M1a 9102

[mshootnit]

I have a 9102 on the way, for me and eventually my sons. I bought it because its an accurate M14 style weapon, and because its in current use in our armed forces for mid-long range shooting. I am looking for input on two things, I have access to a range with 100, 300, 600, 800 yd range. What would be the best distance to zero the rifle, and what system do you use to mark your settings for extended ranges, and secondly if you do scope the rifle what do you use in terms of scope and mount to be authentic with what the military is using?

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=15

 

[CSballer89]

Shooting should be about fun and what your most comfortable with. That's what will produce best results. Making an "authentic" military gun shouldn't be a concern.

 

[cuervo]

The rear sight will have ranges marked, probably in meters, but possibly in yards if they put a Garand sight on. It will have an M on it for meters if it is the M14 rear sight.

You can zero at 200 meters/yards and then adjust the rear sight so that it shows a 2 on the line. The other ranges will usually be within +/- one click once you're zeroed.

To adjust the sight once you're zeroed, count the number of clicks until the sight bottoms out. Loosen the screw on the left and turn the elevation knob, while holding the sight aperture, turn the knob so that you are the same number of clicks away from 2. Tighten the screw and turn the knob. The number of clicks you counted should be the same to get back to the 200 meter/yard mark.

I'm not sure what scope base the military is currently using, or if there is a current single standard. ARMS-18 was the first of the good 3-point mounts, but many people have boycotted ARMS recently for quality and/or political reasons.

Similar mounts are McCann and Smith. These attach to the clip guide, side of the receiver, and will usually have a third point of contact at the front of the receiver. Avoid the Springfield Inc. mount. They are notorious for coming loose.

ARMS 18
Smith
McCann

 

[nbkky71]

Congrats on the M1A. You'll most certainly enjoy it!

I used to shoot NRA highpower with my M1A and a 200yd zero was the norm for me, since that's the minimum distance we shot at. Never had mine past 600yds.

As for extended ranges... After I established a zero for a particular range (300yds, 600yds) I would count the number of 'clicks' of elevation until the sight bottomed out. Count up the correct number of clicks for a given range and you're good to go!

Most highpower shooters I know have marked their sights with some shape/form of paint to make it easier to quickly adjust the sights and return to a known-zero.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Go here , they have a detailed sticky on zeroing your new M1A. Once you get it set you just count clicks.

http://www.m14tfl.com/upload/

 

[MCEOD]

With the Schmidt and Bender I shoot with on mine at work, we zero @ 100 yards and use the Mil-Dots for range estimation and quicker target acquisition. Not sure on the scope mount, but I'll take a look at it next time we pull them out.

 

[mshootnit]

200 yds it is! That's perfect I have a 200 yd and 200 meter range side by side.