Specs:

Caliber: 7.62X51MM NATO (.308 WIN)

Barrel: 16.25″; Twist 1 In 11″; RH; 6-Groove Carbon Steel

Magazines: 10 Round, Parkerized Steel

Stock: Walnut

Weight: 8.75 lbs

Overall Length: 37.25″

Sights: Adjustable Rear Ghost ring aperture with tritium insert blade style front sight post.

The Tanker comes with an all-new walnut stock, beautifully recreating the classic look of the M1A

What makes the Tanker special is that its based on and influenced by a relatively rare weapon. You see, the Tanker version of the M1 Garand was never adopted into service during the waning days of WWII.

While the M1E5 had a folding stock and 18″ barrel, the Tanker variant, dubbed the T26, retained its fixed stock but was issued with a shorter 16″ barrel. Shorter and less powerful yes but not intended for use for frontline combat.

The weapon was developed because of various requests by Army combat commands for a shorter version of the venerated M1A. The intention was to take the relatively large M1A and make it shorter for use in situations where mobility was key. The shortened barrel traded ballistic efficiency for mobility and possibly in my view, beauty.

Unfortunately, the T26 ‘Tanker’ nor the M1E5 were ever adopted into service due to the recent Surrender of Germany and the winding down of the war in the Pacific Theatre.

Personally, I am looking forward to having Springfield Armory release another rifle with a storied history, although one that may have not seen combat it’s definitely worth looking at if you’ve got the desire to add a classic looking rifle to your collection. The Tanker is available now on Springfield’s website for $1,987.00 MSRP.