SA M1A SOCOM Aimpoint mounting question

[Therapydude]

I just picked up my new SA M1A SOCOM and am wondering about mounting an Aimpoint on it (probably an M3). I've heard that the factory forward rail isn't that great and it might be a good idea to replace it with an Ultimak rail. Has anyone had any problems using the factory rail? Second, what ring height should be used? I'm looking at a LaRue quick release ring. Will a standard height ring (for use with an AR) be at a good height? I can also get one for a Knight RAS II rail, but am afraid that might be too low. I want to have a decent cheek weld, but at the same time, I don't want to have to look through the rear sight to utilize the Aimpoint. Any and all relevant suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MassMark]

I love the forward rail on my SOCOM. I have read threads where people had rails that were milled for weaver and not 1918 and had problems locking up a LaRue, (what I have). I would not buy a standard LaRue scope ring - rather look at the dedicated Aimpoint Mount ( LaRue LT 150) I have this one and hear that the 152 is also an option, (rides the scope lower)...I had no problems with lock-up on mine, but if you do, SAI will machine the rail to 1918 for free.

That being said, I also have looked at the Ultimak - I've heard that they are rock solid. I've been thinking about getting one in order to mount a LaRue LT 139. When mounted backwards, it allows you to hang an optical scope over the receiver - rather than side-mounting one. The SOCOM rail mount is too short for this purpose and the Ultimak seems to fir the bill....

 

[Therapydude]

MassMark, thanks for the info. When you look through your Aimpoint, I assume you are looking over the rear sight and not through it. Is that correct? Are you able to co-witness your iron sights?

 

[AK103K]

If I still had my SOCOM, I'd go with the Ultimak. I have them on a couple of AK's and love them. My SOCOM's rail was not anything close to mil spec, and my LaRue lever mount would not go on the Springfield rail at all due to it. The spacing was all wrong. It fit fine on my Ultimaks. I also went through three ARMS lever rings before I found one that would even stay snug. It was always loose enough to move by hand. The ARMS mounts also worked fine on the Ultimaks.

Your not going to get the Aimpoint to cowitness on the factory rail, ( I dont know that the Ultimaks will) even with a low Aimpoint ring. Its the ring I would use if you dont need or want to be able to quickly remove it.

 

[MassMark]

Therapydude - There was speculation that with a low mount, you could get a cowitness with the Ultimak, but I have never known it to be true. It does indeed ride lower than the stock SOCOM rail, but not sure if it's low enough...
Yes, you look up and over the rear sight, so cheek weld will be important. I have a big melon-head, so it's no issue... If it is a problem a strap-on cheekrest will work just fine...I use a Trijicon Tripower, but the specs are about the same. Also, I did not like my ARMS and sold it to buy the LaRue - seemed more substantial to me....Mark LaRue is a great guy and answers his phone, (you gotta like that) - his products are top-shelf. Pricey, but worth it....

 

[ssr]

For me, I like the low Larues work better than the standard, if it can work on the rifle in question. I would prefer the low on the SOCOM, and then would even need a cheek riser. But I like to really bury my face down into the stock.

Don't know about the Ultimak.