A walnut stock sets this M1A apart from the polymer-stocked rifles on most shelves. The listing names it the 50th Anniversary edition from Springfield Armory, chambered in .308 Winchester, and it is new.

What can be said is general to the M1A family. It is a civilian semi-automatic rifle based on the military M14, and it keeps the two-stage trigger feel and the aperture sight arrangement that service rifle shooters know. Walnut adds weight and warmth in the hand, and many shooters find the wood stock settles more calmly on a bench or sling. Take it out to the bench before you rely on it: cycle the action a dozen times, dry fire it, and look down the bore with a bright light. Old and new rifles alike reward a simple routine of cleaning, a light coat of oil on the metal and a dry place to sleep between trips.

An anniversary rifle is a good gift for a collector who wants a rifle that can still be taken out and shot. Commemorative markings are best checked when the rifle arrives at your dealer.

Like every firearm here, it ships to a licensed FFL dealer you pick. The background check happens at that counter.