As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours in the field with various rifles, but there’s something special about the M1A that keeps drawing me back. This classic firearm, essentially the civilian version of the M14, has been a favorite among shooters for decades. Its versatility and accuracy make it a joy to shoot, whether you’re into long-range precision shooting, hunting, or just having fun at the range. But to truly unlock the M1A’s potential, you need the right optic.
In this article, I’ll dive deep into some of the best scopes for the M1A based on hands-on testing and years of field experience. We’ll cover options for different needs and budgets, from high-end long-range scopes to more affordable alternatives and specialized scout scopes. So, whether you’re looking to reach out to 1000 yards or need a versatile optic for closer ranges, I’ve got you covered.
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s talk about what makes a scope great for the M1A. This rifle is capable of impressive accuracy, especially at medium to long ranges. It’s also a bit of a powerhouse, firing the potent 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester cartridge. This means we’re looking for scopes with excellent clarity, precise adjustments, and enough durability to handle the recoil. Additionally, depending on your M1A model and intended use, you might need to consider factors like eye relief and mounting options.
Now, let’s dive into the reviews!
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
When it comes to high-end optics for the M1A, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is hard to beat. I remember the first time I mounted this scope on my M1A and took it to the range – the clarity of the glass and the precision of the turrets left me grinning from ear to ear.
This scope boasts a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which means the reticle size changes as you adjust magnification. This feature is incredibly useful for long-range shooting, as it allows you to use the reticle for ranging and holdovers at any magnification level. The EBR-7C MOA reticle is illuminated, making it easy to see in low-light conditions.
- The Viper PST Gen II takes incredible performance and rock solid features to new heights. The 1-6×24 second focal plane riflescope is incredibly versatile and ideal for close to medium range scenarios.
- Users who dial their turrets for drop and wind compensation will appreciate the laser etched turrets, adjustable parallax and the RZR zero stop. A fiber optic rotation indicator ensures you can keep track of your turret position with ease.
The 5-25x magnification range is versatile enough to handle almost any shooting scenario you might encounter with an M1A. At the lower end, you can easily engage closer targets, while the higher magnifications let you reach out to extreme distances. The 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, ensuring a bright, clear image even in dim conditions.
One of my favorite features of this scope is the precision of the turrets. Each click is tactile and audible, allowing for precise adjustments without taking your eye off the target. The turrets also feature Vortex’s RZR Zero Stop, which lets you quickly return to your zero after making elevation adjustments.
During a recent hunting trip in the mountains, I was able to spot and take a mule deer at just over 600 yards thanks to the crystal clear glass and precise windage and elevation adjustments. As the sun was setting, the illuminated reticle proved its worth, allowing me to place an ethical shot in the fading light.
The only potential downside to this scope is its weight. At 31.2 oz, it’s not the lightest option out there. However, given the optical quality and features, I find it’s a worthwhile trade-off. Plus, on a rifle like the M1A, which isn’t exactly a featherweight itself, the extra ounces aren’t as noticeable as they might be on a lighter rifle.
Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50mm
Leupold has long been a trusted name in the world of rifle scopes, and the VX-3i LRP (Long Range Precision) lives up to that reputation. This scope offers a great balance of performance and value for M1A shooters looking for quality without breaking the bank.
One of the standout features of this scope is Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System. I’ve used this scope in low light conditions where other optics struggle, and it really does provide extra minutes of shooting light. This can be a game-changer when you’re out hunting and need to take that crucial shot during the dim light of dawn or dusk.
The 4.5-14x magnification range is well-suited to the M1A’s effective range. It provides enough magnification for precision shooting at distance while still allowing for quick target acquisition at closer ranges. The 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, contributing to the scope’s excellent low-light performance.
I particularly appreciate the side focus parallax adjustment on this scope. It allows you to dial out parallax from 50 yards to infinity, ensuring a crisp, parallax-free image at any distance. This is especially useful when shooting at longer ranges where even slight parallax can throw off your aim.
The Zero Lock dials are another favorite feature of mine. Once you’re zeroed, there’s no worry about accidentally bumping your settings out of whack in the field. This can be a real lifesaver when you’re moving through brush or in and out of vehicles during a hunt.
