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JDjesse View Drop Down
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    Posted: November/04/2008 at 08:48
All,
 
I just started getting into guns and what not in the past few months.  I just purchased the Springfield M1A loaded with the extended cluster rail and 22" SS Barrel.  I am struggling to make a decision on scopes to put on it and am looking for some advice.  I am trying to keep it under $400.  I am leaning towards the Super Sniper 10x42, but am also considering the Falcon and Millet Tactical scopes...any suggestions?
 
Thanks
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
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donlipa View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote donlipa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 10:38
I'm not sure how dead set you are on a tactical but on the low end IMHO the only way to go is Super Sniper or maybe the Bushnell 3200 10x. Now if I could convince you to go the hunting scope route there are deals to be had...

I have an SAI Loaded model M1a. I have a Bushnell 4200 Elite 3-9x40 mounted via an SEI weaver mount ($125) with Weaver steel rings ($22). I got this scope for $250 when SWFA had them on special they are now $300 and still a good deal. An even better deal is the Nikon 3-9x40 Team Primos which is just the discontinued Monarch with a BDC reticle fir $200. The Zeiss Conquests are also great for a little more money. Also check out Burris and Pentax, there is just alot of bang for the buck available in this range for high quality hunting scopes. Tacticals for $300, well the only proven solution is the Super Sniper, the Millet and Falcon Menace are decent but I've heard horror stories.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 11:00
Get the super sniper, it has a great track record.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Yak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 12:10
Welcome to the OT!  What do you see yourself doing with your new Springfield?  You said your new to firearms so I would suggest sticking with your Irons for a while and learn your gun.  During this time you will be saving your cash until you have enough money (and knowledge) to get what you want/need.
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JDjesse View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JDjesse Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 12:25
I guess I initially had it set in my head to go with a tactical optic, but I will definitely look into the option you suggested.  What is the difference with the SAI models??  Thanks for the info.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
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JDjesse View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JDjesse Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 12:33
I have already put about 500 rounds through using the iron sights, but I'm sure I have a lot to learn as of yet.  I'm not sure what route I'm going to go for use with my M1A yet.  I guess I just ended up going with the M1A because of what I had read on them as far as being a well built semi-auto 308.  So far all I have done with it is a Harris bi-pod and am just looking for an "entry level" scope, but one with a good track record, which is why I'm leaning towards the SS.  For my next rifle purchase I'm planning on purchasing a 700 SPS .308 to turn into longer range rifle.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 12:55
Make sure you get a big high cheek piece when you get a scope.  That M1A is not really designed to be used properly with a scope.  So you will need to raise the comb way up to get a good cheek weld so you can shoot consistently.  
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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Yak View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Yak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 20:08
Originally posted by JDjesse JDjesse wrote:

I have already put about 500 rounds through using the iron sights, but I'm sure I have a lot to learn as of yet.  I'm not sure what route I'm going to go for use with my M1A yet.  I guess I just ended up going with the M1A because of what I had read on them as far as being a well built semi-auto 308.  So far all I have done with it is a Harris bi-pod and am just looking for an "entry level" scope, but one with a good track record, which is why I'm leaning towards the SS.  For my next rifle purchase I'm planning on purchasing a 700 SPS .308 to turn into longer range rifle.
 
Well, the SS is a GREAT optic.  Also, you said you would like to keep the price under $400.00---are you factoring in the cost for rings/mount in that $$$ figure?
 
You might like to look into SIGHTRON optics as well.  SWFA is a vendor for them so no conflict in me Thunbs%20Up them here.
 
Also, Millett optics (and rings for that matter) have been good FOR ME.  I currently have a Zoom Dot RDS (made in the USA!) that Im rather keen on and much of their line has been getting good reviews.  But much of their line also comes out of the PRC and for some that aint gonna cut it.  BTW--Bushnell recently bought the Millett company.  Not sure what that may bring but stay tuned.
 
Speaking of Bushnell...  The ELITE 3200 series is pretty deep and you may find something you like in there.  Many a time I have advised the purchase of a 3200 optic.  They are a good value indeed and I think are underated somewhat for unknown reasons.
 
Burris and their Fullfield line deserves a look.  Heck,  most of their lines deserve a look! 
A good company with a good backing of their stuff.  Their XTR rings are tough and in keeping with your M1A as both are tough tools of the trade.
 
