8 Best M1A Scopes

M14 was the battle rifle the U.S military adopted in the late 1950s to early 1960s before it was overshadowed by the adoption of M16 at the advent of the Vietnam War. M1A is the civilian version of that M14. The difference between the M1A and M14 is in the firing mode – while the M14 has both options of fully automatic and semi-automatic mode, the M1A rifle has only the semi-automatic option.

Although the M1A was almost out of use, it has since resurged popularly amongst civilians. A sought-after choice due to its superb accuracy and precision for shooting competitions and hunting. However, some versions have switched their models from the designated marksman rifle (DMR) roll into the carbine types, which is used as more of a fighting rifle.

Now, if you pick up an M1A rifle out of its box, it can shoot accurately up to 200 yards (of course, in the right hands). By the time you increase that distance to 250 yards, you will notice an increase in bullet drop and decrease in velocity. You may improve these defects with arduous practice, but all that becomes fruitless when you hit 300 yards. At this juncture, there is a whopping 8 inches bullet drop. There must be a way to overcome these limitations; the solution is the M1A scope.

At a standard factory design, the M1A rifle is built to shoot .308 or 7.62 x 51 NATO ammunition. Hence, your choice of best M1A scope must work appropriately with this design.

Do you need to make an excellent choice of M1A scope? Below is our top 3 M1A Scopes.

Top 3 Best M1A Scopes

What to Consider for an M1A Scope?

Eye Relief and Eye box

The space between the scope and your aiming eye (for optimal sight image) is the eye relief. This implies that the bigger the eye relief, the safer your eye is from recoil. However, your eye and head will be in an uncomfortable position should the eye relief be too much.

Eyebox refers to the amount of wiggle room for placement of your aiming eye.

Perhaps you have heard people complain of “small sweet spots”; they are referring to a small eye box. An M1A scope with less than half an inch room for optimal eye placement has a small eye box. During field use, a small eye box results in much slower target acquisition, and the higher the magnification scopes, the bigger this issue.

Field of View (FOV)

How wide you can see through the scope defines your M1A scope’s field of view. It is a feature determined by the magnification power and optics construction.

Field of View is typically measured at 100 yards. it is noteworthy that the higher the scope’s magnification, the lower the FOV, and vice versa.

Magnification Power

With the right M1A scope, while shooting from a bench rest, you can hit targets as far as 800 yards. There are those who have claimed they were able to reach targets at 1000 yards. Even though this is an admirable feat when you consider the average ballistic performance of the 7.62 x 51 ammunition, it is not an impossible one. But then, generally, people often use the .308 for long-range shooting because it is considered the world standard sniper cartridge (although it has the same similar bullet trajectory as 7.62 x 51).

The right M1A scope should help you with such long-range shots. If you are not interested in long-range shooting, the 3-9x should be appropriate, but I will advise 4-12x for shooting at long ranges.

You should also note that the higher the magnification, the less clear and dimmer the imager, not to talk about the rising cost.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens is on the other end of the ocular lens.

The bigger the objective lens, the heavier the scope, and the higher the price. In some cases, you would also have to deal with higher mounts.

When you divide the objective lens diameter by magnification power, it results in exit pupil size. Therefore, if you are in need of higher magnification power, you should choose a scope with a larger objective lens and smaller objective lens if you are going for a low magnification power.

Reticle

The reticle is in three main groups: the Simple (Duplex, Dot, NikoPlex, V-Plex, etc.), Mil-Dot/MOA (Crosshairs), and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation).

Often, the choice of the reticle is left to preference. For simplicity, your choice should either be the Simple or Mil-Dot/MOA. For long-range shooters, you should go for Mil-Dot/MOA. If you desire quick holdovers, then the BDC is most appropriate.

Then again is the issue of Focal Plane. To choose from the First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal plane (SFP) is quite easy. SFP reticle has the benefit of holdovers but only works on a specified magnification level. FFP, on the other hand, features holdovers and also works on all magnification levels, but is more expensive. However, if you desire tactical use of M1A scope and are serious about long-range shooting, you should choose the FFP.

Should you decide to consider illumination, well, you should check things like clarity in broad daylight, night vision compatibility, and battery life (ensure the reticle works even with a dead battery).

Tube Size

The standard tube sizes are 30mm and 1 inch in diameter. The bigger the tube, the more benefit you gain in durability and a wider range of internal turrets adjustment. A bigger tube also comes with a bigger objective lens. On the other hand, smaller tubes are lighter and cheaper.

