I bought a new one about 3 months ago. Standard model with wood stock. Too costly to be available in my area so I ordered through Buds.
It is expensive, nearly $1400, and nobody buys one because it's the best, or most accurate, or lightest, or most modern .308 semi auto out there. Everybody already knows it isn't.
But it sure may be one of the coolest, and it's LOT of fun to shoot.
Beautiful rifle, as everyone knows. I'm no expert but fit and finish seem fine. The stock is a heavily stained walnut and very pretty. Action is smooth and it seems to lock up tight. So far as I can tell stock fit is as it should be.
A couple of points to note:
Accuracy was puzzling, the rifle strung horizontally at first (well, still does). The REAR SIGHT IS LOOSE, it wobbles side-to-side about .025" as best I can measure, way to much, and easily enough to matter.
The inner and outer barrel feed ramps (if that's the correct term) don't line too well, the inner ramps look like the barrel was screwed in a few degrees too much so they are shifted visibly left. I'm not sure this matters much but on a $1400 rifle they should be right.
I registered the warranty and e-mailed Springfield about the sight and ramps two or three weeks ago but haven't heard back yet, I suppose i'll have to call. The sight for sure should be repaired under their warranty.
After compensating for the loose sight, accuracy seems to do fine. I cannot really judge accuracy as I'm not a good enough shot long range, especially with iron sights. For me it's as accurate as a CMP special grade H&R Garand I have. As I and others have noted if you're looking for a target rifle this may not be the best choice.
I have not put a scope on it, may someday. I'd like to try an extended eye-relief, low-power scope mounted forward of the receiver like the Scout model allows, if the rail can be retrofitted to this rifle. For me that might be the best compromise.
Trigger pull is very good, way better than any stock AR I've seen. Slightly long but very smooth and light. A pleasant surprise.
Reliability has been excellent. I did have 2 failures to fire, but this was with some suspect steel cased TulAmmo ammo that has caused problem in other rifles as well. Everything else has been perfect.
I really like the semi-gloss wood stocks like the photo above and I'll be shining mine up as well.
I add also that for the price Springfield ought to spring for more than one 10-rd. mag, and they should include a basic sling. But this is nit-picking, I knew what was included when I order the rifle. I actually prefer the 10-rd. mags in general, the 20's stick out too far and get in the way. But to have the 'authentic' look, gotta get a 20. Checkmate mags are available for less than $30.
Overall, my opinion is that the rifle is overpriced, and for the money Springfield should spend a little more time and attention to detail when they build them. But there sure aren't any cheaper M-14 clones out there, and I wanted one and was willing pay the cost. Overall I'm glad I have it.