Cracked Earth is the color of the synthetic stock on this Standard Issue M1A, and it suits a rifle meant for hard use. It is a new Springfield Armory rifle in .308 Winchester, with a 22 inch carbon steel barrel with a 1:11 twist, a 10 round magazine and a listed weight of 8.5 pounds.

The maker describes the rock-solid action of the M1 Garand, carried into the M1A, with an ambidextrous midline safety. The rifle is 44 inches long. The marketing line is that it is the life insurance policy that never expires, which is a bit grand but makes the point: this is a rifle for people who rely on their gear.

A synthetic stock does not swell or warp in wet weather, and the pattern hides scratches. For a shooter who hunts in the rain, rides in a truck or leaves a rifle in a ranch house, that practicality matters.

The M1A is a heavy rifle, but the weight tames recoil and steadies the sights. A good sling pays for itself on any long carry.

It ships to a licensed dealer you choose, and the background check is completed there.