Glass and Lens Coating

Good glass and lens coating contribute to image quality. The durability of your scope is also enhanced due to scratch-resistant coatings and waterproofing. Hence, look out for labels such as ED glass (Extra Low Dispersion Glass) and Fully Multi-Coated Lens – it may be costly, though.

Turrets

Turrets differ with scopes; their features are determined by whether the scope is for hunting or tactical purposes.

For hunting scope turrets, the scope has a low profile and capped turrets. It prevents unintentional adjustments. For tactical scope turrets, however, it is crucial there is an allowance for finger adjustability. Also, it is advisable turrets come with zero stops and zero resettable option. For long-range shooting, parallax adjustment is good to have.

One last thing: if possible, the turret unit of clicks should match the reticle. An instance is the Mil-Dot turrets and Mil-Dot reticle.

8 Best M1A Scopes (Reviewed and Ranked)

1. Nightforce 5.5-22×50 Nxs Tactical Riflescope

11 Reviews

NightForce NXS C433 5.5-22x50mm ZeroStop SFP .250 MOA Illuminated Moar Reticle Hunting Scope, Black

RETICLE ILLUMINATION – The scope is equipped with an illuminated reticle, which can be used to make the reticle more visible in low light situations or against darker targets
FEATURES – Second Focal Plane; 30mm body tube diameter; 3.7 in/95 mm eye relief; 5.5x: 17.5 ft/5.8 m – 22x: 4.7 ft/1.6 m field of view at 100 yd/m; 15.1 in/384 mm overall length; 6.6 in/168 mm mounting length

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 22.9 x 5.6 x 4.9 inches
Weight: 1.94 pounds

The NightForce 5.5-22×50 NXS Tactical Riflescope features include an Illuminated reticle for precise aiming in low-light conditions, 50mm objective lens, Tactical MOA turrets. The scope is built in a second focal plane configuration.

The scope is made from aluminum. With its solid built structure, it is one of the toughest designed for rugged use with its features up for your intended use. Also, its slim profile makes it easy to find ranges of a mounting system.

The NightForce 5.5-22×50 NXS Tactical Riflescope is a good option for tactical situations. This scope offers you a clear image, easy to use the reticle, precise adjustments, and a broad magnification range. It makes use of a locking feature, which stops the adjustment ring from moving accidentally without your access. The turret adjustments are easy to use.

Are you looking for a scope that makes long-distance shooting easy? If you are looking for something for 500 yards or less, this is not your choice. The scope makes long-distance shooting easy with a crystal clear image.

It uses a fast focus system that helps you with a quick and clear sight on your target. This scope will come handy if you are to engage targets at multiple distances out to 1000 yards during a shooting session. The 50mm is not really large as considered by some users; it means you can mount the optic with a medium of set rings or mount.

If you have ever been worried about getting a black eye, this scope provides you with a good level of eye relief so you can as well know you are safe. The last reason why you might want to consider this scope is that it comes with a lifetime warranty, even though you might eventually never use it since it has a solid body, which definitely would last.

Pros

Cons

2. Vortex Optics Viper Pst Gen Ii First Focal Plane Riflescopes

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Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP Riflescope EBR-2C MRAD

534 Reviews

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP Riflescope EBR-2C MRAD

The Viper PST Gen II takes incredible performance and rock solid tactical features to new heights. The 5-25×50 first focal plane riflescope is incredibly versatile and ideal for close to long range shooting scenarios. 30 mm diameter tube.
Shooters who dial their turrets for bullet 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.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 22 inches
Weight: 1 pound

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope is a scope perfect for different shooting ranges from close to long-range. It is suitable for both hunting and tactical missions, with refined, upgraded features which make the Gen II better than Gen I.

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope is made of the highest quality of aluminum, which is used in aircraft construction. The scope features a Reticle focus, Radius bar, Elevation adjustment knob, illumination and parallax focus knob, Objective lens, Magnification adjustment ring, and a Windage adjustment ring for easy and convenient use.

The reticle offers shooters highly functional, intuitive, and detailed hold points yet remain uncluttered for optimal viewing and features 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting. The basic difference between the first and second focal plane reticle is that the reticle is smaller when zooming out and larger when zooming in, while the second focal point reticle does not change when zooming in or out.

