The M1A is a semi-automatic rifle, the civilian model of the M14 rifle used by the US government between 1959 and 1968. The M1A without a scope can only shoot between 200 and 300 yards in the hands of a professional. The solution to these setbacks is simply getting a good M1A scope.
Scopes are essential as they provide you with a lot of advantages. Having one on your rifle helps you to aim at your target accurately and improves your view tremendously. However, the original design of the M1A is to shoot 7.62 x 51 and the .308 ammunition, so if you want to choose a good scope, you must select one that works perfectly with its design.
Main Contents
- Factors to Consider
- Our Recommendations for M1A Scope
- CVLIFE Scope for Hunting (6-24×50): The Best M1A Rifle scope
- Redfield Revolution (3-9×50): The Ideal for Hunting
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50
- Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm
- Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm
- UTG SWAT 3-12×44
- Athlon BTR Rifle Scope (6-24x50mm)
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-16×50
- Primary Arms 4-16×44 SFP Rifle Scope
- NightForce SHV F1 Rifle Scope (4-14x50mm)
- Final Thoughts
Factors to Consider
Eye Box and Eye Relief
The first thing to look out for when getting the M1A scope is its eye box and eye relief. The eye box is the space or room available for eye placement. An M1A scope with half an inch or less for eye placement is not a good eye box. Eye box with little space for eye placement causes slow target acquisition during field play, and this issue only becomes more enlarged as magnification becomes bigger. Eye relief is simply the distance between the eye you aim with and the scope to get the perfect target image. Eye relief is so significant because it’s when you have a big eye relief that your eye can be safe from the recoil the rifle produces. I recommend that the eye relief for the scope you will get be between 3″ and 4.”
Visual Field
Your M1A’s visual field is the area your aiming eye covers when you look through your scope. Its standard measurement is a hundred yards. You want to choose one that encompasses an extensive range, then the optics construction with the magnification power will help determine that. Because as the Visual Field reduces, the magnifying power of the scope increases, and as the Visual Field increases, the magnifying power reduces.
Magnifying Power
You must also consider the magnifying power because possessing the ideal M1A’s scope will help you execute long ranges. However, The higher the magnifying power, the more expensive it will be. Images formed will also be unclear. Therefore, it would be best if you used the 4-12x for long-range shootings. Note that you can hit a target 800 yards away with the proper scope.
The Diameter of The Objective Lens
One of the downsides of using a bigger objective lens is that often, it leads to an increase in price and the scope also becomes heavier. But you should always go for ones with a bigger objective lens if you need an increase in the magnifying power, and go for the scopes with a smaller objective lens if you want the magnifying power to reduce.
That image you see when you look through the scope is the scope’s reticle. It also comes in different designs; it can be a dot at the center, a series of lines vertical and horizontal to the scope’s center, etc. The Simple (Nikolic, Dot), the Mil-dot/MOA, and the BDC are the three categories of the scope’s reticle. You should go for the Simple or Mil-Dot/MOA if you prefer short-range shooting, while the Mil-Dot/MOA is best if you are a long-range shooter. BDC is the best to use for quick holdovers. Always check out how compatible the night vision is, the battery life, and the reticle’s durability when choosing illumination.
The Scope’s Reticle
That image you see when you look through the scope is the scope’s reticle. It also comes in different designs; it can be a dot at the center, a series of lines vertical and horizontal to the scope’s center, etc. The Simple (Nikolic, Dot), the Mil-dot/MOA, and the BDC are the three categories of the scope’s reticle. You should go for the Simple or Mil-Dot/MOA if you prefer short-range shooting, while the Mil-Dot/MOA is best if you are a long-range shooter. BDC is the best to use for quick holdovers. Always check out how compatible the night vision is, the battery life, and the reticle’s durability when choosing illumination.
Tube Size
Tube sizes are critical when buying a scope because how big the tubes are will determine the benefits gained in longevity and how substantial the scope will be. The standard dimensions of tubes are 30 mm to 1-inch diameters. As the tube size increases, the more significant the objective lens will be, and when tube size decreases, the objective lens also decreases.
Glass and Lens Coating
When getting a scope for your M1A rifle, give preference to ED glass and Lenses that are completely coated. They are expensive, but the quality of the images is dependent on the glass and lens coating. You can only get quality images when you have a good glass and lens coating.
Turrets
When you choose a scope for your M1A, check out the turrets. Turrets are an integral part of a rifle scope. They are knobs, usually more than one and they are always at the top right side of a scope. They help to determine the parallax adjustments, windage, elevation correctly. You can use turrets to zero in on targets and make precise shots.
