Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 .308 Win 16.25 in

The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 .308 Win 16.25 in is a compact, modernized battle rifle built for close-quarters work and field versatility. Chambered in .308 Winchester / 7.62×51 NATO, it rides on a shortened 16.25-inch carbon steel barrel with a shortened gas system for a handier overall length. The Archangel CQB chassis with a five-position collapsible stock and adjustable cheek piece gives you a custom fit fast. XS front post with tritium insert and enlarged ghost-ring rear sight keep acquisition quick—even in low light. This is the M1A platform, trimmed for today’s shooter.

Manufacturer	Springfield Armory
Model	M1A SOCOM 16
Material	Carbon Steel Barrel / Composite Chassis
Compatibility	.308 Win / 7.62×51 NATO
Finish	Black Oxide Barrel / Black Composite
Weight	8.8 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Shortened 16.25-Inch Barrel & Gas System — WHY IT MATTERS: You get a compact overall length (35.7 inches collapsed) that handles like a carbine, perfect for tight spaces and quick transitions without sacrificing .308 punch.
• Archangel CQB Chassis with Five-Position Collapsible Stock — WHY IT MATTERS: Adjust length of pull and cheek height on the fly. The adjustable cheek piece ensures a solid weld with optics or irons, keeping your eyes on target.
• XS Front Post with Tritium Insert & Enlarged Ghost-Ring Rear — WHY IT MATTERS: Fast sight acquisition in any light. The tritium glows in darkness, and the ghost ring gives you a wide field of view—no fumbling for alignment.
• Shortened Operating Rod & Piston — WHY IT MATTERS: Per Springfield Armory specs, this reduces reciprocating mass and speeds up cycling. You get reliable function in a lighter, more maneuverable package.
• Four Picatinny Rail Sections — WHY IT MATTERS: Mount lights, lasers, or a red dot without custom fitting. The rail system wraps the forend, giving you options for accessories without adding bulk.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the recreational shooter who wants a proven .308 platform in a compact, modernized form. First-time buyers looking for a do-it-all semi-auto will appreciate the lighter weight and shorter length. It’s also for the experienced shooter who wants a reliable battle rifle that handles like a carbine—without the weight of a full-size M1A.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces—ideal for truck, home, or trail.
• Pro: Tritium front sight and ghost-ring rear deliver fast target acquisition in low light.
• Con: The composite stock can feel a bit flexy under heavy sling pressure compared to a traditional wood or aluminum stock. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you plan to run it hard.
• Pro: Shortened gas system cycles reliably with a wide range of .308 loads.

How It Stacks Up

Feature	Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16	Geissele AR-10 Super Duty	Zev Technologies AR-10
Caliber	.308 Win / 7.62×51	.308 Win / 6.5 Creedmoor	.308 Win
Barrel Length	16.25 in	16 in	16 in
Weight	8.8 lbs	8.5 lbs	7.9 lbs
Stock	Collapsible composite	Collapsible aluminum	Collapsible aluminum
MSRP	$2,065	$2,400	$2,800
Action	Gas-operated piston	Direct impingement	Direct impingement

FAQ

What is the overall length of the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16?

Overall length is 35.7 inches with the stock collapsed, and 38.5 inches extended. That makes it shorter than a standard M1A by about 8 inches.

Does the M1A SOCOM 16 accept standard M1A magazines?

Yes, it uses standard M1A .308 magazines. It ships with one 10-round magazine, but 20-rounders are widely available and work perfectly.

Is the tritium front sight replaceable?

Yes, the XS front sight tritium insert is user-replaceable. XS Sights sells replacement vials, or you can swap the entire front sight assembly.

Can I mount a scope on the SOCOM 16?

Yes. The Archangel chassis includes a Picatinny rail on top for optics. You can also use a scope mount that replaces the rear sight assembly if you prefer.

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Browse more Semi Auto Rifles or check out our .308 Rifles section for similar options.

Last updated: April 2026