When I first started several years back, one of my first videos was about the SOCOM 16.
Clearly, I was not the only fan of this design!
Over the years, I have come to love the M1A design more and more since that first review.
One of Springfield Armory’s most popular lines of rifles is the SOCOM 16 series. These guns offer a great set of features and performance along with 7.62mm power.
I could own 10 of them, and still want 10 more.
In my experience, that gun is particularly loved by the public.
The day that all of them arrived was like Christmas morning for me.
Springfield offers three rifles in the SOCOM 16 series. One of the distinctive features of these guns is the short 16″ barrel as compared to the M1A Standard Issue.
Being based on the standard model M1A, all of the SOCOM 16 rifles have quite a few similarities.
First off, they all are chambered in.308 Win.
(7.62 NATO)and have barrels that are 16 in length, as the name suggests.
The SOCOM 16 rifle uses a traditional, composite stock and employs a scout-type optics rail and proprietary brake.
Second, all of them will feature the muzzle unit standard for SOCOM 16 rifles.
It is just like the rifle: the muzzle brake is short, compact and highly effective.
Lastly, all of these models will ship with a 10-round magazine and in a soft zippered rifle case.
The specially designed brake, shown above, helps to tame muzzle rise and mitigate felt recoil.
Its easy to see why.
This version of the rifle is the lightest weight one of the three SOCOM 16 variants.
It weighs 8 lbs., 8 oz.
A Picatinny rail forward of the receiver allows you to mount a red dot or scout scope for improved accuracy.
This model trades out the wooden stock for a black polymer stock.
This synthetic stock has a slimmer profile grip than the wood stock of the Tanker.
This stock and grip have a light but effective grip texture at both the forward and rear grip positions.
While the package is heavier than the standard SOCOM 16, the CQB version adds features including M-Lok attachment points and an adjustable stock.
Other than that, the stock is relatively smooth, with no M-Lok or 1913 rails on the handguard.
They say that the heart of an accurate rifle is the barrel.
Springfield Armory builds these rifles with a carbon steel barrel with a 1:11 right-hand twist.
The CQB model comes with a pistol grip. It is an AK-pattern grip, so you can swap it out for something different if you prefer.
All of the SOCOM M1A rifles are fitted with National Match two-stage triggers.
These match-grade systems have a trigger pull that measures between 5 and 6 pounds.
Standard across the line are the exceptionally good factory sights.
The SOCOM line of rifles is perfect for law enforcement in rural locations. It offers a lot of power in a compact package.
The front sight is a post with a tritium insert made by XS Sights.
The rear sight is a Ghost Ring that allows for a fast and accurate sight picture.
Lining up the post in the rear sight aperture is instinctive and ideal for a battle rifle.
The Tanker is a beautiful version of the SOCOM 16 that sits in a classic wood stock that makes it very reminiscent of the M14’s predecessor, the M1 Garand.
The sights are adjustable for windage and elevation.
Perhaps the most welcomed addition to this rifle for me is itsforward scout rail for optics.
This Picatinny rail would work exceptionally well for optics with unlimited or long eye relief.
Springfield’s SOCOM line offers a number of great solutions for law enforcement, ranching and fieldwork needs.
MSRP is only $64 more than the Tanker, making it a total of $2,087.
Be sure toread our M1A SOCOM 16 review.
This rifle is the one with the most bells and whistles.
The rifle itself weighs 9 lbs., 2 oz.
This version still sports the forward scout rail, but the most significant change is in the stock.
The black composite stock has now been swapped out for anArchangel CQB adjustable stock.
This five-position collapsible stock has a few standout features.
The first is now the SOCOM 16 has a pistol grip.
The next notable feature is the adjustable stock.
The stock adjusts similarly to a buffer tube buttstock on an AR.
This is fantastic for adding in any forward grips and lights or lasers.
Another welcome addition to the stock is having two QD sling swivel sockets on each side of the firearm.
However, the Archangel is a great starting place that can cover many needs.
The Springfield Armory SOCOM 16 CQB rifle has an MSRP of $2,250.
Be sure to read ourM1A SOCOM CQB review.
M1A SOCOM 16 CQB Specifications
M1A Tanker
Finally, we come to the M1A Tanker.
you’ve got the option to check out our article on theM1 Garand Tanker.
The primary identifying characteristic of the rifle is its walnut stock.
This really anchors the classic look of the rifle.
you’ve got the option to read ourM1A Tanker review.
Shooting them is a literal blast.
Feeling the power in this firebreathing nail driver on the range is quite exhilarating.
Plus, its just nice sometimes to shoot something thats different from an AR.
I cant really say enough about how much I personally enjoy shooting the SOCOM 16 line of rifles.
That, of course, is just my opinion.
I thoroughly enjoy the mix of new features in a classic stock that resembles the famed M1.
The good news is that even with just these three models, there is a SOCOM 16 for everyone.
Hopefully, now you have an idea of which one might be best for you.
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