M1A Scope recommendations

[ikilledkenny]

I am looking to purchase a scope for my m1a. it is a M1A Scout squad.

is it recommended to get it mounted by a professional or DIY?

 

[Vapor]

Do you want it to be in the scout or traditional configuration?

What exactly do you want it to do? As is, long range, close up, general purposes, etc.

 

[RooftopKorean]

If you're going scout configuration the Burris scout scope is nice and not overly pricey; I have one on my M1A.

 

[ikilledkenny]

thanks all. decided to leave leave m1 alone and practice a lot until i can shoot better. [may be get a second rifle and scope, screw around with it]

i am not good and still learning. i shot a few rounds [30 rounds], this weekend with it. seems like my m1 does not like certain ammo and they were all over the place. after switching got a bit better. it could just me and not the ammo.
any tips on how to get better [links, videos etc] are appreciated. i am mostly looking to get better @ long range shooting.
[PS: For some reason at blue mountain range, this weekend were not allowing more than 1 hour slots at a time, hence only shot a few]

@ 200 yards with iron sights, LAST 5 rounds with video and took screenshot.
[still bad but slightly better than the previous 25 rounds].

 

[twisted]

That’s not really to bad for 200 yards, opens sights, and a relatively new shooter with the scout version of the M1A.

 

[Robin]

What ammo were you using? I bought some Armscor in .308 that seems to be very erratic, lots of power, but erratic.
Robin

 

[IrishMick]

Not so bad. The M1A is not a tack driver! It is usually a 2-3 MOA shooter. The National Match versions are a little better. Those who compete in M1A matches spend quite a bit of $$$ on their rifles (Hint: Not modern SA manufacture) and more $$$ having them accuratized. It is a battle rifle. The sights (which I like) are designed for reasonable accuracy AND fast target acquisition so there is some compromises.

 

[Jezman]

I would go with a $250 ish scope. Pick one with the best warranty and call it a day. If you don't have $250 look for a used one.

 

[ikilledkenny]

What ammo were you using? I bought some Armscor in .308 that seems to be very erratic, lots of power, but erratic.
Robin

Magtech 7.62x51mm M80 Ball 147 Grain [decent enough]

Aguila 7.62x51mm 150 Grain [not liking this so far]

Bought some, Lake City 7.62x51mm M80 NATO Ammo 149 Grain [Havent tried yet]

 

[Vapor]

Magtech 7.62x51mm M80 Ball 147 Grain [decent enough]

Aguila 7.62x51mm 150 Grain [not liking this so far]

Bought some, Lake City 7.62x51mm M80 NATO Ammo 149 Grain [Havent tried yet]

You might need to try a box of Gold Medal Match just to get an ultimate base line of accuracy.

I don't know if you have the money, but a mini-14 is a heck of a lot of fun, and you'd be able to practice on a smaller caliber cheaper. Just an idea.


I think you're doing fine. Most people can't hold paper at 200.

 

[Shoots100]

How big is the bull in that target ?
Even with the shorter barrel, you should be getting tighter groups, even if it's not in the bull.
I used to shoot service grade M1a's + garands, and could put all of them into a 10" bull at 200 with no problem.
With my 52 years old eye's now, I can still do the same with my stock loaded M1a.
You need to get it sighted in at 50 or 100, before you start playing at longer ranges.
Check the tightness of the sights and make sure your rests or bags are stable.
Clean it thoroughly and put a couple of fouling rounds through it before trying for groups.
If your still not getting good groups, have someone else shoot it and see what happens.
SJC

 

[ikilledkenny]

How big is the bull in that target ?
Even with the shorter barrel, you should be getting tighter groups, even if it's not in the bull.
I used to shoot service grade M1a's + garands, and could put all of them into a 10" bull at 200 with no problem.
With my 52 years old eye's now, I can still do the same with my stock loaded M1a.
You need to get it sighted in at 50 or 100, before you start playing at longer ranges.
Check the tightness of the sights and make sure your rests or bags are stable.
Clean it thoroughly and put a couple of fouling rounds through it before trying for groups.
If your still not getting good groups, have someone else shoot it and see what happens.
SJC

noted, i will stick to 100 before moving up.
thanks for the advise.