Advise Tactical Scope M1-A

Self | June *, 2013 | Self

[Retain Mike]

I want to get a tactical scope for my M1-A to fill out a collection of several U.S. military rifles beginning with an 03-mark1. I am looking for one that most closely approximates what snipers currently use. I have narrowed my interest down to Leopold and Nightforce. It looks like I have to spend about $2,000. The technology part of the Nightforce website talks a really good story, but at the high end wouldn’t Leopold take the same care? Does anyone know which scope maker has the greatest presence in the military market?

In terms of accessories I have a Smith Enterprise three point mount. I haven’t researched rings yet, so advise would be helpful.

Any ideas folks have about making the decision would be appreciated.

Nightforce Technical http://nightforceoptics.com/technology/

Leopold Tactical http://www.leupold.com/tactical/

Nightforce Tactical http://nightforceoptics.com/military/beast/

[skeeter]

I was asking the same question a month ago. Not wanting to spend too much I settled on a 4x Weaver with 8” eye relief. Suits me ok.

[andyk]

Pfl

[Robert A Cook PE]

Everybody is reminded these threads are “monitored” by the fed’s - and I very suspicious about how many are actually instigated by them as well.

But then again, if I were a liberal Muslim communist Wall Street occupier from Yemen, the fed’s would end up ignoring me anyway.

[skeeter]

Oh, I don’t have anything to mount my scope on to. I use it to watch my next door neighbor. She’s a sun worshipper.

[Joe 6-pack]

Whatever you decide on, make sure it’s waterproof in case of a boating accident.

[Carriage Hill]

I have an (older model illum yellow dot/circle) Mark 4 CQ/T on one of my AR-10s:

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/mark-4-cqt-riflescopes/

And a Mark 4 ER/T 4.5-14x50mm (30mm) M1 Front Focal, on another AR-10:

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/mark-4-ert-riflescopes/mark-4-ert-4-5-14x50mm-30mm-m1-front-focal/

[Lurker]

I found a Gen 2 Springfield Armory Rangefinding model, new in the box, about 7 years ago. I paid $600 for it. My friend has a Leopold that he’s very happy with.

My only advice is to buy the very best you can afford.

[The KG9 Kid]

Before I spent $2000+ on a NightForce, I'd sure want to know that my $1200 M1A had the inherent accuracy to take advantage of expensive optics mounted on top.

It would be sad to own a 3 MOA rifle with a $2000 scope on it that could only hit a baseball downrange at 100 meters away one chance in three.

[JoeFromSidney]

I'd put a Leupold on mine, whether or not it matches what the military uses. My question is, what kind of mount are you using to put a scope on an M1A or M14? I've tried a couple and haven't found anything satisfactory.

[The KG9 Kid]

Smith Enterprise M14 Scope Mount (NSN 5855-01-506-575) is the only really OK option, it seems.

I'd want my whole M1A rifle built with Smith Enterprise parts before I spent big money for glass.

[Charles Martel]

The "Super Sniper" scope line from swfa.com has received many positive reviews. I don't remember all of the specifics, but I know the design is a revival of an older, much-lauded Tasco "mil-spec" scope that was once awarded a USN (SEALs) contract. The overall impression is that the scopes are 90% as good as a top-shelf brand & model, but cost only 30% as much.

I've purchased some glass from SWFA, they have good customer service.

[43north]

I have to agree with those who advise checking the accuracy of your rifle before blowing a wad on optics.

Most “rack grade” M1A’s will shoot 3MOA out of the box with good ammo if you do your part. Perform a few tweaks and you can tighten that up. Adding a scope to a 3MOA rifle makes it a 3MOA scoped rifle.

If you decide to get optics don’t “over-scope”. Something in the 2-7x variable range works fine for a .308 rifle.

Lastly, check out M14forum.com for all things M1A and M-14.

[Spktyr]

Here is the scope that Marine snipers currently use: http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-store/usmc-scope-ssds.html

[Spktyr]

Oh, and the scope it replaced was the Unertl/US Optics MST-100. Also available on the open market.

[PLMerite]

Bump for being in a similar boat myself.

[MasterGunner01]

I suggest a Tasco Super Sniper 10x42M available from SWFA.com. This is a Mil-Dot scope built under license by Howa Optics in Japan for SWFA. It is manufactured to the same Mil-Spec as the Leopold Mk 4. The scope is nitrogen filled, has the reticle etched on the optical glass, a 30mm tube, large w&e adjustment knobs, and has left side parallax adjustment. Price is $399.00. I have three on various rifles. I use it with A.R.M.S. No. 22M throw lever rings. The Super Sniper is proofed to handle .50 BMG recoil loads. Here: http://www.swfa-ss.com/

[Tainan]

If the military is paying the bill (there is a reason he is known as 'Uncle Sugar') you're looking at Schmidt & Bender for long range optics with exceptional light gathering abilities. Next in line would be something by Zeiss.

Nikon, Leupold, SWFA, Burris, Simmons, Tasco and a few others would merit consideration.
And when you get into the "used military" riflescopes...its another big bag of choices.