Springfield Armory M1A .308 Win. “Devine” Receiver 22” Semi-Auto Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,976.00

LSB#: LSB250902JM017

Make:  Pre Springfield Armory Inc. made in Devine Texas

Model: M1A, MA9102

Serial Number: 000743

Year of Manufacture:  1971-74 / C&R  (Springfield Armory said that this receiver was too early for even their paper bound books. Meaning this receiver was produced by Elmer Ballance in Devine Texas before he sold it to the Reese family in November of 1974. Elmer Balance is believed to have produced less than 3,000 receivers (around 2700) for sale prior to November of 1974. Given how low this serial number is and the production range of 1971-1974 this receiver was most likely produced in 1971/72.)   

Caliber: 7.62/51 NATO /.308 Winchester

Action Type: Semi-Automatic rifle fed by detachable magazine. 

Markings: Rear top of the receiver is marked “US RIFLE / 7.62mm M1A / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY/ 000743”. The top of the bolt carrier group is marked “7790186/ 66118-KK”.  The bottom of the barrel is marked “DEVINE TEX” The grip is marked with a circle “U” stamp.

Barrel Length: 22”, 24” with the muzzle brake. 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight set between two protective wings.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an M1A pattern walnut stock, straight comb, semi pistol grip, steel buttplate with hinged door for storage with two sling loops.  The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the the buttplate.   The wood shows scratches and compression marks, most notably on the forearm of the stock.  There are other notable compression marks on the right rear of the buttstock. There are no visible chips or cracks. Overall this stock set is in about Very Good condition.    

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.   

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some corrosion in the ports of the muzzle brake. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10. 

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The bolt and receiver show minor rub wear on the friction surfaces and there is thinning of finish on the leading edges. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Fine condition.  

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Canvas Sling

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory M1A rifle with a receiver made in Devine, Texas, holds a unique place in firearms history, tracing back to the original commercial production of the M1A. This model is a semi-automatic civilian variant of the military M14 and was first produced by Elmer C. Ballance of Springfield Armory, Inc. in Devine, Texas, during the early 1970s. Ballance saw an opportunity to provide a civilian-legal version of the M14 for enthusiasts, and he sourced surplus military parts to make highly accurate and reliable rifles, often built to match-grade standards.

Ballance’s early M1As were respected for their quality and like this example featured parts like National Match barrels and sights, which improved accuracy and appealed to competitive shooters. Ballance was meticulous in maintaining the legacy of the original M14, and his Devine-built receivers, stamped with “Springfield Armory,” quickly garnered a reputation for excellence. However, as demand for the M1A grew, Ballance faced limitations in terms of manufacturing capacity and business expansion. In November of 1974 he sold Springfield Armory, Inc., and the M1A rights to the Reese family of Illinois, who moved production to Geneseo and greatly expanded production establishing the company as a leading manufacturer.

Under the Reese family’s leadership, Springfield Armory, Inc. broadened its offerings and continued producing high-quality M1As in various configurations. Today, M1As with Devine receivers are highly sought after by collectors due to their limited production and the original craftsmanship of Ballance’s work. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!!!

BF