered M1 Garand. When Springfield Armory made the civilian-legal variant in 1974, shooters across the land rejoiced.

The windage and elevation adjustable rear sight makes zeroing the rifle a pleasure, while the two-stage military trigger, detachable box magazine, op-rod, and roller cam bolt provide functional ease of operation and faithful reliability.

Well-suited for a day at the range, competition or hanging on your wall in front of an American flag, the…M1A is for the patriot looking to fill a special place in their collection.

Springfield Armory M1A Two-Tone in Desert FDE 18-inch model
The Springfield Armory M1A Two-Tone in Desert FDE is offered in two barrel lengths, including the pictured 18-inch model. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)

The M1A Two-Tone in Desert FDE is available with an 18-inch or 22-inch barrel as either the Scout Squad or Standard, respectively. Both rifles are chambered in 308 Winchester, have a two-stage trigger, and ship with two magazines (one 10-round and one 15-round). Other shared features include:

  • National Match 0.62 inch front blade sight
  • Military .0690 Aperture, MOA Adj. for Windage & Elevation rear sight
  • 1 in 11 twist rate
  • The barrel is 6 groove, made from carbon steel
  • Two-Tone Desert FDE composite stock
  • Ships with OD Green cotton sling
OD Green cotton sling
The Springfield Armory M1A Two-Tone in Desert FDE ships with an OD Green cotton sling. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)

Length varies, which is understandable due to the different barrel lengths. The Scout Squad, which has the shorter 18-inch barrel, has a length of 40.33 inches; the Standard has a length of 44.33 inches. Interestingly, the empty weight of both rifles is listed at 8 pounds, 8 ounces. As for muzzle devices, the Scout Squad ships with a muzzle brake, and the Standard ships with a flash hider. If you prefer an optic to the iron sights the rifles come with, it is possible to mount a scope to the M1A platform using Springfield Armory’s mounts.

M1A magazines
The rifles ship with two magazines: one 10-round and 20-round. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)

These rifles are available exclusively through Nation’s Best Sport Distributor (NBS). MSRP for the M1A Standard Issue Two-Tone Desert FDE is $1,847. MSRP for the M1A Scout Squad Two-Tone Desert FDE is $1,980.