Its fully coated lenses and Extra-low Dispersion Glass help increase light transmission, clarity, and color fidelity. With its laser-etched torrents, adjustable parallax, and zero stop, it affords you to dial your turrets for bullet drop and wind compensation while keeping track of your turret position. The Armortek coatings offer protection to your lenses from dirt and scratches

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope also comes with a CR2032 battery that lasts you up to 150 hours of continuous use.

It is very durable. Being O-ring sealed and argon purged makes the scope waterproof, fog-proof and shockproof. The scope is also backed with a lifetime warranty giving you the assurance you deserve on the product.

I would personally recommend it for you if you do not have a large sum of money budgeted for your scope but still want value for your money as it comes close to other expensive scopes.

Pros

Cons

3. Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 12 x 3 x 3 inches
Weight: 0.81 pounds

The Burris 2-7×32 offers a combination of durability and clarity. The scope is specifically designed to give you low-to-medium magnification, meaning it is perfect for close to mid-range targets shooting and even accurate long-range shots. It affords you the space to keep both eyes on the targets, even when the target is moving fast, this makes it beneficial for fast target acquisition and increased awareness.

This scope features a multi-coated lens that eliminates light glare, assures you of clarity and brightness in picking out your target. An amazing feature of the Burris 2-7×32 is that it has ballistic drop-marks which allow you to shoot without having to adjust the elevation and windbags knobs. It also features sharp and thin reticles for precise aiming. The reticle makes it easy for you to target objects far by increasing the size of the target

The body tubes of the Burris 2-7×32 contain Nitrogen, which protects the inside. The riflescope is filled and Purged with high-quality dry Nitrogen. This ensures that airborne and residual surface moisture is absorbed and evacuated from the scope. This makes it waterproof and fog-proof, meaning the scope can withstand harsh weather conditions

The Burris 2-7×32 offers an eye relief at 7.3 inches, this further makes it easier for quick target acquisition and also helps you avoid black eyes if you are using a rifle with high recoil. It is also designed with a spring tension system that helps protect your hand and body from vibrations during recoils.

The Burris 2-7×32 is lightweight and makes it easy to hold or carry with your rifle. Best for target shooting and hunting

The Burris 2-7×32, like some other scopes, offers a lifetime, transferable warranty. This gives you all the assurance you need for a valid scope.

Pros

Cons

4. Leupold Fx-Ii Scout 2.5x28mm Duplex

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 14 x 3.25 x 2.75 inches
Weight: 0.47 pounds

The Leupold FX-II Scout is designed with fixed power of 2.5x, meaning it is not suitable for long-range shooting. However, this is not a problem for short and mid-range shooters. This fixed magnification, coupled with its compact design, further adds to this scope ability to take high recoil of your scout scope and hold its zero and adjustment.

With its low magnification, you can take shots with both eyes open. This makes target acquisition faster while it does not interfere with target identification. The Leupold FX-II Scout also offers a wide field of view; it uses a simple duplex reticle, which brings your view to the center naturally.

The scope is designed from a piece tube of high-grade aluminum, and this supplies the strength of the scope. The scope is designed to perform in its best capability, even in a harsh environment. The Leupold FX-II Scout lenses are highly durable, having gone through the diamond coating, which makes them resistant to scratching. The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, making it suitable for some rough actions.

The Leupold FX-II Scout uses the Leupold Twilight Max Light Management System that gives up to 20 extra minutes of shooting light and reduces glare for premium edge-to-edge image quality. In normal light, the multi-coated lens reduces glare significantly and provides a clear image.

It is relatively compact and lightweight, so you would not have to worry about an additional weight on your rifle. The Lightweight design of the Leupold FX-II Scout allows it to disperse recoil energy for unrivaled durability and performance with lightweight construction

The Leupold FX-II Scout is an ideal choice for scout rifles and lever-action rifles. It is perfect for you if you prefer to shoot at or under 100yards. Leopold also provides its customers with a lifetime warranty for their scopes.

Pros

Cons

5. Primary Arms Slx 4-14x44mm Ffp Rifle Scope

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 13 x 3.6 x 3.1 inches
Weight: 1.52 pounds

The Primary Arms has built a reputation over the years by working on their customers’ demands. The Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope is a decent piece that can be relied upon solely to return good value for your money beginning from shooting conditions to weather conditions. It is designed to give you the best shooting experience with your rifle.

The Primary Arms 4-14×44 is a first focal plane riflescope features an optimized MOA reticle that stays true through the scope’s entire magnification range of 4x through 14x. The 0.25 MOA click adjustments match the reticle to make viewing in and adjusting for range very easy.

