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6-20x50mm scope on an m1a- Am I a fool?

Tomspanks

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 12, 2013
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Am I crazy to put this scope on this gun? Its unitized, bedded, criterion barreled(18.5"), and I hope to get decent accuracy out of it and play around out to 500 yards. Havent started load development yet.

Obviously I wont be shooting it offhand much...might even put a bipod on it for this configuration. For hunting I have a very decent, lightweight 1.5-8x. Lots of what I read claims that putting anything over 10x on an M1a is just daft though.

Ive never been in a situation where I said to myself "I wish I had less magnification"- but I am also relatively newb
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Wise thoughts?
 
Re: 6-20x50mm scope on an m1a- Am I a fool?

Arms 18- new style
 
Re: 6-20x50mm scope on an m1a- Am I a fool?

I had a Leupold VXIII 10x on mine for a while, then an ACOG 5.5x, after shooting 2 appleseed events I got hooked on iron sights.... but then after putting an Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6x on my FAL I decided I like that range of magnification and am saving for the SWFA 1-6x for my M1A Bush... its a never ending revolving thing with the M1A I guess..?!?
 
Re: 6-20x50mm scope on an m1a- Am I a fool?

I'm not sure the magnification will be as big an issue as the objective size. At 50mm you might need some fairly tall rings. No problem if you have an adjustable stock or built up cheekpiece, but the standard stock will definitely be lacking a cheekweld with a high mounted scope.
 
Re: 6-20x50mm scope on an m1a- Am I a fool?

If you want to see what you are shooting at use the 20x.I have a 20x on my M1A and it works fine.It will also let you know how well your rifle is shooting.
 
Re: 6-20x50mm scope on an m1a- Am I a fool?

Objective size and ring height are the problem, but if you have a good cheek rest, it ceases to be a problem.

I have a friend who shoots an M1A with a Leupold 8.5-25x50 and he has a cheek rest made of mousepads and 100 MPH tape.

I have another who uses a NF 3.5-15x50 and he has some fancy leather cheek rest.

Same problem. Different solutions.
 
Re: 6-20x50mm scope on an m1a- Am I a fool?

I have a NF 3.5x15 on mine. Its a great setup. But you cant beat those Iron sights! Im debating on taking everything off my M21 and old-schooling it. I just LOVE using the irons. My M21 came with an adjustable cheek rest. If you feel like putting that scope on go for it!
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Re: 6-20x50mm scope on an m1a- Am I a fool?

Sadlak titanium mount, NF high 1.125" rings, with a 56 mm objective. Can still use the irons if needed.

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From my experience,if you are going to put a scope of any sort on a M1a, you will probably need to raise up the stock unless you have some real hero cheek bones. If you are going to shoot targets, I suggest using a target scope. For hunting in heavy cover (heaven forbid) you might want a smaller scope. My M1a is not my choice for a deer rifle, but is much fun to shoot...
 
I buy 8-32s, whenever I have the cash. But,,,,,, I'm "OLD"

having an 8-32, gives you "options"". I don't need a "spotter scope". I 'also shoot flies', at 100. Literally. When they land on the target, you can see them, at 32 power, and hit them! Well, on a "good day", for me. Nikon Monarch 8-32.= $700 app. They're a Great scope, for the money!I just picked up a Nikon 3X, for an AR. $150! It's for "short range" stuff,. My M1A has a 4-16 Nikon, and it's "under powered", in my "view".
 
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I have a NF 3.5x15 on mine. Its a great setup. But you cant beat those Iron sights! Im debating on taking everything off my M21 and old-schooling it. I just LOVE using the irons. My M21 came with an adjustable cheek rest. If you feel like putting that scope on go for it!
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I like the booze in the kitchen.... lol. Might have to share a few being we're close...

And I'd take that mount off your hands if you wanna go old-school..!