Springfield Armory Releases Their M1A 'Tanker' Rifle
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.
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.
Find Springfield Armory M1A Rifles
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.
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Reloader SCSA Competitor Certified Pilot Currently able to pass himself off as the second cousin twice removed of Joe Flanigan. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballisticaviation/
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The links in this article are absolute garbage.
So the article may or may not have elements of confusion in it, the rifle itself looks like a boss (I have the M1A Scout which is an amazing firearm) but the best part of this article is definitely below in the comments where you hilarious mother###### had me in stitches repeatedly. Good, clever humor right there.