Because a "Scout" scope in low rings on a rail-mount in place of the rear handguard variant.
So folks don't want that extra forward weight and instead opt for mounting a mini-RDS in place of the rear sight, closer to the eye. You need to watch that vid in my previous post, as the YouTuber, Garand-Thumb, explains how the MOA red dot works for more precise shooting up close and at distance, at least out to 300-yds. With the RDS properly zeroed, as long as you can see the critter enough to put the dot on vitals, you'll get to the same result as with the forward-mounted scope but without the feel of the forward-weight.
I've hunted deer with the Scout scope set-up on my most awesome '06 Mini-G. Mine's the fixed power 2.75x Burris optic. It's fine out to 150-200yds and certainly for closer shots.
But the real problem with running a Scope scope manifests itself in low-light/fading light situations due to the eye-relief distance. An optic of the same fixed-power (2.5x or 3x) mounted over the receiver will "pull in" more light for target ID and a more precise shot than the Scout optic.
I never was attracted to the "Scout" scopes for the following reasons. But that's just me, have to admit, I've never shot one.
1)As stated above, the M1 is very well balanced as is with forward weight about right for offhand shooting IMO.
2)I worry about sunlight on ocular lens or between the eye and ocular lens even if it does not hit the lens. I've noticed windage errors, even w/iron sights, when sun is low and @ 90-100* angle from line of sight.
3)I prefer a full sight picture, not just a magnified picture surrounding point of aim, as would result w/extended eye relief.
4)Wondering if the Ultimak provides a solid enough base to prevent slightest movement of scope? Looks like only the rear band is all that holds it in place like it does the rear handguard on standard M1. Or maybe some set screws to hold more secure to barrel?
5)Will a scout scope be effective out to 600 yards & beyond as are the original iron sights (w/good eyesight)?
That '06 Mini-G is a very nice looking rifle,
@Hesa Hard1. Are they still being offered? Looking forward to your experience/comments on above concerns.
Having been forced to retire my M1 due to failing eyesight some 15 years prior, I began a quest for a solution to old eyes and iron sights on the Garand. When Burris came out with the FFII, I came up with an idea to mount one in place of the rear sight in a manner that required no alteration to the rifle.
The mount was fairly easy, the correct optic to maintain the accuracy capabilities of the rifle, not so much. The first attempt was successful, but not up to capability of my rifle, so the search continued.....
posted Jan 13, 2012 2:51 PM
I was issued my first garand in 1952, if memory serves, and shot them in competition for more years than I care to admit. It was with great reluctance, at +/- 70 years of age, I was forced to admit I could no longer see the sights well enough to be proficient in its use and relegated my fine old warhorse to the safe.
Took a while, but a plan slowly emerged to replace the iron sights with some sort of optical sight. Unfortunately no (acceptable to me) sights/mounts were available. First off, I did not wish to make any alterations to the rifle (drill/tap), but when I saw the Burris Fastfire II, the wheels began to turn. The FFII is not much larger than the original rear sight on the garand and the "ears" through which the elevation screw mounts would make no-drill mounting rather simple. The small size made the FFII ideal as it does not interfere w/top loading and clip ejection of the garand. The FFII mounts a tad higher than the original sight, but about the same as a scope on an AR in that I can use a "chin weld" rather than a cheek weld on the stock.
I made a wooden "dummy" base that fit between the ears on the receiver and took it and a FFII to a gunsmith friend and a few weeks later picked up the finished product.
The base block pivots on two screws turned to fit holes in the "ears" and is locked at desired angle to achieve elevation zero by two small allen screws, one in front of and one behind the mounting screws:
With sight mounted:
Took it to the range last week, and so far I fear my 75 year old eyes still aren't what they once were so, with the 4 moa dot and no magnification, I can't expect to shoot up to the capability of this rifle.....
One of the comments on my post came as a surprise that Hopco was just coming on line with their sight base:
http://m14forum.com/modern-m14...1a-m14-platform.html
Sure wish I had know these guys were making one, it would have been a lot easier (and cheaper) to have bought theirs.
Another advantage of the Hopco is they mounted the sight directly to the base where I mounted a picatinny rail which added nearly 1/2" of heighht, which allowed me to change the optics when I was not satisfied w/the FFII.
Full thread here:
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7811043/m/4781009961?r=4781009961#4781009961
Next, I mounted a Millett red dot sight which was an improvement,
but I still needed some magnification....enter Primary Arms Optic
Not the pretty young thing that it once was, but both of us have aged & pretty is as pretty does!
VVV 5 shot .665" @100 yds Minute Of Coyote @ 175 yds VVV
Not too shabby for a $121 DCM rifle, even if it did come in a cardboard box instead of one of those sexy new rifle cases.
Regards,
hps
