Springfield Armory M1A Now In 6.5 Creedmoor

Written by Jacki Billings

Springfield Armory rolls out a new variant on its M1A platform, unveiling the 6.5 Creedmoor M1A.

The latest M1A ditches .308 Win, in favor of the new fan favorite 6.5 Creedmoor. Springfield says the round offers shooters on the M1A platform high muzzle velocity and low recoil paired with extreme long range accuracy.

Measuring between 44-inches and 46.25-inches, depending on stock option, the Creedmoor M1A tips scales right around 11-pounds. The M1A is dripping with National Match Grade features to include its barrel, trigger, and sights.

The rifle delivers a National Match Grade, 22-inch stainless steel barrel. The medium weight barrel provides a 4-groove 1:8 right-handed twist with muzzle brake. The trigger, also NM, is a 2-stage design with pull weight hovering around the 4.5 to 5-pound mark.

Topping off the NM features are a pair of NM iron sights. Adjustable for 1/2 MOA windage and 1 MOA elevation, the NM rear sight boasts a non-hooded .0520 aperture. The NM .062 front post sight married with the 22-inch barrel delivers a long sight radius for what the company terms “outstanding iron sight accuracy.”

The barrel and NM branded extras sit within either a solid, black composite or precision-adjustable stocks. The adjustable stock model offers shooters their choice of standard black or the ever-popular, always tacticool Flat Dark Earth.

Springfield CEO Dennis Reese said Springfield chose the 6.5 Creedmoor to service more long range shooters.

“Having a 6.5 Creedmoor caliber in the M1A lineup gives long-range shooters more choices with the precision and accuracy they require,” said Reese in a statement. “They can choose the round they prefer, and take advantage of the legendary accuracy of the M1A platform to make the most of their shooting prowess.”

The 6.5 Creedmoor has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the past couple of years due to its solid construction. Originally developed by Hornady, the 6.5 Creedmoor delivers 140-grain factory loads at 2,710 feet-per-second out past 1,200 yards — making it the new darling in the precision, long range community.

Springfield’s M1A looks to capitalize on the 6.5 Creedmoor’s success, supplying one more option for long range shooters to choose.

A 10 round magazine accompanies the 6.5 Creedmoor M1A which promotes a $1,985 price for the composite stock and $2,045 for the precision-adjustable stock. The M1A is California approved with the black composite stock only.

Looking for the best scope for m14 sniper rifles? Need an automatic ranging scope for your M1A? Check out this sniper scope review of the Leatherwood ART scope (Automatic Ranging and Trajectory) at our sister publication, Gun Digest.