The glass quality on this scope is excellent, providing clear, sharp images with good contrast. While it may not quite match the clarity of some ultra-premium scopes, it’s more than capable for the vast majority of shooting situations you’re likely to encounter with an M1A.
Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP
For shooters on a tighter budget, Primary Arms offers some impressive options that punch well above their weight class. The SLx 4-14x44mm FFP provides features usually found on much more expensive scopes, making it an excellent value proposition for M1A shooters.
The standout feature of this scope is undoubtedly the ACSS HUD DMR .308 reticle. This first focal plane reticle is specifically calibrated for .308/7.62 NATO, making it a perfect match for the M1A. The reticle includes bullet drop compensation out to 1000 yards, wind holds, ranging features, and even a moving target lead system. It’s an incredibly versatile reticle that can significantly speed up your long-range engagements once you’re familiar with it.
- First Focal Plane reticle is true at every magnification
- Partial reticle illumination is daylight bright
- ACSS R-Grid 2B reticle provides auto ranging, fast close range use at low magnification, and an extensive MIL dot grid that offers 15 MILs of precise hold overs
I’ve used this scope in 3-gun competitions with my M1A, and the quick ranging and holdover features of the reticle are a real asset in those fast-paced environments. Being able to quickly range a target and hold for bullet drop without touching the turrets is a huge advantage.
The 4-14x magnification range is suitable for most shooting situations you’re likely to encounter with an M1A. The 44mm objective lens provides a good balance between light gathering capability and keeping the scope’s profile relatively low.
One area where this scope really impresses for its price point is the quality of the turrets. They provide positive, audible clicks and track consistently. I’ve run this scope through several box tests, and it’s always returned to zero reliably.
The glass quality is good, especially considering the price point. While it’s not quite as clear as the high-end Vortex or Leupold offerings, it’s more than adequate for precise shooting at the ranges the M1A is capable of.
The partial red illumination of the reticle is a nice touch, especially useful in low light conditions or when shooting against dark backgrounds. However, it’s worth noting that only the center portion of the reticle is illuminated, not the entire ACSS system.
Burris Scout 2-7x32mm
If you’re running a scout configuration on your M1A, the Burris Scout scope is purpose-built for the job. I’ve found it to be an excellent choice for those who prefer the forward-mounted optic style popularized by Colonel Jeff Cooper.
The key feature of this scope is its long eye relief, ranging from 9.2 to 12 inches. This extended eye relief is crucial for proper mounting on scout rail systems, allowing the scope to be positioned forward of the action. This setup allows for rapid target acquisition and shooting with both eyes open, enhancing situational awareness.
- Features Ballistic Plex , the most simple, elegant, and effective trajectory-compensating reticle available to hunters Variable power for versatility and improved accuracy at longer distances
- Provides a generous 9.2 to 12 in. of eye relief
- Forward mounting design allows mounting in front of the ejection port, for extended eye relief and both-eyes-open shooting; beneficial for fast target acquisition and increased situational awareness
The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for the typical engagement distances of a scout rifle. At 2x, you can quickly acquire close-range targets, while 7x provides enough magnification for precise shots at medium ranges. The 32mm objective lens keeps the scope compact and lightweight, important considerations for a scout setup.
The Ballistic Plex reticle is a simple yet effective design. It provides holdover points for shooting at various distances, which I’ve found to be quite accurate with common .308 loads. While it’s not as advanced as some of the reticles we’ve discussed earlier, its simplicity is an asset in the fast-paced shooting scenarios scout rifles are designed for.
I’ve taken this setup hog hunting in thick brush, and the quick target acquisition combined with both-eyes-open shooting made for an effective and enjoyable experience. The optical clarity is impressive for a scout scope, providing a bright, clear image even in the dim light of dawn and dusk.
The build quality of this scope is excellent. It’s nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, making it fogproof and waterproof. The robust construction has held up well to the recoil of my M1A, maintaining zero even after hundreds of rounds.
