I had the Springfield Loaded model with the stainless heavy barrel, polymer stock, 2 stage trigger and National Match Sights.
Positives- very accurate, good target trigger, stock seemed sturdy and well-bedded. Cool looking and weather resistant. POA never seemed to change due to temp or humidity whch is a known issue on the wood-stocked guns. Mine fed perfectly every ammunition I tried, but seemed to like Norma 168gr. Match best.
Negatives- the NM front post is a little too thick for the tiny rear aperture. Forget tracking any sort of moving target with these sights, they are for the bench only. The SA steel scope mount is pricey, and I had to Loc-Tite the crap out of it because it kept loosening up. The gas cylinder liked to wiggle loose regularly as well.
The heavyweight stainless barrel is HEAVY....leaving the gun pretty unbalanced and nose-heavy if you are firing offhand. Once again, best for the bench and little else. It is also loooong....forget getting in and out of a vehicle with one easily, if thats your thing. Id hate to hump this model through the bush for sure.
The Springfield 2-stage trigger reminded me of a Shmidt-Rubin trigger.The stages are very pronounced and not conducive to quick follow-up shots. Yes, once again, best for target work, not a firefight.....but not really great for sniper/overwatch either, IMO.
I sold it and got a POF AR10, which is a much better all-round fighting gun, but the Loaded was a decent specialized benchrest high-power rifle and I would have kept it around if money and storage space were of no concern.
If I get another. It'll probably be a Fulton Scout. The SA SOCOM16 is tempting, but Gawd they are LOUD!
