ARTV Preview: The Springfield Armory M1A/M14 ; CrossBreed ST2 IWB Holster ; Springfield Armory M1911

by
posted on August 25, 2020
In this week's episode of American Rifleman TV, we take a look at the history and development of the Springfield Armory M1A and M14 line of match and service rifles introduced in the late 1950s. Reviewed this week is the CrossBreed Holsters Hybrid ST2 IWB holster for concealed carry constructed of both leather and Kydex. In 1911 the U.S. Army officially adopted the John Browning semi-automatic handgun design, the Model of 1911 in .45 ACP. A provision was added into the production contract with Colt where plans and schematics were shared with the U.S. Springfield Armory for M1911 production, which is one of the rarer manufactures of M1911 service pistols..

Shooting a more recent production Springfield Armory M1A, the semi-automatic version of the M14.
Shooting a more recent production Springfield Armory M1A, the semi-automatic version of the M14.

The M14 service rifle debuted in 1959 as a select-fire magazine-fed adaptation of John Garand's design. The M14 was the U.S. standard issue service rifle for a short time before being overshadowed by the M16 in the 1967. The M14 has continued to see service to this day in more limited roles, particularly as a marksman rifle. Springfield Armory produces a semi-automatic version of the M14, the M1A, which still holds a place in long-range semi-automatic match and NRA high-power rifle competition.

The CrossBreed Hybrid ST2 IWB holster in the color options of black and brown leather.
The CrossBreed Hybrid ST2 IWB holster in the color options of black and brown leather.
   
CrossBreed Holsters has earned a reputation for comfortable concealed carry through its hybrid holsters constructed of hand-fit Kydex pockets and premium cow-hide or horse-hide leather backers. One of the flagship lines of the holsters offered by CrossBreed is the ST2 series of inside-the-waste-band holsters, which can be configured to the user's preference. The use of Kydex for the pocket insures the holster securely retains the pistol while the leather backers provide comfort to the user. 

An example of a U.S. Springfield Armory produced Model of 1911 service pistol.
An example of a U.S. Springfield Armory produced Model of 1911 service pistol.

When the U.S. Army contracted Colt to produce the semi-automatic Model of 1911 service pistol after its adoption, a provision was inserted into the contract that the company provide drawings and production schematics to the U.S. arsenal of Springfield Armory to also produce it. The U.S. government did not want to put all the demand of manufacture for the new pistol on one manufacturer. This resulted in one of the less common manufactures of the M1911 service pistols seen today, marked with Springfield Armory stamps.    

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Silencer Central’s Banish Backcountry
Silencer Central’s Banish Backcountry

Calling In The Specialists: Silencer Central’s Banish Backcountry & Speed K Suppressors

While its previous suppressors were designed for flexibility, Silencer Central’s Backcountry and Speed K are the first of a new breed of application-specific models.

In Memoriam: Mack Gwinn, Jr.

Captain Mack W. Gwinn, Jr., U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and founder of Gwinn Arms, which later became Bushmaster Firearms, passed away on March 11, 2024. He was 79.

The Armed Citizen® June 17, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Woke RAF Cadets To Stop Using "Marksman" Term

The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force Cadets (RAFC) and their instructors have been ordered to stop using the term “marksman” in reference to the organization’s shooting badges.

Gun-Owning Americans Face Fines, Jail Time Overseas

The recent arrests of Americans overseas highlight the importance of double-checking every bag you travel with for ammo, guns or parts along with understanding firearm and ammunition regulations at the destination and locations between, including flight layovers.

Preview: WDR NILE Silicon Carbide Rail Panels

These NILE rail panels from Walker Defense Research are lightweight, durable M-Lok rail covers that provide added grip to a rifle fore-end while also guarding against radiant heat emanating off a hot gun barrel.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.