Best scope mount for an M1a?

[10X]

The only negative I have heard about the ARMS 18 is that is sits lower than other mounts and sometimes with some rifles the empty case hits the mount somehow and jams. I use Smith mounts and find they were easy to install once I understood how the worked and find them solid as a rock. I can still use the iron sights if necessary. The Smith mounts are solid steel and protect the scope from ejecting empties.

 

[glockman19]

All I can say is I have NO issues or problems with my 3rd gen SA scope mount. It's srurdy has 3 point contact and allows me to use bot Iron sights. I don't have to remove or "pop-off" the scope to use iron sights. they are visible under the scope mount. The mound doesn't come loose because I used loc tight. The scope doesn't have to be re-sighted because I don't remove it. For competition all I have to do is put my bikini lens cover over the scope and I'm good to go.

If I ever have any issues I'll remember the other mounts you speak of.

 

[Gewehr98]

Huh?

All I can say is I have NO issues or problems with my 3rd gen SA scope mount. It's srurdy has 3 point contact

Unless they've redesigned the 3rd Generation SA mounts yet again, there are just 2 contact points, the front thumbscrew going into the threaded boss, and the rear thumbscrew going into a clip guide block. I'd recommend using a good grade of Loctite on those two screws.

There's no 3rd stabilizing screw in front contacting the receiver ring like the Brookfield/Sadlak/Smith and ARMS #18:



As seen in my earlier photos in this thread, my ARMS #18 is an older model, and I have cordura wrapped around my scope tube to protect it from ejected brass. The current production model ARMS #18 as seen above (once you get past their 90-day backlog) has a full-length M1913 Picatinny rail, and deflects the brass away from the scope tube.