Scope Suggestions for M1A

Yes you can, can also get the in a silver finish like Nikon prostate with a BDC reticle, or Sightron.

ms6852 said:

Nikon prostate

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Uhhhhh, does your doctor wear rubber gloves when he installs that scope?

Yes, you can get fabulous glass for under $500.

BUT
In my experience,
1) the m1a isn't that accurate usually 2-3moa.
2) the mounts that do not require you to modify your gun are not reliable and tend to be loose or come loose. And the ones that do not are pricey.
3) the m1 stock has too much drop in the stock to use a scope and get a good cheek weld. You will need a strap on riser.

NIGHTLORD40K said:

Uhhhhh, does your doctor wear rubber gloves when he installs that scope?

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Fricking spell check must have changed it. LMAO

Aix sponsa said:

I will probably buy one of the scope mounts that attach to the side, because I'd hate to think I couldn't use my open sights.

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With an M1A, the scope mounting system is extremely important. The cheap mounts that attach with a single screw on the side just won't cut it. The better mounts also attach to the clip guide dovetail (you have to remove the clip guide).

I have an army-contract Brookfield Precision mount on mine. This is no longer made, but the Sadlak mount is the same thing, except that it uses a Picatinny rail instead of a Weaver rail (regularly-spaced square transverse slots instead of random-spaced rounded slots). The Sadlak is an improved Brookfield, which in its day was considered the "gold standard" of M14/M1A scope mounts.

These mounts are made in such a way that you can still use the iron sights with the mount in place (although the scope itself would have to be removed). Use quick-detach rings.

I have been shooting my SA M1A NM for many years now. I use a Basset low mount and a Bradley check rest. The mount goes on with one screw and I have not had any problem at all. The Bradley straps on the stock and is adjustable.
You can find a lot of info on the M14 forum.

I was excited to read the posts here, as I'm finally deciding what I want to put on my M1A. I chose to go with the Vortex Strikefire, red dot, and put a magnifier with it. My particular gun, is the M1A action dropped into a SAGE EBR stock/chassis. I had to swap out the op-rod guide block to the one supplied by SAGE, and it's certainly a bit heavier. But... I really like the ergos on it, and I'm excited to see how the red-dot w/magnifier works.

PE

You must dismount the basset with scope attached to use iron sights. I do it all the time with no appreciable loss of zero. Usually no loss.
You need the cheek rest to eliminate "turkey neck", and achieve faster target acquisition.

Aix sponsa said:

Anyonehave any experience with the quality of Primary Arms scopes? Recommendations?

So far, I like what I see with the PROSTAFF 5 4.5-18X40Matte Mildot.

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I’ve looked through Primary Arms scopes and wasn’t impressed. Also mounted a ton of ProStaffs and wasn’t thrilled. The Burris NIGHTLORD40K mentioned is a good scope in my book. For $50.00 more than your stated budget you can get a VX-3i 4.5-14-40. I’d want a scope at least that good on a rifle costing north of $1k. If not put a VX-2 4-12x40 on it. I’ve mounted scopes on some M1A’s. Either way the bases are mounted requires a high quality part IMO and as others have mentioned.

How far are you planning on shooting?

I'd be so tempted to put a Leatherwood ART just for the M21 look.

If you can find an M14A1 compensator (it slips over the flash hider and locks on the bayonet lug), that's a very worthwhile accessory for a scoped rifle. It helps prevent muzzle rise in rapid fire.

The Bassett mount with scope attached comes off together. On the left side of the receiver is a threaded hole with a slot above to match the mount.
Check Bassett website.
I think you will find the high mount too high even with low rings.
A search on the M14 forum will give you tons of info and opinions.
BTW the iron sights are the best.

Aix sponsa said:

Good afternoon,

I want to scope my Loaded Stainless M1A. Every scope I've ever owned has either been a 3-9 or a fixed 3 or 4 power scope, but I'd like to get one that's a little more powerful for this one. Maybe up to 14 power...? I'd like to keep it under $500, if possible, but I don't want to buy junk. I will probably buy one of the scope mounts that attach to the side, because I'd hate to think I couldn't use my open sights. Quick detach mounts could be an option, but they tend to be pricey as well. I mean, who doesn't like using the M1 sights?

Can I get a quality scope that's more powerful than 3-9, with reticles other than standard duplex for under $500? Anyone have any experience with the quality of Primary Arms scopes? Recommendations?



Thank you,

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Don't waste your time trying to scope an M1A with a no-drill scope mount: it won't stay put and will ALWAYS wiggle loose. I wasted 20 years trying to stabilize various scopes on my Federal Ordnance M1A and finally gave up. I started using the military Garand-type peep sight and have never been happier. Using .308 Win. hand loads, I out-shoot many target range shooters with fancy scoped bolt action rifles at 100 yards and my eyesight isn't very good. It's because the original metallic sights are just that good. Don't waste time and money scoping an M1A.

Aix sponsa said:

I just emailed basset about their low mount. It does allow the use of open sites, correct? Why would someone want the high mounts instead?

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50 mm scope?

gillmeister692 said:

Don't waste your time trying to scope an M1A with a no-drill scope mount: it won't stay put and will ALWAYS wiggle loose.

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I agree that the single mounting screw on the side is not enough. However, you don't need to drill additional holes either. The better mounts use a second fastening point that replaces the clip guide, and a stabilizing screw that bears against the receiver ring. This all makes for a pretty solid mounting. Don't make permanent alterations to your receiver.

25-5 said:

I use a Basset low mount and a Bradley check rest.

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Ditto

The Basset mount has only one screw and stays put if you torque it properly and keep gun oil out of the hole. Nice thing is it comes off easy for shooting irons and installs just as easy and goes right back to zero.





I have the Nikon M308 scope on it.