Need Advice on M1A Scope

[Weekender]

Ok guys, I really need some help in make a few choices.

I have an M1A Scout with a Gen III scope mount from Springfield Armory. I'm shopping for a scope to use this rifle for dear hunting. I've seen a few comments that the Gen III mount is marginal and may not hold zero. But assuming that it does, and I'll show my ignorance here , What kind of rail system does this rifle have? Weaver or Picatinny?

Any suggestions on the scope? I'd like to keep the price around $200. Brand, features that are must have, magnification, Objective size etc.

Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Weekender

[LibertyOptics]

The M1A platform is tough on scopes, but smaller objectives and lighter weight scopes seem to do better. Most guys opt for a 2x on the low end and 10x-12x on the high end. You will need to double your budget, IMO. Otherwise, Vortex Diamondback with BDC reticle would be the best bet. The 1.75-5x32, 2-7x35, or 3-9x40 can be had for under $200.

Scott

[buffybuster]

Ok guys, I really need some help in make a few choices.

I have an M1A Scout with a Gen III scope mount from Springfield Armory. I'm shopping for a scope to use this rifle for dear hunting. I've seen a few comments that the Gen III mount is marginal and may not hold zero. But assuming that it does, and I'll show my ignorance here , What kind of rail system does this rifle have? Weaver or Picatinny?

Any suggestions on the scope? I'd like to keep the price around $200. Brand, features that are must have, magnification, Objective size etc.

Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Weekender

Not sure that's legal in my neck of the woods.........

If it's for hunting I would look for something not to heavy and not too much magnification. Standard Duplex reticle works fine, no need for Mil-Dot for hunting. No need for target/tactical turrets either. IMO a 2-7x38 or 3-9x40 would work well (every manufacturers makes something like this). Also I wouldn't want too much weight clamped on to that mount as they have a tendency to loosen up with big scopes. The mount should have a picatinny spec. rail.

[CSTactical]

I would recommend a better mount than the Springfield mount. ARMS, Sadlack, and even ProMag are better.

Mike @ CSGW

[LibertyOptics]

+1 on the mount. The best are Sadlak, Brookfield, and Smith Enterprise.

You can't get any more condemnation than saying ProMag is better LOL

[Weekender]

Thanks for the feedback guys. It is helpful.

What are the issues with the Springfield Armory mount? I'm figuring I'll give it a chance before I relegate it to paperweight status. What problems have you seen with this mount?

Thanks again

[randy]

I'm with those that said loose the mount. All the ones I've been around don't really want to hold zero.

[glockman19]

My Gen 3 mount has held zero with no issues. It has been lock tighted in place. I like the ability to use my Iron sights.

I placed a Bushnell Elite 4200 6x24/40 for my M1A. Bought from www.opticsplanet.com for undre $500.

[Vacaville]

Nikon Monarch, Bushnell Elite 3200 are decent scopes for around $200. Both are available in lots of magnifications. Cheapest are usually fixed 4X or 10X, or 3x9. Go to the company websites, figure out what you want and then shop around a lot. Prices seem to be all over the place for scopes. I got my Bushnell off E-Bay; just make sure to get it from a reputable seller since there are counterfeits out there.

The larger the diameter of the objective the more light it lets in. If you get a scope that goes over 6X or so, you probably want at least a 40mm. Sometimes you can save a few bucks on a 3x9x32 - not recommended.

[scr83jp]

Ok guys, I really need some help in make a few choices.

I have an M1A Scout with a Gen III scope mount from Springfield Armory. I'm shopping for a scope to use this rifle for dear hunting. I've seen a few comments that the Gen III mount is marginal and may not hold zero. But assuming that it does, and I'll show my ignorance here , What kind of rail system does this rifle have? Weaver or Picatinny?

Any suggestions on the scope? I'd like to keep the price around $200. Brand, features that are must have, magnification, Objective size etc.

Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Weekender

scope mount www.amegaranges.com I put one on my Garand. check out sightron scopes on http://www.midwayusa.com good scope replacement warranty made in korea not china

[Black Majik]

Skip the ARMS mount. Once I set up my Sadlak I'm setting my ARMS 18 mount to the 100 yard line for target practice.

[mattt]

I have the pro mag with blue locktight. For a scope I picker a bushnell 3200 elite mill dot fixed 10 power .No problems yet.

[Weekender]

Thanks again for all the input. I spent yesterday out at the range with the new scope installed on the Gen III mount. As advertised, it did not hold zero. The forward mounting screw came loose while sighting the scope in.

For those with Sadlak, I see three options, Titanium, Airborne, and Aluminum. Anyone using the Aluminum mount as it seems the most cost friendly and the Airborne is backordered?

Thanks

Weekender.