Our Recommendations for M1A Scope
CVLIFE Scope for Hunting (6-24×50): The Best M1A Rifle scope
One could be taken aback by the scope’s cost if it were just presented to them without any context. The CVLIFE Scope for hunting is just as good as any of the various outstanding M1A scopes listed.
However, magnifying figures might be deceiving. The Nikon M-308’s 12x zoom lens has a zoom range of around 24x, which makes the Nikon 24x lens look like a 12x lens.
There is no problem with loosened rings or additional common difficulties with scopes that fit into the affordable price list after installation. The CVLIFE Hunting Scope, on the other hand, is an excellent option if you are just getting started.
Every hunter who has ever used a luminous scope understands just how useful they are in low and no-light situations. Distinct, red lines on the shot help the shooter hit their target no matter the climate condition.
The CVLIFE Hunting Scope succeeds in wowing users with its excellent standard and inexpensive price, although this fantastic feature typically raises the cost.
You can’t help but marvel at how reasonable the pricing is for such a high-quality product. Because of its low price, this scope is an ideal choice for mid to long-distance target shooting.
Nevertheless, if the climate is an issue, this scope may not be the best option. Enclosed ranges and areas where the climate is not an issue are the best locations to use this type of ammunition. Indoor shooters will love this option.
Mount
CVLIFE 6-24×50 Scope mount is a high-quality product. It has been designed to be used with large magnifying scopes. As a result, it can help you see more clearly by magnifying objects up close or shooting at long distances without having any difficulty seeing them on your target, unlike other products in its class which suffer from parallax issues. The CVLIFE 6-24×50 Scope mount will allow you to get the most out of your game.
Redfield Revolution (3-9×50): The Ideal for Hunting
The Redfield Revolution scope is a great option if you are looking to go to lesser ranges. The ocular quality of this scope, combined with the low price, makes it a great buy.
Multiple layered lenses with a coating from water vapor deposits are unique to the Redfield Revolution Scope. For a wide span of view, this translates to crisp, unsurpassed image excellence.
Furthermore, the Redfield Revolutions quick target identification sight is protected by the rifle’s waterproof characteristics. To guarantee the strongest overall quality for its customers, the brand conducts extensive testing on each gun. Every time you shoot, your target will be visible. For relatively brief shooting, the Redfield Revolution has the finest scope available.
Excellent optics, waterproof evaluation, and timely accuracy help all fit inside this pricing range. Aside from the fact that it is designed for shooting, this sight is ideal for hunting species that are moderately sized. With the Redfield Revolution at your disposal, why waste time searching for your next game kill?
Mount
The Redfield Revolution 3-9×50 Scope Mount is designed to fit most rifles with Weaver or Picatinny rails. This scope mount has three rock-solid thumbscrews that lockdown very securely on your firearm, making it an excellent choice for target shooting in addition to hunting game up close where long-distance shots might not be necessary.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50
Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 MRAD scope is the second highest from its manufacturer, only rivaled by the Razor Gen II and III areas. With a magnification of 5-25x and an objective lens diameter of 50mm, this scope is perfect for long range shooting. It comes with an eye relief of 3.4 inches which means the eye is preserved from the recoil the rifle will produce as there is enough distance between them. It also boasts of a tube size of 30mm, which will ensure the longevity and rigidity of the scope. You can also keep track of the position of the turret because of its fiber optics indicator
Other optical features include extra-low dispersion glass, which increases the resolution, thereby creating clear images. Under poor light conditions, The illuminated reticle provides accurate aiming. Its etched glass reticle also provides trustability and longevity. This scope is the perfect choice for you if you are a long-range shooter, shooting enthusiast or target shooter. It is also for you if you desire an extended range scope with professional-level features.
Mount
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 scope mount is a high-quality Picatinny rail system that comes with different-sized rings and bases to fit any gun caliber. This product can be used for hunting, long-range shooting, and fishing trips where precision accuracy matters most! The carrying case also includes tools such as Allen wrenches so you don’t have to keep running back home when on an adventure out in nature.
Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm
The Burris Scout 2-7×32mm rifle scope is an ideal scout scope. This light 0.82lb scope gives a magnification range suitable to a take-away “truck gun” or fighting machine. With 9.2- 12 inches of eye relief, it will provide you with a good eye box and enables you to position the rifle forward.
You will get an accurate holdover in the field due to the ballistic plex reticle. In addition, there is no need for any form of anxiety over shock and vibration acting on your zero because of the Burris steel-to-steel and current internal system. These components and more make it an excellent fit for your M1A SOCOM.
Mount
The Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm mount is a high-quality scope made by one of Burris’s most trusted brands in shooting. This model has many features that make it perfect for all types of hunting and target acquisition, including adjustments on elevation plus windage which will help you zero in quicker than ever before.
Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm
Leupold VX-3i scope is for the long-range hunter and target shooters. The 30 mm tube has an 80 MOA internal adjustment range that allows you to shoot well beyond 1000 yards using a standard rail. You can shoot into the next county with a 20 base. It is an ideal candidate to be on the top of your M1A.
Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System is the first and most important feature of this scope line. The multi-coated coatings increase brightness, clarity, and color in low light situations by balancing the available light across all visible spectrums. This results in a stunning low-light image that is optimized for the human eye.
Leupold’s match-grade dual spring adjustment mechanism provides precise crosshair modification. In addition, for quick and easy adjustments, the power ring includes an integrated throw lever.
This scope features exceptional optical engineering, high-end glass, and special coatings that give the best images in its price range. In addition, zero-stop turrets feature large, easy-to-read markings and positive clicks that remain where they are placed.
Leupold VX-3i Scopes work well at all magnifications, with minimal distortion and maximum power. As a result, this scope is the perfect M1A optic.
Mount
One of the most important aspects when it comes to long-range shooting is scope mounting. The Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5 – 20×50 mm Scope Mount ensures that your firearm’s barrel remains true while still giving you a wide range for magnification, all without sacrificing light or impact on target acquisition at night time conditions with an illumination system that allows up 30 yards out.
UTG SWAT 3-12×44
The AR-15 community loves this UTG SWAT-style scope, made in China. It is a superb receiver-mount choice for SOCOM and Scout Squad versions. Additionally, it allows shooters to add some cool features to their rifles at a very affordable price.
Its optical clarity is excellent for many daytime shooting tasks. The innovative tap control illuminated Mil-dot Reticle comes standard. It can be set up to any 36 colors.
Although the zero resettable turrets may not be as sharp as higher-end scopes, they can provide repeatable positive adjustments. Multi Emerald Coated lenses improve light transmission and reduce edge distortion when zoomed-in higher. It’s reliable, durable, waterproof, resistant to rain, and fog-proof. It is also wallet-proof, and it looks great. This scope is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-quality unit at a low price.
Mount
The UTG SWAT 3-12×44 mount is an excellent choice for varmint or big game hunting. The scope’s glass gives you crystal clear images that are palpable with 10x wide-ranging power on top of accuracy at long range, meaning your target will always be in focus no matter how far away they may seem. In addition, you can expect zero error shots when using this product because it has been designed by Swiss engineers who know their stuff.
Athlon BTR Rifle Scope (6-24x50mm)
This rifle scope is another medium-level optic with astonishingly good quality glass and property. For entry-level shooters, this scope is a strong choice. However, many attest to the fact that the Athlon BTR and optics are a stark contrast.
The ambitious 6-24 magnification range had some blurriness above 20x, but there is no need to grumble for a low-budget scope. The FFP reticle gives a bright and makes reading easy with the BTR elevation and windage tree.
The side focus parallax and adjustable ocular sets targets into keen focus. Athalon XOL coverings discard water, dirt, and dust. The fog and water resistance incorporated into Its design made it an all-season performer.
Users attest to good durability and ruggedness in harsh conditions. This Athlon scope is the best M1A with a versatile, inexpensive solution for hunting and shooting at less than extreme long-range.
Mount
The Athlon BTR rifle scope (6-24x50mm) mount is a quality optic that will not let you down. Its super durable and waterproof makes it perfect for any outdoor activity, from hunting trips to target shooting at the range.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-16×50
The Vortex Crossfire scope has been tested on some rifles. After you have zeroed, you can leave it as a permanent unit in your gun cupboard.
The inexpensive rifle has become famous for shooters enjoying low budgets but with moderate scope and magnification range. However, you can still have fun hunting and shooting at long range.
The glass quality on vortex high-end scopes is better, but it isn’t easy to see the difference when comparing them side-to-side. At higher magnification, the edge-to-edge clarity is not superb, but it is suitable for the budget.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire dead hold BDC produces long-range shots with a tap when you mark it alternatively with ammo with an eye relief of 3.7 inches. The objective parallax controller in the front is not easily accessible as the focus knob on the side, but this is expected in a preliminary scope. The test result recorded zero for the overall adjustment range.
Generally, there have been complimentary reviews for the crossfire scope. Can you put this scope on an M1A? Of course, yes, if you are in search of dependable, excellently produced content at a reasonable price while bearing in mind the zoom and clarity required for shooting and hunting. It avails the MIA holder the chance to enter into the realm of scoped shooting with colossal space to excel.
