Then, in 2020, I had the opportunity to write my first article forThe Armory Life.
Naturally, I chose the Springfield Armory M1A Loaded Precision to write about.
I decided to hand them over my beloved M1A SOCOM with aSage Int.
The author worked with Smith Enterprises to convert his M1A SOCOM into a civilian-legal version of the Mk 14 EBR Mod 0.
The history of that rifle is quite interesting, to say the least.
The timing was perfect for the Mk14 EBR to shine.
Ive never been so antsy to get a rifle back from a craftsman as I was for this one.
The author’s rifle after receiving a full Mk 14 EBR Mod 0 SEI treatment from the experts at Smith Enterprise, Inc.
This was my dream build coming to life.
Bucket list rifle number one complete.
This build is an absolute beast weighing in around 14 lbs.
Pfc. Carlos Rivera, a squad designated marksman, scans his sector while providing security in the district of Spin Boldak, Afghanistan on July 30, 2012. Image: Staff Sgt. Brendan Mackie/U.S. Army
Shooting the EBR always brings a huge smile to my face.
you could just feel the power of the .308 rifle cartridge thumping out of this beauty.
The ammo I used for these precise groups was 168-gr.
Sgt. Charles Hyatt provides security with the Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle in the Puli Khumri area of Afghanistan. Image: 1st Lt. Cory Titus/U.S. Army
Remington Premier Match .308.
I pulled the very first shot, and I felt it immediately.
Settling back in and getting a better feel for the trigger, I restarted the group.
Ron Smith shows off the completed Mk 14 SEI rifle. It was made for the author using a Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM and the below-listed parts and work.
For me, I appreciate having this platforms with my personal spin on it.
This isnt a safe pony, but rather a usable, viable platform worthy of training and usage.
If you own an M1A, give Smith Enterprise a close look.
Using Remington’s 168-gr. Premier Match load, the author tested his Mk 14 SEI for reliability and accuracy.
From a prone position, the author managed 0.75″ 5-shot groups with the Remington Premier Match .308 ammunition.
Spc. Joe Sears, a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard, serving with the Zabul Agribusiness Development Team, scans for threats in Shah Joy, Afghanistan. Image: Lt. Col. Daniel Bohmer/U.S. Army