Being a first focal plane long-range rifle scope, it provides you with all features you need for an effective and exciting hunt. An advantage of this scope for hunters is the first focal plane configuration as it affords to hunt your game, which may be yards away from where you are located. This provides you with ease compared to the second focal plane configuration.

The Primary Arms 4-14×44 features side parallax adjustment knobs and fast focus eyepiece that keeps the reticle parallax free, giving a crisp view. The parallax adjusts from 15yards to Infinity, opening up a large field of view. It also features turrets with zero resets; these turrets are not covered, which could expose it to damage.

The scope is designed with partial red illumination, having 6 brightness settings. It makes use of a CR2032 battery, which is fair enough.

It is constructed from high strength aircraft-grade aluminum for durability. The scope is solid with its ability to withstand water, shock, and fog. Other additional materials include a lens cover and lens cloth to protect the lens.

If you are looking for a great scope within your planned budget, then this scope is for you.

Pros

Cons

6. Vortex Optics Crossfire Ii 1-4×24 Adjustable Objective Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)

1,772 Reviews

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)

The 6-24×50 Adjustable Objective Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
The adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal to the shooter while anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 14.5 x 2 x 1.73 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 rifle scope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The scope is built to outperform other scopes within its price range. The scope is designed with a single-piece tube size of 30mm diameter, which provides room for internal adjustment, alignment, strength, and optimum visual performance.

Like the other Crossfire II, the 1-4×24 is built using aircraft-grade aluminum, and this affords it the strength and rigidity it needs. In addition to this is an O-ring seal for waterproof and nitrogen-purged designed to make the scope resistant to fog. This enables you to carry on your actions with accuracy, even in the strictest environmental or weather conditions.

It makes use of a mechanism of employing battery-powered electronics to illuminate the center dot for shooters during extra-low light conditions; this makes night use easy for you.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 also provides you with a long eye relief of about 4 inches and also makes using both eyes naturally. This, alongside the Fast focus eyepiece, it allows you quick and easy reticle focusing.

The turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks, making it easy to adjust while you keep an eye on your target. The caps also provide the turret with external protection.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 makes use of fully coated lenses to increase light transmission.

This scope uses the second focal plane reticle mechanism, maintaining the ideal appearance of the reticle. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Riflescope is suitable for numerous shooting applications. Vortex also offers an unconditional lifetime warranty on this Riflescope to assure the buyers.

Pros

Cons

7. Vortex Optics Crossfire Ii 2-7×32 Scout

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Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle , Black

630 Reviews

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope – V-Plex Reticle , Black

The 2-7×32 Crossfire II Scout Riflescope is perfect for Use on your Scout rifle, The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications
With 9. 45″ of eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you’ll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target, The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 14.25 x 3.5 x 3.25 inches
Weight: 1.35 pounds

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout is an extremely versatile Riflescope intended for a wide variety of applications. This Riflescope will, without a doubt, fulfill all your requirements.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 comes with a standard clear reticle that gives an image of high quality. Even under low-light conditions, you can depend on the scope for precise aiming.

It uses a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, which is located near the scope’s eyepiece behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses. With the second focal plane, the style of the reticle does not change in size when you increase or reduce the magnification meaning it always maintains the same appearance.

One thing you can note is that with the 2x -7x, you can push your rifle as far as possible to use for long-range shooting.

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 combines multi-coated with anti-reflective lenses to provide you with a bright and clear view. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 provides you with a long eye relief of about 4 inches.

It is easy to zero in, which helps you maintain your position when going on various rounds. Its fast focus eyepiece provides quick and easy reptile focusing. The Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is built using aircraft-grade aluminum that ensures the strength of the scope. The use of O-ring seals and gives the scope it is waterproof, fog-proof, which enables you to use under different weather conditions, and being Nitrogen purged influences its shockproof ability; this enables it to withstand the impact during recoil.

It also comes with a removable lens cover and a lens cloth, which are to protect the lens, ensuring a longer use.

Pros

Cons

8. Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight With Standard Rail Mount

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 3 inches
Weight: 0.45 pounds

The Aimpoint Micro T-2 is designed for users who require a rugged scope, lightweight, and compact red dot optic. Its sturdy features include a high strength aluminum sight housing, hard-anodized surface for protection against weather elements. It is submersible up to 80 feet, meaning you would not have to worry about being caught outside in the rain, and also your scope will still function as it should under extreme temperatures or any other weather conditions during your actions.

