Walnut stocks and black metal give this Loaded M1A a traditional face. It is a new Springfield Armory rifle in .308 Winchester, with a 22 inch barrel and a 10+1 round capacity. The Loaded series is aimed at shooters who want more than the standard rifle gives.

In general terms that means a match-style barrel and a tuned trigger. What does not change is the M14 pattern: a gas-operated, self-loading action fed from a detachable box magazine, with a military aperture rear sight. Wood and steel both need care in damp weather, and a silica packet in the case is cheap insurance.

A rifle with this much steel and wood is not light, but weight is a help when you are shooting offhand or from a bench. It soaks up the recoil of the .308 and settles the sights. Deer hunters who like a semi-automatic with a classic look will find it appealing, and so will service-rifle competitors.

Walnut needs more care than synthetic. Wipe it down after wet days and store the rifle in a dry place. The rifle ships to a licensed dealer you choose, and the background check is completed there.