50 Years Of Springfield Armory

by
posted on April 9, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Bob Reese

Springfield Armory booth at conventionStarting in 1974, Bob Reese took over production of a commercially manufactured, semi-automatic-only version of the M14 service rifle, ensuring the future of the fledgling “M1A.” Reese’s move included continuing to sell the rifle under the brand Springfield Armory—which had been chosen to honor the former U.S. government arms-production facility in Massachusetts where many M14s were made. It was an auspicious re-birth for a storied name that had been known since the American Revolution.

Now, 50 years later, Springfield Armory, Inc. has grown far beyond its initial offerings of military-style arms and parts to become one of the most prominent companies in the industry. Springfield firearms touch nearly every corner of the market, and the company is one of the most prolific makers and importers of handguns.

Throughout its astonishing growth, Springfield has remained family-operated, with Dennis Reese (seen above in the company’s early years), son of founder Bob Reese, serving today as CEO. The company has featured prominently in competitive shooting, with renowned pistolero Rob Leatham serving as Team Springfield’s captain since 1985. It has also donated heavily toward political causes, notably providing $1 million to NRA’s competitive shooting endowment in the early 2000s.

Numerous successful product releases such as the Hellcat, XD pistol series and 2020 Rimfire rifles have garnered the company no fewer than eight Golden Bullseye awards over the years, and Dennis Reese was honored in 2022 with the prestigious NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.

Latest

smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss
smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

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

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Army Announces Type Classification Of New Infantry Rifle, Machine Gun

In May 2025, the U.S. Army’s Soldier Lethality Project at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey announced the official type classification of SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, previously known as the XM7 and the XM250, respectively.

RXR22: Savage Arms Redefines The Budget Rimfire Rifle

Savage Arms has a long history of producing affordable and accurate rimfire rifles, but with its RXR22, the company is bringing a new level of affordability and modularity to rimfire rifle fans.

SARCO: A Lifetime Covered Up With Surplus Firearm Parts

When it comes to selling gun parts and gun-related military surplus, Charles “Cholly” Steen has been at it for longer than almost anyone. It all started when, as a 5-year-old, he began stashing odds and ends in the drawers of his clothes dresser.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.