Im done. Yippee OUT!
 
 
    
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Mike McDonald View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McDonald Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 20:28
Put the SuperSniper on it.  M1A's are notorious for eating optics that are less than well built. 
If you kill a Super Sniper you're gonna have to tell us how you did it.  If you break the other stuff, we'll just say.............awwww that's a shame.  :)
 
Don't put anything on it unless you plan on getting an elevated cheekpad for it.
Don't skimp on the mount.  If it says "B-Square" or "Springfield" don't touch it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote donlipa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/04/2008 at 20:45
I have the cheek pad from fulton armory that has the 3 different sized interchangeable pads which is nice to get a good fit. For mounts the Bassett is good, its the most simple and also affordable. The Sadlaks and SEIs are nice too but you may run into problems with the receiver being out of spec, my SAI is not and is fine with the SEI mount. I have the SEI Weaver mount which is only $125 new which is a great deal for a steel mount but it only uses Weaver style rings which is fine as I use the Weaver Grand Slam Steal rings and they are dirt cheap and solid.

The SS are great scopes but if you want a variable and don't want to shell out a fortune on a Mark IV (or better) check out some of the hunting scopes mentioned above, they are all plenty tough enough and all have lifetime warranties. Questions to ask yourself, are you going to be hunting or target or varmint shooting, light conditions, range etc are all important. These would all dictate what format scope to get. I use my M1a for target practice and to hunt deer in Upstate NY, so the 3-9x40 is good for me.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JDjesse Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/05/2008 at 08:35

I appreciate eveyone's input!  I am going to pull the trigger and order up the SS scope today.  As far as ring and mounts I will check out all the ones mentioned and go from there.  I will look into the cheek pads once I get the scope mounted on it.

 
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/05/2008 at 08:57
Please let us know what cheek pad(s) you go with. I'll be in the same boat soon.
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote donlipa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/05/2008 at 11:27
With cheek pads you have 2 choices the Kydex plastic ones that require drilling holes in your stock but are adjustable and the Nylon type padded ones that velcro or tie on usually come in 1 size not always the correct height. That is why I am a fan of the one Fulton Armory sells that is the nylon strap on type but has 3 different height pads that velcro on and are interchangeable. They were on sale before the election over at FA but not sure now. They are also available from a gunbroker seller.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2008 at 08:30
I have the kydex (Karsten) and it is great.  With a drill press (measure twice, drill once) it is on and good to go in about 5 minutes.

Another mounting option I didn't see mentioned is a LaRue 1.5 turned backwards on your rail.  I have a SOCOM and mounted a Millett this way and it works very well.  If your rail extends to the clip guide, you will not need this.  BUt just in case.





Edited by Rancid Coolaid - November/06/2008 at 08:32
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2008 at 13:34
Originally posted by Mike McDonald Mike McDonald wrote:

Put the SuperSniper on it.  M1A's are notorious for eating optics that are less than well built. 
If you kill a Super Sniper you're gonna have to tell us how you did it.  If you break the other stuff, we'll just say.............awwww that's a shame.  :)
 
Excellent
 
 
 
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Mike McDonald View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McDonald Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2008 at 18:28
GEEZ RC,is that scope airborne qualified???  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/06/2008 at 18:32
Three Hollywood, two combat, and it wouldn't have survived even one, but I'll be damned if it don't work like a charm!

Many pigs have squealed due to that rig.

I wouldn't take it into combat, but it's a very effective pig killer, and the irons are there if I need them.


Edited by Rancid Coolaid - November/06/2008 at 18:35
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Cheers

Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - December/03/2008 at 01:57

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JDjesse View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JDjesse Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2008 at 06:35
http://desertwarriorproducts.com/M1A-M14CheekRest.html
Anyone know much about the above link products....Desert Warrior?  I was considering bying the cheek rest they have.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2008 at 07:21
It's a cheaper reproduction of the Karsten piece.  The guy bought one from Karsten  then suddenly came out with his.  Karsten's is kydex, very strong; this guy's is plastic - not so great.


I've worked with Karsten (have his on my SOCOM now, he does great work and is very customer-focused.  If you need one, buy from Karsten, I'l vouch for him.
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