Starting in 1974, Bob Reese took over production of a commercially manufactured, semi-automatic-only version of the M14 service rifle, ensuring the future of the fledgling “M1A.” Reese’s move included continuing to sell the rifle under the brand Springfield Armory—which had been chosen to honor the former U.S. government arms-production facility in Massachusetts where many M14s were made. It was an auspicious re-birth for a storied name that had been known since the American Revolution.
Now, 50 years later, Springfield Armory, Inc. has grown far beyond its initial offerings of military-style arms and parts to become one of the most prominent companies in the industry. Springfield firearms touch nearly every corner of the market, and the company is one of the most prolific makers and importers of handguns.
Throughout its astonishing growth, Springfield has remained family-operated, with Dennis Reese (seen above in the company’s early years), son of founder Bob Reese, serving today as CEO. The company has featured prominently in competitive shooting, with renowned pistolero Rob Leatham serving as Team Springfield’s captain since 1985. It has also donated heavily toward political causes, notably providing $1 million to NRA’s competitive shooting endowment in the early 2000s.
Numerous successful product releases such as the Hellcat, XD pistol series and 2020 Rimfire rifles have garnered the company no fewer than eight Golden Bullseye awards over the years, and Dennis Reese was honored in 2022 with the prestigious NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.
