M1A Nationial match optics

[Mcreams911]

I have a national match M1A and am wondering how to put some optics on it. Any ideas / advice?

[Mcreams911]

Also, Im open to suggestions as to whitch optics you would reccomended.

[highbrow]

Get a Bassett scope mount. Excellent for the money.

[madcratebuilder]

Scope mount (http://sadlak.com/si_rifle_parts_sm.html)

I used a Mueller 3-10 TAC II (http://muelleroptics.com/mtac31044)

A Alpen Apex XP in 6-24X50 (http://www.alpenoptics.com/RScope-apex.html)

And a Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 PA (http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescopes-vpr-m-05fp.html)

[Creeper]

madcratebuilder's recommendation to visit the Sadlak Industries website would be my choice as well. Take the time to read the entire article in the link and you'll understand why. A close second is the Smith Enterprises (http://www.smithenterprise.com/products09.html) product. Spend the money for steel or titanium... aluminum will not survive hard use for very long.

As to the scope... :D :D :D. Sorry, for such a grossly vague inquiry, I'm not going to bite on that one. :rolleyes:

C

[misterE]

I'm a big fan of sadlak myself. Put one of the aluminum ones on my "loaded" M1a. I like the ability to see my irons through that mount.

Just bought a national match M1a built in 1986 about a month ago and it has an arms 18 mount on it. Works great, but not able to see the irons. The previous owner did however use an arms detachable scope base with a shepherd p3 scope which is nice. Scope comes off easily for irons use and is right back to zero when I put it back on.

Those are the two I have experience with and I like them both with a slight edge to the sadlak.

[Ridge_Runner_5]

Sadlak!

http://i.imgur.com/f47g6l.jpg

[RGPM1A]

I have a Sadlak mount on my M1A M21. A fine mount but they almost always have to be fitted to your rifle.

If you want to avoid the fitting hassle get the Basset mount.

[Mcreams911]

Do those mounts require gunsmithing or is it something that I'd be able to install??

[RGPM1A]

The Basset requires no fitting. The Sadlak almost always does. You need to send it back to them and they machine it to dimensions you obtain from your rifle with a kit they provide. Fortunately i'm pretty handy and have a shop so I did the fitting myself.

[Eghad]

+1 on the scope mount mentioned by Mr. Mad. Vortex makes some nice optics to use on it.

[Mcreams911]

A co-worker suggested a Troy Industries mount, ever hear of them?

[Ridge_Runner_5]

If you want a full length top rail...

http://troyind.com/%20/rail-systemsaccessories/rails/m14-rails-rails/troy-battlerail-m14

[Mcreams911]

Are there disadvantages to the full length rail?

[Ridge_Runner_5]

Just weight and appearance, really...