#socom 16

Springfield Armory’s 16″ barreled variant of their M1A rifle series. This example has been modified from its original configuration, having ditched the factory front sight and muzzle brake combo. It looks like the stock was drilled for a cheek riser and possible rail attachments but hard to say exactly what was there. Changing out the muzzle brake does expand the options for something a but more user friendly; it is possible to add silencers to the M1A’s although not commonly seen. (GRH)

Springfield Armory’s 16″ barreled variant of their M1A series of rifles. This example with the Multicam stock is factory and was offered for a short period of time. It appears to have been discontinued and replaced with a digital camouflage version. Note the Midwest Industries Light/Laser mount attached to the barrel. (GRH)

In the article "Can a SOCOM 16 Stop a Bear Attack?" by Will Dabbs, MD, published in The Armory Life, the author explores the potential of the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 as a viable tool for defense against bear attacks. The article outlines the dangers posed by massive bears such as the Kodiak brown and grizzly found in Alaska, emphasizing the importance of preparedness when venturing into bear habitats. Dabbs recounts personal experiences in Alaska during the 1990s, underlining the limitations of other firearms such as shotguns in such severe encounters. He argues that the SOCOM 16, with its .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, offers the necessary balance of firepower and portability for effective defense in bear country. In his view, while large revolvers are popular for bear defense due to their convenience, the SOCOM 16 provides a more reliable solution, offering superior firepower and operational efficiency in potential bear encounters.

Springfield Armory’s 16″ barreled M1A variant, with the SOCOM II and SOCOM CQB being based on the original 16. Not really intended for longer distance shooting, it has a very wide front sight for quick target acquisition. Due to its compact size, it has been popular as a brush/bush gun. Springfield Armory actually used to sell an M1A model called the Bush but with key differences. It used an 18″ long barrel with a flash hider, not a muzzle brake. It also lacked the forward scope mount like the Scout and SOCOM. Lastly the Bush also had a folding stock variant. (GRH) 

Customized short barreled (but not SBR status) variant of the M1A/M14. Owner/seller hydro dipped the stock and added a Scout Handguard from M14 Canada. The SOCOM II is the tactical version with the quad rail, while the newest variation, the CQB has the collapsible stock and pistol grip. (GRH)

A variant of the SOCOM 16, the CQB was introduced at the 2016 SHOT Show. For the most part it is just your standard SOCOM 16 in a brand new Archangel stock with a pistol grip and AR-15 style stock. It gives the M14 platform more of a modern day battle rifle feel straight out of the box instead of having to spend extra on an aftermarket chassis. (GRH)

16″ barreled variant of the M1A. Has a specially designed muzzle brake to mitigate recoil but it does increase the concussive blast. Overall its a compact hard hitting rifle but lacks the range and accuracy of its full size brethren. The front sight on the SOCOM 16 and SOCOM II are wider for quick target acquisition but aren’t suitable for longer range iron sight shots. (GRH)