Mount
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-16×50 scope mount is the perfect addition to any gun. This rifle optic has an illuminated reticle that can be centered on top, giving you more precise shots at long ranges or near targets with less light than other magnifications would allow. In addition, you’ll have crystal clear images thanks to its wide field of view and bright illumination no matter what type of weather conditions are outside.
Primary Arms 4-16×44 SFP Rifle Scope
Primary Arms began operation in 2006 to supply affordable, quality optics for the shooting market. This scope is part of the “model” series and is available at affordable prices. This scope features an illuminated mil-dot crosshair, zero set turrets, quick-adjust ocular control, and side-mount parallax adjustment.
Some shooters complain of internal glare, the glass quality is not superb, but the fully covered lenses give more than an average image magnification. Primary Arms obtains high marks for excellent customer service. The lifetime warranty of the scope is limited. Most reviews acclaim that this is a good scope that M1A holders should consider buying.
Mount
The primary arms 4-16×44 SFP rifle scope mount is a sleek, high-quality optic that will fit right into your firearm. It’s made to be used with M4/AR15 style weapons. It has an MSR profile Objective Lens giving users maximum light transmission while still being lightweight enough for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.
NightForce SHV F1 Rifle Scope (4-14x50mm)
Your M1A cost you a pretty penny, and now you want a high-end optical system that performs like a champ without costing an excessive amount. For a rifle scope, do not think of another option other than the NightForce SHV. There is no need to be concerned.
End-to-end clarity and visual prowess are the hallmarks of all Nightforce scope I have ever owned or used. This scope is not any different. The NightForce SHV “Shooter Hunter Varminter” brand of scopes was released by NightForce in 2014 as an economical and multipurpose choice for gunmen and hunting experts.
Many were concerned that NightForce would manufacture a cheap, new entry scope that would harm the company’s image as a maker of several best scopes in the industry. When it comes to the NightForce brand, you’ll never be given a second thought to think of another option. As expected, similarities to the company’s NXS series of top-quality scopes were inevitable.
The SHV series was introduced because of NightForce’s attention to detail in the production process and strict cost management. As with the NXS family, the optical purity of SHV scopes is famous.
The NightForce SHV turrets may be turned to display a “zero setup” position; however, the amount of wrapping can be lost and the dial can go past zero. A whitish nail varnish marking applied on a toothpick on the scope vernier serves as a zero setup wrap indicator for me. Detach it whenever you like with a cotton bud and nail polish cleanser. The problem has been resolved.
Precision shooting may be achieved at various distances thanks to the 4-14x magnifying range. The zooming ring is strong but not rigid and has excellent tactility. It is easy to make flying motion changes thanks to a clamp-on power zooming mechanism. Scopes with rapid focus capabilities allow individual shooters to set up their scopes in less time.
Parallax may be adjusted at 25 yards and beyond using a zero-backlash dialer. NXS scopes appear to have a more hard click stoppage, but this one is still productive and comes with excellent audibility.
It is FFP-mountable so that the reticle comes with different magnifications while delivering the same accuracy. Quick target central focusing is made possible by the 3-post structure of the reticle subtensions. Standard rails may be tuned out to over 1000 yards with 90 MOA of inner adjustability. This sight could be the only scope you might require for your M1A in practically any situation.
Mount
NightForce’s SHV F1 Rifle Scope mount is the ultimate in high-end, precision shooting. With a wide range of Nightforce SHV F1 scope mounts, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your rifle. In addition, these optics-mounting solutions provide an easy way to upgrade or change out current sights on any gun without having too many extra parts lying around.
Final Thoughts
Your scope must be able to withstand the rigors of a hunting trip and perform as expected. Using a low-cost sight on a high-end rifle does not make a difference. You can have a wrong setup if the scope is the biggest liability. The Redfield Revolution (3-9×50) is one of our best rifle scopes for hunting because it offers an excellent balance of cost and efficiency.
You can acquire a high-quality rifle sight for your game hunting without spending a fortune, and we believe this list of rifle scopes has given you the conviction you need to buy your new scope. Suppose you have a rifle that has been modified to shoot .308 ammunition. In that case, the best scope for M1A is either a 3x9x40mm or 4.5-14x44mm because it will be able to provide enough magnification and field of view range without interfering with your shooting position.
The suitable optics can make the difference in getting shots on target, so don’t forget about them when choosing your next weapon. We are confident that you will not be disappointed if you purchase something from this list.
Travis Mike is a firearm enthusiast and author passionate about all things guns. With 10 years of experience in the industry, Travis Mike has gained a wealth of knowledge on the subject. He is skilled in gunsmithing and tactical training. In addition to professional experience, Travis Mike is an avid hunter and shooter, regularly participating in local shooting ranges and hunting trips.