I am thinking about mounting a scope on my M1A. Did a search but I didn't find anything to definite. Can any of you M1A shooters suggest a mount? I have looked at the inexpensive ones and the Springfield model. I would like to keep the iron sights usable if possible. What is the opinion of you who have already gone where I want to go?
resdep
I would like to put a scope mount on my M1A and I am looking for suggestions as to which mount to use. I have searched but not found anything definite. I have looked at inexpensive ones and the one Springfield offers. Anyone done this already and would like to share what you think is best?
thanks,
resdep
Any good M1A scope mount involved removing the stripper clip guide from the receiver. (Except SOCOM models)
Badger Ordnance and Sadlak produce two of the finest scope mounts. I lean towards Sadlak as they will walk you thru the fitment process and even machine the mount so it is an exact fit to your rifle. I found no way to keep the iron sights as an option. Now with the SOCOM versions, you can mount scope and a BUIS device.
Your mileage may vary (YMMV). Good luck. I have a FedOrd with a scope mounted that is a tack driver out to 800yds and can keep all rounds inside a hubcap at a 1000 from prone, sling used. But I primarily shoot competition with my M1A Springfield. Shot today as a matter of fact, High Power match. My standing still needs work.
Most folks recommend the high dollar scope mounts (mine is not, it works fine, but is no longer available) and then they still argue about which one is best. Not much help here, sorry.
The usual scope mounts attach to the receiver (as it was designed for it) and some allow use of the iron sights and some don't. If it's that important you'll have to read up on them as I can't recommend either.
I will say, and this is the most important point about mounting a scope on your M1A, that unless you also install some type of "riser" on the stock that will allow you a good repeatable cheek weld you will be wasting your time with a scope mounted on the receiver type mounts. They have to be very high for the scope to clear the rear sight. This makes getting a good cheek weld tough and without a repeatable cheek weld your groups will "wander around the target". There are different types of "risers" for your stock, some are "soft" (cloth and padded) and some are "hard" (plastic or wood) and some mount permanently and some can be removed fairly quickly.
Another option might be one of those "scout" rifle mounts that clamp to the barrel. It requires the use of a long eye relief scope (LER scope or pistol scope) due to the distance from your eye to the scope mounted out in front of the receiver. I do not have one on my M1A (I went through the stuff mentioned above and installed a padded cheek riser) but I have one on my M1 Garand. It does not allow me to use the iron sights while the scope is installed but the type of rings I have allows me to remove the scope quickly when I want to use the iron sights and when the scope is reinstalled it returns to zero (or has the last 3 times I've removed and reinstalled it). Check out Ameaga Ranges or Ultimak for scout scope mounts for M1A's. I use Warne QD scope rings and it works for me.
Good luck with your search.
resdep,
Don't settle for anything less than ARMS #18, Sadlak, or Smith Enterprise. All allow use of iron sights, all claim return to zero. (I have verified the ARMS system RTZ personally) All mounts also allow you to mount your scope lower.
Quote from: Old Dog on February 01, 2009, 11:08:07 PM
I will say, and this is the most important point about mounting a scope on your M1A, that unless you also install some type of "riser" on the stock that will allow you a good repeatable cheek weld you will be wasting your time with a scope mounted on the receiver type mounts. They have to be very high for the scope to clear the rear sight. This makes getting a good cheek weld tough and without a repeatable cheek weld your groups will "wander around the target". There are different types of "risers" for your stock, some are "soft" (cloth and padded) and some are "hard" (plastic or wood) and some mount permanently and some can be removed fairly quickly.
I've heard good reviews about these on various forums :
http://www.imageseek.com/karsten/gallery/forsale
The "B model" is supposedly rock solid, but it requires an allen wrench to adjust. With some WECSOGgin the allen wrench could likely be stored in the buttstock?
Looks good, good reviews, I will likely buy one.
Anybody out there that has one, please report.
brett out.
Quote from: Old Dog on February 01, 2009, 11:08:07 PM
There are different types of "risers" for your stock, some are "soft" (cloth and padded) and some are "hard" (plastic or wood) and some mount permanently and some can be removed fairly quickly.
Mine came (used) with a Springfield scope mount on it. It allows iron sight use and I have a velcro cheek riser on the stock (loops on stock, hooks on riser pad - so it's soft on the cheek when using iron sights). When I switch to optics for distance, I velcro the riser pad back on - it's quick and simple, no moving parts to fail. So far, it's worked well for me.
(http://click88.home.comcast.net/~click88/ftp/cheek.jpg)
As always, YMMV %)
Yeah, I neglected to mention that we were uncomfortable with the way the strap on cheek pads moved around on you, no matter how tight you got the straps. I got my velcro stuff at Lowes. We used the big circle patches and put 2 on each side up high on the stock so remove as much play from the nylon as possible. And yes, we think alike there, too - I also put the soft side on the stock in case I every needed to remove it. After a couple of mags. with your cheek up against a rough piece of velcro your signature would probably be "smeared in blood" on the stock. ;D
Quote from: Old Dog on February 02, 2009, 02:14:07 PM
And yes, we think alike there, too - I also put the soft side on the stock in case I every needed to remove it. After a couple of mags. with your cheek up against a rough piece of velcro your signature would probably be "smeared in blood" on the stock. ;D
**) Ha! Plus when I get about a week's growth of whiskers, my cheek sticks pretty well the soft loops to the stock - talk about a solid cheek weld!
The clamp mount that goes on the barrel is junk. Don't waste your money. Sadlak is one of the top mounts made,if not the #1 mount made.. O0
Thanks to everyone. I will do more study and watch for more input. I'll have to look for the stock pads also.
resdep
you might try this http://www.mccannindustries.com/mount/mount.html