One potential drawback is the lack of an illuminated reticle option. While the black reticle is fine in most conditions, an illuminated version would be beneficial for low-light shooting scenarios.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm
Another solid offering from Vortex, the Crossfire II provides excellent value for M1A shooters looking for a long-range option without breaking the bank. This scope offers features typically found on more expensive optics, making it a great choice for shooters on a budget.
The 6-18x magnification range is well-suited to the long-range capabilities of the M1A. At 6x, you can easily engage targets at closer ranges, while 18x allows for precise shot placement at extended distances. The 44mm objective lens strikes a good balance between light gathering ability and keeping the scope’s profile reasonably low.
One of the standout features of this scope is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle. This reticle is particularly useful for the .308/7.62 NATO round, providing holdover points for shooting at various distances. I’ve found it to be quite accurate once you’ve done the work to figure out exactly where your loads hit at different ranges.
- The 4-16×50 Adjustable Objective Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
- The adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal. Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views. Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
The glass quality on this scope is impressive for its price point. While it may not quite match the clarity of higher-end Vortex offerings like the Viper PST, it’s more than adequate for the effective range of the M1A. I’ve found the image to be clear and bright, with good contrast even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the forgiving eye box and generous eye relief. This makes it easy to get behind the scope and find your sight picture quickly, which can be crucial in hunting or competitive shooting scenarios.
The build quality of the Crossfire II is solid. It’s nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, making it fogproof and waterproof. I’ve used this scope in some pretty nasty weather conditions without any issues.
One thing to note – the turrets aren’t as tactile as higher-end models, but they track consistently and hold zero well in my experience. For most shooting scenarios, you’ll likely be using the BDC reticle for holdovers rather than dialing, so this isn’t a major issue.
Mounting Considerations for M1A Scopes
Before we wrap up, it’s crucial to discuss mounting options for the M1A. Unlike many modern rifles, scope mounting on the M1A can be a bit tricky, and it’s an area where many shooters run into issues.
For standard M1A models, you’ll typically need a side-mount system. These replace the stripper clip guide and provide a stable mounting platform. Brands like Sadlak and Springfield Armory offer quality options. These mounts can be a bit finicky to install, but once properly set up, they provide a solid, reliable mounting solution.
If you have a Scout model M1A, you’re in luck – these come with a forward-mounted Picatinny rail, making optic mounting much more straightforward. This is where scout scopes like the Burris we discussed earlier really shine.
Some shooters opt for a chassis system for their M1A, which can provide additional mounting options. These systems often include a full-length Picatinny rail, allowing for more flexibility in scope placement.
Whichever route you go, make sure to use high-quality rings or mounts. I’ve seen too many shooters skimp on this crucial component, leading to frustration and potentially damaged scopes. Remember, even the best scope won’t perform well if it’s not properly mounted.
Also, be aware that some M1A models, particularly older ones, may require some gunsmithing work to achieve a solid scope mount. If you’re not comfortable with this kind of work, it’s worth consulting with a professional gunsmith to ensure your scope is mounted correctly.
Conclusion
The M1A is a versatile and capable rifle, and pairing it with the right scope can truly elevate its performance. Whether you’re looking for precision at extended ranges, quick target acquisition for hunting, or a do-it-all optic, there’s an option out there for you.
Remember, the “best” scope ultimately depends on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. Consider factors like intended use, typical shooting distances, and environmental conditions when making your choice. Don’t be afraid to invest in quality – a good scope can last a lifetime with proper care.
Personally, I lean towards the Vortex Viper PST Gen II for its exceptional all-around performance, but any of the scopes on this list will serve you well on your M1A. The Leupold VX-3i LRP is a great choice if you prioritize low-light performance, while the Primary Arms SLx offers incredible value for money. For scout setups, the Burris Scout is hard to beat, and the Vortex Crossfire II provides excellent performance on a budget.
Whatever scope you choose, remember that practice and familiarity with your equipment are key. Spend time at the range getting to know your scope, understanding your holdovers, and fine-tuning your setup. With the right optic and plenty of practice, you’ll be amazed at what you and your M1A can achieve.
Happy shooting, and may your groups be tight and your hunts successful!