Best M1A Optics Mount and Why?

[FFMedic]

So I now have this nice, super expensive M1A Loaded, synthetic. It's going to be my .30 cal, semi-auto scoped gun. I'm going to give the new Burris XTR for 7.62 a try. Seeming as in how that is over 2K right there the price of a mount does not concern me that much.

So we have ARMS, Sadlak and Smith Enterprises (a few models). My only requierments are that it work (holds zero, fits well, etc.) and I can attach the scope with QD rings and pop it off and use the irons as well.

What mount is the best and why? Who here has what and likes it and dislikes and and why? Pics are worth a thousand words too.

Also, any recomendations for 30mm QD rings? ARMS seem sturdy...

Please and thank you,
FFMedic

 

[Jason_G]

I would go with Sadlak (get the steel one, not the aluminum one) personally, with Smith being a very very close second. Actually, any of those would be just fine, but I like that you can get a kit from Sadlak to ensure that the mount fits properly, as the left hand side of the receiver on some M1As are slightly out of USGI spec where the mounting groove is concerned.

Jason

 

[H2O MAN]

Pictured below:

Smith Enterprise, Inc. M14 Scope Mount, Wire EDM, NSN 5855-01-506-5750
Smith Enterprise, Inc. Wire EDM 30mm Rings,* MIL STD 1913, Low, NSN 1005-01-535-4374

 

[lipadj46]

The best bang for buck is this SEI steel weaver mount for $125. I own it and it is rock solid:

http://www.smithenterprise.com/products15.html

It is just like the $300 SEI and Sadlak mounts but with a weaver instead of a picatinny mount. There really is no difference between the Smith and Sadlak mounts they are all based on the same design.

Stay away from the SAI 3rd generation mount as it is made of aluminum and I here many complaints about them. Leapers makes an exact copy for $30 so if you must get this design get the leapers mount.

If you do get an SEI mount for an SAI M1A let Smith know because the mounts need to be machined a bit different.

Here is the Smith Weaver mount on my M1A loaded with Weaver steel rings. $125+18 = $143 it is the cheapest option out there and is totally rock solid. Don't knock the weaver steel grand slam rings till you try them. Bill Bassett also recommends weaver rings for the price.

 

[H2O MAN]

If you want something really special... SAGE EBR, LaRue LT608 and SEI rings

 

[lipadj46]

The Sadlak Titanium mount is also a pretty cool option, $500 last I checked though. The ARMs is a decent mount also, it is probably the lowest mount available.