Springfield Armory M1A Devine Receiver National Match Barrel & Sights Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2,276.00
LSB#: WY240723KM023
Make: Pre Springfield Armory Inc. made in Devine Texas
Model: M1A
Serial Number: 000476
Year of Manufacture: Unknown. I called Springfield Armory Inc and 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: .308 / 7.62X51
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, box magazine fed.
Markings: Rear top of the receiver is marked “U.S. RIFLE 7.62-mm M1A SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 000476”.
The top of the barrel is marked “NM” about 2.75” back from the front sight. There is no Devine Tx mark on the bottom of the barrel so either this receiver was sold originally as a receiver only or the barrel has been replaced at some point.
The front sight is marked “NM.062”
The op rod is marked “7267064 / 66118”
The top of the bolt carrier group is marked “7790186 / SA Z1B”.
The hood on the rear sight is marked “595”
The sight is marked “NM”
The stock has had the full auto cut filled in. The grip is marked with a circle “P” acceptance stamp, and a stamp I have never seen before. The bottom of the pommel is marked “17”. Just in front of the left side wrist is a DOD acceptance Cartouche.
Barrel Length: 22”. 25” with M14 classic long slotted flash suppressor.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a National Match front sight. The Rear Sight is a National Match-Grade hooded Aperture Sight, ½ MOA windage and elevation increments.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is the traditional M14 Walnut stock with two sling swivels, semi pistol grip, straight comb, a 13.25 LOP, butt storage compartment and the hinged metal buttplate. The top handguard is a fiber reinforced brown handguard. The upper handguard shows minimal wear from handling and use with some stress lines in the finish in between the rear band and the receiver. The stock shows very minimal wear with surface lines and the only real notable mark being a small dent on the left side just in front of the receiver. There are no chips or cracks. The metal buttplate shows scrapes and rube wear. It has lost some of its finish and has semi-dulled checkering. Overall the stock is in about Excellent condition considering its age.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 20 round magazine in Excellent Condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original and refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is minor visible pitting in the grooves throughout the length of the bore. The feed ramps are smooth and shiny. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its finish. The refinished receiver shows only minor wear. The bolt and friction surfaces show the majority of the wear. The barrel shows some surface scratches scattered throughout. The flash hider is beginning to turn brown with patina. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good + to Excellent condition for C&R given its apparent age.
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: This rifle includes the 20 round magazine and a Al Freeland marked leather 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 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. This combination of a Devine-made receiver with National Match upgrades has made these early M1As legendary among collectors and competitive shooters alike, marking a significant chapter in the civilian legacy of the M14. To better understand this rifle please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
