M1A Scout Optics - Red Dot vs Scopes?

[MrRob]

I have a Springfield M1A scout squad that I love very much. I can't decide whether to put an optic on it and if so, what kind.

I feel good with the iron sights, anything out to 300 yds is a breeze. Id speculate it averages between 1.5 to 2 MOA out of the box with no work done on it, but im no sniper and i havent measured it in a while. I'm not sure that the sight numbers on the dial are calibrated correctly for the 18 inch barrel with the Springfield factory compensator on there or not. I've had some good hits on 8 in steel plates at 400 yds, but not always. I use the Winchester white box 147gr because that's the best/cheapest plinking ammo readily available. Maybe if I used more federal premium match grade 168 gr boat tails, I'd get better results at 400.

Either way, for a while I've thought I should get some kinda optic on it...but what to get?

I had tried a UTG over the receiver scope mount with an ACOG TA-11. it was OK. I didn't like having to mess with a cheek riser (the bear claw was kinda nice, but overall the rifle didn't have the right feel). The TA-11 worked ok, and had enough eye releif, and the 3.5x magnification seemed just about right. But the whole set up still seemed off, and I could never zero the thing just right with absolute confidence that itd hold it's zero. Maybe it was the mount and I should have gone with a sadlak, not sure. Either way I traded the scope and mount away. Is there a better scope option I should look into instead?

So I'm wondering if I should get a Red Dot. Like an aim point M2 or M3 or micro. Can I use the standard scout mount already on there ahead of the receiver or should I really switch to the lower sitting ultimak?

Will I be sorry ifi buy some Brand X red dot clone instead of the real deal aim point?

Or, should I just get a tritium front sight and be done with it as my SHTF/range blaster/theoretical deer collector. I put a tritium front sight on my AR an like it alot, but it seems that the m1a tritium fronts are thicker/fatter and not as precise as the "062 front sight it has on there now. But I do like the tritium...it glows.

So. Decisions decisions.

Please advise. Thanks for your time.

 

[jeepnik]

I went with a Leupold Scout Scope. It's a fixed 2.5. With my eyes anything more is really a waste on my Scout/Squad. Younger eyes might do better with something like a 1 to 5 variable. But, anytime you start moving the scope away from the eye your get some serious loss of field of view when the magnification goes up.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Scope it.

 

[langloisandy]

I am an Aimpoint/Scout nut, I love the combo. I love the T1/H1/R1 but recently used one of the "Pro" series and found it to be awesome.

Andy

 

[Double Vision]

My Saiga 7.62x39 has an inexpensive red dot on it and it's been great.

I tried small magnification glass (4X?) on my beloved Scout Squad but ended up taking it off and using the iron sights.

 

[sansone]

"Or, should I just get a tritium front sight and be done with it"

this^^
you said 2moa is no problem with irons, no batteries, no glass, good to go.
my old eyes require glass or I would be using irons only also

 

[MrRob]

Andy, thanks for the thoughts on the T1/H1 and the pro.

Do I need to switch the scount mount on it to the ultimak or should I just keep it stock? I read that the ultimak sits lower and allows cowitness, which sounds handy.

Also, as far as tritium, I do like the idea of a tritium front sight post... no batteries... but wasn't sure if I might lose some of the precison from the thinner .062 NM blade mine has on it. Any experience with that?

Thanks agian for the comments and advice.

 

[Dean1818]

I have heard some folks like the leatherwood LER scopes for the Scout

 

[Welding Rod]

For and optic, I like the T-1. I have never liked scopes on the M1A. IME the stock is wrong, it adds a lot of weight to an already heavy gun, and a forward mounted scope really fouls the balance.