Rifle Scopes I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

[Gasitman]

I just bought a SA "loaded" m1a and I want a scope on it, I really do not want to spend over $700 on one. I do want some range however, at least out to 600 yards as the club where I will be shooting has a range like that. Most of the time I will just be punching paper, but maybe some hunting later.

 

[McKinneyMike]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

I like the Sightron SIII scopes for what you are doing. The 8-32X56 or the 6-24X50. Excellent glass, good repeatable turrets, SFP scope. Lifetime warranty. There are others that fit this price point, but the Sightron SIII glass is damned good in this price range. The 8-32 might be a little more cash, but you should be able to find it close to $750.00 if you really look around.

 

[McKinneyMike]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

Actually found the 8-32X56 for $727.00 on Gunbroker Sightron SIII 8-32X56

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

I have the Super Sniper 3-9 using an ARMS base and Medium ARMS rings on my M1a NM. I would work well for hunting and some paper punching. I use it for steel targets out to 800 yards with success. It is a $599.00 scope and well worth it. However, Snipers Hide has an arangement with SWFA for 10% off right now, look around the site for the code code . If you want higher magnification for more precise paper punching I'd suggest the Vortex line and they happen to have some sales prices going right now. This one is a steal right now I paid $400.00 for the same scope a few months ago. http://swfa.com/Vortex-65-20x44-Viper-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P10821.aspx Of the two I'd prefer the Super Sniper for the M1a Loaded because of the FFP mil/mil combination. But both are very good scopes with life time warranties.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

I have used a lot of different mounts on the M1As, I would rate the ARMS lowest on the list. Maybe I had a bad mount, but it was about 10MOA canted to one side and I had a very hard time getting the optic to zero.
The Smith Enterprise mount may be the best for the money from my experience. Here is a pic of a very effective and relatively inexpensive scope/mount setup I used for years on a M1A Supermatch.

SS10x40M, Smith Ent. M1A mount, Smith low rings

 

[Gasitman]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

I am considering a Nikon 5-20x44 bdc for my scope. It seems to me it gives a nice wide range, and will be low enough to clear the hand guard using the SA scope mount I picked up at an auction, I do believe it is a 2nd gen, with only one set screw. Would anyone care to tell me a nice set of rings to use?

There is a guy locally that has a socom II rail and stock for $300 for sale, would this fit on my rifle with the 22" barrel? Would I be able to set the scope far enough back to use with my rifle?

Another option for mounting is a UTG rail, with a section that instals where the stipper clip guide goes, to bring the scope back some more. Here is a link: About 1/4 down the page.

http://www.thecountryshed.com/m14_accessories.htm

 

[billyburl2]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

I would really reconsider the Nikon. The M1A recoil is truly brutal on scopes. And Nikon does not have the best reputation for durability or customer service.

 

[Gasitman]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: billyburl2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would really reconsider the Nikon. The M1A recoil is truly brutal on scopes. And Nikon does not have the best reputation for durability or customer service. </div></div>

That is surprising, I have a Nikon D300 and many lenses from them and have never had a problem.

 

[billyburl2]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

Cameras and rifle scopes are a bit different.

 

[Remoah]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

Leica makes the top quality instruments for surveying that have 0.001m accuracy out to 500m+
Doesnt mean thier scopes are as good a value for money (if you can call $80,000 good value for money).

Vortex Vipers are good, thought PST wont be out for a while. Ive picked up a Bushnell Elite 4200 because of it's features and reputation, though it cost me nearer $1000USD, but you could get something with less zoom, second-focal and non illuminated for much less.

As for mounts, i'm not sure what alot of people would use on a semi auto because we're not allowed them here down under. However i would look at perhaps LaRue QDM's, reason being you can sight in and mount various scopes and sights on your rifle depending on the situation. You could have a decent variable scope for bench work and a fixed-power knockabout for hutning, perhaps with lower power for closer range.

 

[josephberry]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

I second the Sightron SIII. Glass is really good and tracking is spot on.

 

[USACS]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

Weaver Tactical 3-15x50 FFP mil-dot is at SWFA for $625. Tough as nails, FFP reticle, clarity on-par with Leupold, and half the price.
I'm putting one on my M1A Loaded ERC build.

Cheers!

 

[RTL]

Re: I need some help, I have no idea what I am doing.

I'm using a Bassett mount and very happy with it.
http://www.bassettmachine.com/
Relatively inexpensive and so far (maybe a dozen trips to the range - 400 rounds??) it returns to zero within a couple clicks every time I take it off (each time I shoot it - just not enough room in the safe). These mounts were highly recommended on The Firing Line M1A forum, you're going to want to spend some time there. I'm using an older SS 10x on it and one of Karsten's cheek pieces on a GI fiberglass stock.