Scope recommendations for M1As
- Thread starter Cbenson89
- Start date
KillerFord1977
SAINT
Leupold will work fantastic, as will many others.
depends on budget, scope magnification wanted and look of the reticle really.
there are about 4 or 5 really great optics companies you cannot go wrong with. Just depends on factors I mentioned.
has been discussed at length on the forum. Do search for Scopes / Optics
Talyn
SAINT
Sadlack mounts are top-notch so you're starting off well there. You'll likely need a set a low-moderate height picatinnny rings since the M1A always results in an optic that's mounted high enough to clear the rear sight.
Besides a specific brand of optic one must determine/decide what type of optic (scope) will meet your needs for the M1A, or any other rifle.
Is the rifle going to be a working (self-defense) gun vs. a range toy? Also, your area conditions have a major influence on the power range for an optic.
Living in an area charaterized by wide-open spaces will influence how much max magnification power you could find useful for longer ranges. If you live in an area/region with thick forest conditions a higher magnification power could be overkill when a low to moderate power range scope would met the needs for close-in to moderate range shooting.
Plus one should consider how much extra weight one wants to add to an already weightly & large rifle. A lighter scope (likely a low-moderate power range) will balance much better than a heaftier scope that has a higher power range and other features.
Also, a key issue is what kind of reticle would met your needs. On a working gun a reticle that is easily visible (w/o illumination) is key, whereas if you're just punching paper a complicated reticle with fine hash marks may nt ne as useful for non-range toy conditions, Now-a-days there's a tendency to have far more complicated reticles than what's useful in dense forest/close-range conditions.
If it's going to be a range toy then whatever you want to mount on it to punch paper is the owners decision.
Leupold, Burris, Bushnell, Athlon & Vortex all make good optics.
Also, since optics are always mounted high on M1As an attachable check rest is basically mandatory.
My .02
Besides a specific brand of optic one must determine/decide what type of optic (scope) will meet your needs for the M1A, or any other rifle.
Is the rifle going to be a working (self-defense) gun vs. a range toy? Also, your area conditions have a major influence on the power range for an optic.
Living in an area charaterized by wide-open spaces will influence how much max magnification power you could find useful for longer ranges. If you live in an area/region with thick forest conditions a higher magnification power could be overkill when a low to moderate power range scope would met the needs for close-in to moderate range shooting.
Plus one should consider how much extra weight one wants to add to an already weightly & large rifle. A lighter scope (likely a low-moderate power range) will balance much better than a heaftier scope that has a higher power range and other features.
Also, a key issue is what kind of reticle would met your needs. On a working gun a reticle that is easily visible (w/o illumination) is key, whereas if you're just punching paper a complicated reticle with fine hash marks may nt ne as useful for non-range toy conditions, Now-a-days there's a tendency to have far more complicated reticles than what's useful in dense forest/close-range conditions.
If it's going to be a range toy then whatever you want to mount on it to punch paper is the owners decision.
Leupold, Burris, Bushnell, Athlon & Vortex all make good optics.
Also, since optics are always mounted high on M1As an attachable check rest is basically mandatory.
My .02
Hey! Thanks for the feedback. So I live in Oklahoma and for now it’s just gonna be a range toy but I bought it in case SHTF. It’s not something I would be maneuvering with it’s a post up and use it as a stand-off weapon. I just want something that I can shoot out 6-800 meters with and rapidly engage targets and not have the shooting affect my zero. It will more than likely just be a paper puncher for me unless something drastic happens.
Mountain Man
Elite
The Leopold scope on a .308 99E Savage I inherited lasted well over 32 years. Basically since the day I was born. It finally broke a few weeks ago at the range. I'd get another. But they are out of my price range.
Talyn
SAINT
You'll need some magnification to help at 600-800m (yds), but having a good variable with a lower power will likely be handy for closer ranges.
Vortex makes a couple of nice 2.5-10x44 scopes that fit an M1A well.
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vortexoptics.com
SaltyMonkey
Professional
I went with the Vortex Viper HS for my Saint Victor.You'll need some magnification to help at 600-800m (yds), but having a good variable with a lower power will likely be handy for closer ranges.
Vortex makes a couple of nice 2.5-10x44 scopes that fit an M1A well.
Default Category
SaltyMonkey
Professional
My question is so. Go with a 2 inch or 3 inch cantilever?
Talyn
SAINT
I have one on a standard ADM Recon 2" cantilever for my PSA PA10 Gen3.
Blackfeather
Custom
I tried several different scopes, mounts, rings, and stocks before finally coming up with a combination that works for me. I require generous eye relief, and a cheek weld that is comfortable & repeatable. The scope is a Leupold VX-R 1.5-5X33mm Scout scope with an illuminated 1 moa FireDot. The scope is discontinued, but you may find one used.
Attachments
HansGruber
Ronin
I’m running a Sadlak mount with a SWFA SS 10x40.
Works incredibly well.
Works incredibly well.
KillerFord1977
SAINT
I have a Sadlak on Backorder currently. Cant wait to mount the scope
HansGruber
Ronin
I got the aluminum; they seem to be always available, and, let’s face it...I’m not in the world where I truly need steel, or even a LW Airborne mount.
One thing—be prepared to do some serious measuring and math when you get it. SA receivers are notoriously iffy when it comes to being in spec...