Springfield Armory is offering a new general-purpose semi-automatic long gun designated the M1A Scout Rifle. This is a shorter version of the commercial M1A rifle, which is itself the civilian version of the venerable M14. The Scout has an 18-inch barrel (compared to 22 inches on the standard M1A) fitted with an extremely efficient muzzle brake. It is lighter than the M14 and has less recoil, but fires the same 7.62mm NATO (.308) cartridge. It is very accurate (less than 1.5 minute of angle) and rugged. The shorter barrel is stiffer and the bullet leaves the barrel before the operating piston can affect the aim. The Scout Rifle can be obtained with a wooden or black fiberglass stock. The Scout Rifle is just over 40 inches long and weighs 8.5 pounds empty. Ammunition is fed from a detachable box magazine (and types with 5, 10, or 20 rounds are available).--Stephen V Cole