M1A Scope and Mount / Bipod Recommendation

[Rockrivr1]

Now that I have the M1A I'd like to get some recommendations on a quality scope mount and scope to put on it. Going from a previous thread, getting the SA mount and scope isn't very recommended. The scope would be for general target practice out to 300 yards. I may get the chance to shoot it to 600 yards but only very infrequently.

Also, what brand of bipod works good for the M1A. Is the one offered by SA good?

I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks

 

[ocabj]

Look into the ARMS #18.

http://www.armsmounts.com/list.html#18

As far as bipods, Harris are the most popular. Be sure to get the swivel model.

 

[Gewehr98]

Speaking of previous threads...

Here's the same topic:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=72515

 

[El Rojo]

I had a Springfield Armory 3rd Generation scope mount for it. I have too many scoped bolt guns to need a scoped M1A. The cheek weld just isn't right. You will probably need to figure that out for yourself though, but if you really think about it, do you need a scope on your M1A? Just trying to save you the money of buying a high dollar mount and then deciding the cheek weld and the gun itself really makes it an iron sighted weapon. Of course here on the High Road we believe firmly in your right to do what you want and for you to figure things out on your own.

I did screw a QD stud with enough space to fit behind the existing sling swivel in the front of the stock. I then attach whatever Harris Bipod I want to it. I personally like the Harris Model L (S). I have one right now and need at least one more, maybe even two. I highly recommend the swivel model (denoted by the (S)).

That is the Model 25 (S) Harris Bipod. I use that for coyote calling and hunting, but I have never used it on the M1A, it is too high.

 

[uglymofo]

I'd suggest an ARMS #18 and a set of rings. I went with the #22's. If you decide on ARMS, go through Frank Sottile http://www.battlerifles.com/viewtopic.php?t=714&highlight=frank+sottile

No one beats his service or prices.

There aren't many real choices. Y'either choose ARMS, Brookfield, or Smith, and you'll have either a hell of a time finding the Brookfield or Smith, or hock your kidney for it. ARMS is probably the "cheapest" compromise. That's not to imply they're junk, like the SA's. Given an opportunity to switch out my ARMS mount for something else, I wouldn't, no matter the cost; mine hold zero just fine, after ~1500 rounds and > 125 R & R's to clean the rifle. Lap the rings no matter what you do.

For a scope, I'd recommend either a Burris Black Diamond or a Nightforce. I'm not big on Leupolds; I know they've got a very good warranty service reputation, but I think there are several companies out their with comparable glass for less money. I find Burris BD glass easily better for less cost and the same warranty. (In my opinion, Leupold has a hold or the market much like VHS tape manufactureres did in the old days--Beta was better, but VHS marketing cornered Beta and crushed it.) Nikon has a good rep too, for almost the same money; Sightron is equal in glass quality to the Leupolds for half the cost, and I've heard their service is very good but have no personal experience with them. The Tasco Super Sniper is a pretty good scope in the $300 range (IF you buy it from SWFA. There are other older SS versions out there made by junk sub-contractors, but SWFA has the QC under control with an exclusive contract now). If you can consider the next step up in glass over $6-700 range, I'd suggest Nightforce, Swarovski, or Zeiss (this stuff is so "high-line" it's more a matter of personal preference than optical quality). But no one in their right mind would argue Leupold, Nikon, Sightron, Weaver to be in the same optical class as these last. No matter what you choose, you'll need a cheekpiece.

For a bipod, I prefer a 6-9" Harris BRM-S w/ notches.

 

[Gewehr98]

El Rojo is partially right.

Which sounds better than partially wrong. Hanging a scope on an M14/M1A is exactly what TRW/H&R/Winchester intended when they put that optics mount boss on the left side of the receiver. But doing so does indeed make for an awkward cheek weld when lined up behind the scope.

Easy fix. There are several aftermarket cheekpads that either lace on, strap on, bolt on, or even bolt on. Then there are the stocks that have the adjustable cheekpieces. I went the minimal impact route, with a removable comb riser. I've got several precision bolt rifles with good optics, but an M14 variant with a scope, like this M14NM, is a thing of joy:



And it's true. The Springfield Inc. mounts aren't worth the powder to blow them to you-know-where. ARMS #18 and Brookfield Precision do the trick nicely.

 

[uglymofo]

I've got several precision bolt rifles with good optics, but an M14 variant with a scope, like this M14NM, is a thing of joy

I'll second that.