ARTV Preview: The Springfield Armory M1A/M14 ; CrossBreed ST2 IWB Holster ; Springfield Armory M1911

by
posted on August 25, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
In this week's episode of American Rifleman TV, we take a look at the history and development of the Springfield Armory M1A and M14 line of match and service rifles introduced in the late 1950s. Reviewed this week is the CrossBreed Holsters Hybrid ST2 IWB holster for concealed carry constructed of both leather and Kydex. In 1911 the U.S. Army officially adopted the John Browning semi-automatic handgun design, the Model of 1911 in .45 ACP. A provision was added into the production contract with Colt where plans and schematics were shared with the U.S. Springfield Armory for M1911 production, which is one of the rarer manufactures of M1911 service pistols..

Shooting a more recent production Springfield Armory M1A, the semi-automatic version of the M14.
Shooting a more recent production Springfield Armory M1A, the semi-automatic version of the M14.

The M14 service rifle debuted in 1959 as a select-fire magazine-fed adaptation of John Garand's design. The M14 was the U.S. standard issue service rifle for a short time before being overshadowed by the M16 in the 1967. The M14 has continued to see service to this day in more limited roles, particularly as a marksman rifle. Springfield Armory produces a semi-automatic version of the M14, the M1A, which still holds a place in long-range semi-automatic match and NRA high-power rifle competition.

The CrossBreed Hybrid ST2 IWB holster in the color options of black and brown leather.
The CrossBreed Hybrid ST2 IWB holster in the color options of black and brown leather.
   
CrossBreed Holsters has earned a reputation for comfortable concealed carry through its hybrid holsters constructed of hand-fit Kydex pockets and premium cow-hide or horse-hide leather backers. One of the flagship lines of the holsters offered by CrossBreed is the ST2 series of inside-the-waste-band holsters, which can be configured to the user's preference. The use of Kydex for the pocket insures the holster securely retains the pistol while the leather backers provide comfort to the user. 

An example of a U.S. Springfield Armory produced Model of 1911 service pistol.
An example of a U.S. Springfield Armory produced Model of 1911 service pistol.

When the U.S. Army contracted Colt to produce the semi-automatic Model of 1911 service pistol after its adoption, a provision was inserted into the contract that the company provide drawings and production schematics to the U.S. arsenal of Springfield Armory to also produce it. The U.S. government did not want to put all the demand of manufacture for the new pistol on one manufacturer. This resulted in one of the less common manufactures of the M1911 service pistols seen today, marked with Springfield Armory stamps.    

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Match Ready M1 Garand 1
Match Ready M1 Garand 1

Making a Match-Ready M1 Garand

For decades, fans of the M1 Garand have gone to Camp Perry to shoot the John C. Garand match, a test of their shooting skills and rifles. Here, one M1 Garand enthusiast prepares his rifle and ammo for the shoot.

Will the USPS Allow Handguns to Be Mailed?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on April 2, 2026, published a proposed rule that would permit the mailing of lawful handguns through the U.S. mail for the first time in nearly a century.

The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 mm: A Flexible Optic for Dangerous Game Hunting

Trijicon is probably best known for its military and law-enforcement optics, but the company is also serious about its commercial line of riflescopes designed for hunting.

U.S. Army Bases Will No Longer Be Gun-Free Zones

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced this week that U.S. Army bases will no longer be gun-free zones.

Gun of the Week: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

One of the latest concealed-carry handguns to hit the consumer market is the CZ's Shadow 2 Carry. Watch our "Gun of the Week" episode to see the details of this carry-oriented design.

The Armed Citizen® April 3, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.