Medium-weight, air-gauged, National Match: those are the words the maker uses for the barrel on the Loaded M1A. This new Springfield Armory rifle is in .308 Winchester or 7.62mm NATO, with a 22 inch barrel and a 10 round magazine. The finish is black, the stock is synthetic, the receiver is steel, and the weight is 11.25 pounds.

The Loaded series sits above the standard M1A. The maker lists a National Match tuned two-stage trigger of 4.5 to 5 pounds, which is a point that service-rifle competitors will notice at once. A good trigger changes how a rifle shoots, and a National Match barrel is chosen for consistency. A short session at the range will teach you how the sights are regulated and where the rifle prints at a hundred yards.

At 11.25 pounds, this is a rifle that rewards a steady position. It will soak up recoil and it will hold a bench well. It is not the one to carry all day, but for deer stands, for the range and for matches it works nicely.

The synthetic stock stands up to weather. It ships to a licensed dealer you choose, and the background check is done there.