Scoping an M1A

[Rem700SD]

The M1A beat the other choices in my Zombie poll, my favored FAL taking a distant third. I'll probably get an FAL, just one not as nice as I originally planned.
How difficult is it to scope the M1A? I'm thinking that the scope is not centered over the bbl. Are there any complications I should consider? Are scout mountings difficult for the near sighted?

Dan

 

[2sigs]

Rem700SD,

Great timing as I'm looking at same situation of scoping M1A and need advice also. I will keep a close eye on this post and hope we get some good advice as to scope and mount system that seems to work well.

Have a Great day !

73

 

[Eat Beef]

The scope is centered over the bore.

A quality mount is not cheap, think 200+. Smith Enterprises and Sadlak are two of the best.

LRB is finishing up the testing on a Hammer Forged reciever with an integral scope mount. If I were only rich.

 

[Zullo74]

Springfield Armory $123.00 Scope center over bore.

 

[Dienekes]

The word is that the Smith mount is the way to go--and one other the name of which I can't recall at the moment. Both fairly pricey but solid, unlike many others. I have one for mine which I had on for a tryout with a k-4 Weaver as an experiment. Unlike M1 mounts it does mount centrally over the bore. Line of sight is higher, though, and a cheek piece is pretty well required.

I will probably put an ACOG on mine as irons are getting less easy to use with time. Which is me, not the rifle.

The drawbacks (in addition to price) are that it adds weight and bulk to a rifle that already weighs about 11 pounds with a leather sling and full 20 rd magazine. Between the fact that irons are more efficient for good eyes than most people think, and that the mounting of an optic changes the handling characteristics of the rifle considerably, I would not be in a big hurry to do it unless there was a big personal payoff.

Can't speak to the virtues and vices of a forward barrel-mounted optic but would expect that it's also a mixed bag. No such thing as a free lunch.

There is an M14 site out there (www.M-14forum.com) that has some detailed discussion on this topic.

 

[Rem700SD]

My right eye is the weaker of my eyes and I shoot right handed. Therefore I've grown dependent on scopes for shots over 50 yds.
Thanks for the info and link(s)

Dan

 

[DnPRK]

Get a Brookfield mount, if you can find one.
Next best are Enterprise and Sadlak, both are Brookfield knock-offs.
Stay away from the Springfield mount. They are not known for repeatability or durability.

 

[possum]

arms makes a nice mount the #18 to be specific, i have seen them on several m21's in iraq, and a few here at riley. they look pretty nice and seem to be good mounts. plus arms products are great anyway, i love their stuff.
http://www.armsmounts.com/catalog.php?action=124&item_id=7

 

[rockstar.esq]

I could've sworn that I saw a Soccom 16 with a scout style rail on it that would address all of your problems. I know it's not the exact same rifle but I just figured you'd want to know.

 

[possum]

I could've sworn that I saw a Soccom 16 with a scout style rail on it that would address all of your problems. I know it's not the exact same rifle but I just figured you'd want to know.

i know you can pput one of the scout mounts on the full size with 22" barrel, because i called springfield and asked them what i would have to do to get a loaded model with scout mount, and they told me to buy the part and instal it. i though it would have to be a custom deal but i guess not. shows what i know!

 

[Bwana John]

i know you can pput one of the scout mounts on the full size with 22" barrel, because i called springfield and asked them what i would have to do to get a loaded model with scout mount, and they told me to buy the part and instal it.

Mmmm...
My M-1A (Loaded) has a medium weight barrel which will NOT fit the forward mounted scout scope mount, it needs the GI weight barrel and countour to match up.

I dont know why anybody would go throught the time, money, and agravation to mount a scope on a M14, it was not intended for it, and it dosent work so well without a stock designed for a scope, the really expensive mount, and (as I hear from The Sandbox) a bead of weld

I get so much joy from the best open sight system in the world I can not figure why anybody would mess that up with a scope.

If I want precision, I will start with a platform intended for it.

 

[loadedround]

I have a Match grade M1A that I have scoped and I suggest you check eBay for a used second generation Springfield mount(the one with the two mounting screws). You usually can get one for a lot less than Sprinfields list price. You will have to remove the bullet guide for stripper clips on to top of the receive, but that is only held in place with a simple drift pin. This mount will allow you to mount any scope using Weaver mounts. BTW, on my rifle I had to add a strap-on cheek piece to my stock since my scope sits higher than iron sights and the comb is too low to rest my cheek on the stock. Please email me if I may of any additional help.