The adjustment turrets are protected from external damage, which is a common con of red dots. The scope is also shock and vibration resistant. The best thing about this scope is even with its strong features, you do not have to worry about an additional weight on your rifle. This is why the scope is considered the lightest scope available that uses the red dot.

The Aimpoint Micro T-2 uses an advanced objective lens that takes out parallax error and provides you with a good light transmission fiction and perfect optical clarity. The lens improves the clarity of the 2 MOA dot reticle for pinpoint shooting and target acquisition.

It comes with an attached see-through flip cover and functions with multiple brightness settings. The scope has 12 brightness settings, four night-vision compatible settings, and eight daylight settings, including one extra bright for use in bright sunlight. With his, you will be able to adjust to suit your demand in any lighting condition.

The Aimpoint Micro T-2 makes use of a CR-2032 battery that provides up to 50,000 hours of continuous use, about 5 years, and about 500,000 hours in Night vision mode. This implies you can always have your scope ready to go. This scope is ideal for use on rifles, shotguns, and carbines.

Pros

Cons

FAQs

Can you put a Scope on a Springfield M1A?

If I am to answer the question straightway, yes, you can definitely mount a scope on a Springfield M1A, and my recommendation has not changed. The Springfield Armory scope mount is the ideal choice. Whichever material you chose, whether the aluminum or steel version, they work great, although your choice of material may differ with the specific task of your M1A.

For instance, where an additional weight would assist the stability of your rifle in virtually every shooting position, then the steel mount is a welcome idea. The aluminum mount is good for M1As that you require to be light, quick, and easy to handle.

The steel and aluminum mounts are made such that even if you want to disassemble, clean, maintain, or replace parts of the rifle, you can do so without having to remove the mount. So, it makes it easy to attach your scope again simply. Once you have had your scope installed, there is really never a reason to remove it.

How accurate is the M1A Scout?

The accuracy of the M1A Scout is quite excellent. At 200 yards, its shooting was quick, precise, and powerful. When tried at a distance as long as 400 yards and more, the rifle did not fail to hit its target, which it did easily.

What Ammo is safe for M1A?

The ammunition is one of the vital factors that affect the rifle as a whole, including its accuracy. The wide variety of ammunition you can choose from ranges from match-grade bullets to surplus for the M1A. However, if you really desire accuracy, choosing the right ammunition is essential for you, which in this case, is the match-grade bullet.

Some people buy ammunition based on how cheap they are, but from experience, cheap ammo always performs badly. They burn dirty and leave behind a lot of grime and residue. The result is in two folds: it necessitates the need to have your barrel cleaned after burning through a few rounds of ammo. The second is the greater evil; they leave residue behind in the barrel after every round of shooting, consequently affecting accuracy the more you go.

One other factor to consider for your ammo is the rate of corrosion. Cheap ammo tends to corrode the barrel, which consequently degrades the accuracy of your rifle.

The military that makes use of the M1A also makes use of the best ammunition.

So, it would only amount to a colossal waste of money should spend on every other upgrade of your M1A rifle if you are going to use dirty or cheap ammo. But if you would do the former, your best bet is the match-grade ammunition.

Finally, you must also pay attention to the bullet weight. M1A really works better with bullets in the grain range of 140 – 150.

Conclusion

Having read through this review, we can unarguably point to the M1A as a beautiful piece of a rifle. I mean, this is based on its durability, accuracy, and practicability. Initially made for military use but has been modified for applications that are suitable for civilians and Law enforcement.

One of the beauties of the M1A rifle is the allowance it gives the owner for an upgrade. One of such is mounting a scope. Why do I need an M1A scope for my rifle? Indeed, M1A is such a powerful weapon that can shoot as far as 1000 yards (although its best is at 800 yards) – this is an impressive feature, but if you can see what you are aiming at because of a long-range distance, it pretty much becomes useless.

If you are going to get the best out of your rifle, you should go along with a scope the next time you are going out to the field.

Whatever shooter you are, there is a scope that best fits your style in the list, as mentioned earlier. There is a scope that would embrace what makes you different and would be your armed robotic arm extension of some sort. You should not let your friends pressure you into extravagant scopes that do not fit your needs. On the contrary, show them the magic you can perform, having paired your M1A rifle with the ideal M1A scope.

Gabriel Tackett

Double major in Engineering and Geology at the University of Minnesota. Experienced shooter & hunter for over 15 years. Certified NRA officer for over 10 years working as a writer at Ballachy.com .