scoping my M1A...any help?

[skipbo32]

i have an M1A standard and was wanting to scope it with something but i dont know where to start. i was reading up on Leupold scopes, but if i went w/ a quality optic like that i dont know if i should get the tactical model like the Mark 4 MR/T or one of the "hunter" grades scopes. i like how the Mark 4 M2 has the .308 bullet drop retical. i have a standard grade M1a and i usually shoot cheap ammo in it so i dont know if i am worthy of having that fancy of an optic, yet i dont want to put something cheap on it either. i like products that are RUGGED and durable. i live on a ranch so my gun stuff gets rained on and dirty ect.

i would like to use the gun for hunting and maybe some long range target fun as well. i am thinking i would like a mid range optic 3-6 power.

 

[skipbo32]

....also,
as far as the Mark 4 Leupold goes...does anyone have a preference on the retical? Mil Dot or the illuminated cross hairs ect...

 

[boricua9mm]

The most important part of scoping the M1A is going to be getting a quality mount and rings. I recommend Smith Enterprises, Sadlak, or the Bassett mount. The Springfield mount is notorious for being a POS that does not hold zero/stay in place. Lots of folks have wasted money and time with them.

I'm running a Smith Enterprises Weaver mount which I bought for $125 a few years back. I'm using the best Weaver rings I can find, which are from TPS.

Personally, I'm not a fan of Leupolds, but I'm probably in the minority. I've found them to be overpriced when compared to comparable models from other respected brands and they often have very unforgiving eye relief at maximum magnification. I've tried out lots of 'em. That being said, they have some of the best Customer Service and their scope options are unrivaled.

YMMV...

Edited to add: The scope pictured here is a Burris Signatuire Select 3-12x44 with Ballistic Plex reticle. With this scope, I've been able to make hits out to 600 yards with my M1A Standard. I have since sold this scope and I'll be mounting a Nikon Monarch 3-12x42mm Side Focus with BDC. It should be arriving today - I can't wait!

 

[Match14]

I just put a scope on mine, I decided to go with a Mark 2 T2, until I found out that they had been discontinued, and replaced by the Mark AR. I called Leupold and they said they were the same scope except that the Mark AR came with a elevation dial calibrated for 55gr. .223, instead of the MOA dial that came with the Mark 2 T2. Anyway the MOA dial can be ordered seperate, which is what I'm doing. Anyway the Mark ARs are like 1/2 to 1/3 of the price of mark 4's and come in 3 different power settings, 3x9, 4x12, and 6x18.

 

[Birddog1911]

Super Sniper is a very good scope for the money.

 

[One-Time]

I sound like a broken record(for those who actually know what a record is LOL)/skipping CD

Trijicon Accupoint, no batteries, and 1-4x at the tip of your fingers, perfect for fast close in shooting and longer shots

 

[skipbo32]

for m1a scoping do ya'll suggest fixed or adjustable magnification? im not a pro, so i was leaning towards fixed mag for simplicity. any of yall ever used the Bushnell Elite 3200 Tactical?. its gotten good reviews and is only a couple hundred bucks. its a fixed x10 power scope.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=129037

 

[Uncle Mike]

for m1a scoping do ya'll suggest fixed or adjustable magnification?

I say get the adjustable.

 

[06]

Have not scoped mine but it is my next project. Wanting a cam lock so a PVS-4 or day scope can be swapped. Anyone have a preference/pros/cons.

 

[D Boone]

just don't buy a cheap scope mount like I tried... the results will depress you...

 

[skipbo32]

im gunna give the bassett mount a try. im the kinda guy that would want to take off and on my scope. speaking of which...has anyone heard of that magnetic thing leupold makes that you stick on the end of your barrel to zero your scope to? how does that thing work? and does it work?