Talk me into or out of this

[AZRedhawk44]

I'm not 100% pleased with my optic on my M14.  It's a Leupold FX-2 4x33 fixed power scope.  It's on medium height rings, low rings won't work because of the objective lens size.  Everything's mounted on a Smith Enterprises M14 mount that attaches at the stripper clip guide, the receiver side bolt and tensioned upwards with a set screw above the barrel.

It's still just a skosh too high.

I'm considering going with one of the straight tube style "tactical" scopes that have no flare to the objective lens.  Something like one of these:

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0002458450/ultralight-fx-ii-2halfx20mm-fixed-power-wide-duplex-reticle-matte-finish

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/00402se16242/strike-eagle-1-6x24mm-with-illuminated-ar-bdc3-reticle-30mm-tube

I know the Vortex has a BDC calibrated for .223, not .308.  Which is a strike against it.  It was included more as an example of the scope style.

I'd prefer something with illuminated reticle, if anyone knows of a better offering.

Or should I just leave it iron sighted? 

[WLJ]

Check out Primary Arm's line of ACSS scopes They've been getting great reviews. I have the 1-6 and love it.

[bedlamite]

I've got a 1-6 Strike Eagle. I remain unimpressed with it. If it were me, I'd get another 1-6 PST 2 with mil reticule.

[French G.]

I vote for leave it irons. I got my NM(and then some) M-1A 20 years ago and it came with a Brookfield mount. Dumb or not I put that thing on the internet for way too much money and it was sold in a half hour.

On the scope front I have a 1-4x Nikon of their M223 series. Not illuminated but straight objective lens.

[Bogie]

Would this fit? I think it is somewhat based on the March tactical scopes...
 
https://www.swampfoxoptics.com/arrowhead-lpvo-series

[dogmush]

I love Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO's), and am slowly transitioning to them on most of my rifles.  I have a couple of the Primary Arms ACSS 1-6s (5.56 and .300 BLK), I have a Burris MTAC on a PTR-91, and I have one (I forget which exactly) on my AR-10.  they are really good from ~75m out to ~400 or so, and very versitile.

I will say, after having done some 15-25m shooting on a timer, they lag a quarter second or so behind a good red dot for getting that first shot off, even on 1 power, but IMO they make up for it on the longer ranges.

In the price range you are looking at the PA ACSS 1-8 is hard to beat.  https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-1-8x-rifle-scope-illuminated-acss-reticle

For the next step up in cash I've shot a buddies Vortex Viper PST, and it's really nice.  https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-viper-pst-gen-2-1-6x24-riflescope.html?vortex_reticle=24

[Ben]

I am following this thread with interest. My M1-A is currently iron sights. When I bought it, it came with a Springfield Armory scope. I can't remember the magnification off the top of my head. I recall a lot of people bought the rifle with that "free scope" deal and made a good chunk of change selling the scope. I used that scope with the rifle during a long range rifle class I guess ten or so years ago now, and the combo performed well.

Now that I have AR rifles and an AR pistol for that 50 meterish home defense range, I'm kinda thinking I want to set the M1-A back up with a scope for longer range. I'll grab the scope out of the reloading room later and post what it is. It might be good for what I want, or maybe I'll see a better recommendation here.

I still say the Garand and M14 style iron sights are some of the best around. Even my aging eyes can still acquire them well.

[AmbulanceDriver]

I am following this thread with interest. My M1-A is currently iron sights. When I bought it, it came with a Springfield Armory scope. I can't remember the magnification off the top of my head. I recall a lot of people bought the rifle with that "free scope" deal and made a good chunk of change selling the scope. I used that scope with the rifle during a long range rifle class I guess ten or so years ago now, and the combo performed well.

Now that I have AR rifles and an AR pistol for that 50 meterish home defense range, I'm kinda thinking I want to set the M1-A back up with a scope for longer range. I'll grab the scope out of the reloading room later and post what it is. It might be good for what I want, or maybe I'll see a better recommendation here.

I still say the Garand and M14 style iron sights are some of the best around. Even my aging eyes can still acquire them well.

Quality peep and post sights are an absolute joy.

[Kingcreek]

Peep sight and post especially if you have the NM peep.
If you really need a scope, put it on a different rifle.
After several thousand rounds fired through a couple different M1A/M14 rifles (almost 4K through a custom built Supermatch, I admit I might be a bit biased.
The scout configuration with a LER is fun but works best with a shorter barrel IMO.
My advice- rediscover the enjoyment of shooting it as originally intended.

[Kingcreek]

I am following this thread with interest. My M1-A is currently iron sights. When I bought it, it came with a Springfield Armory scope. I can't remember the magnification off the top of my head. I recall a lot of people bought the rifle with that "free scope" deal and made a good chunk of change selling the scope. I used that scope with the rifle during a long range rifle class I guess ten or so years ago now, and the combo performed well.

Now that I have AR rifles and an AR pistol for that 50 meterish home defense range, I'm kinda thinking I want to set the M1-A back up with a scope for longer range. I'll grab the scope out of the reloading room later and post what it is. It might be good for what I want, or maybe I'll see a better recommendation here.

I still say the Garand and M14 style iron sights are some of the best around. Even my aging eyes can still acquire them well.

As I recall there was an ART II and III. I think they were made by redfield and the ART III might have stadia wire ranging. I might still have one of each somewhere...

[MechAg94]

I am following this thread with interest. My M1-A is currently iron sights. When I bought it, it came with a Springfield Armory scope. I can't remember the magnification off the top of my head. I recall a lot of people bought the rifle with that "free scope" deal and made a good chunk of change selling the scope. I used that scope with the rifle during a long range rifle class I guess ten or so years ago now, and the combo performed well.

Now that I have AR rifles and an AR pistol for that 50 meterish home defense range, I'm kinda thinking I want to set the M1-A back up with a scope for longer range. I'll grab the scope out of the reloading room later and post what it is. It might be good for what I want, or maybe I'll see a better recommendation here.

I still say the Garand and M14 style iron sights are some of the best around. Even my aging eyes can still acquire them well.

I took a couple of M1 Garands out that I was considering selling.  I hadn't shot them in years.  Put 8 rounds through each into about 10" at 100 yards.  Not great shooting, but I thought I did well with that thick front site.  My eyes aren't what they used to be, but the sights were still on target.  

I was surprised to see that Service Grade M1's are still available on the CMP's website.  $750 I think.  I was going to start at $1050 for mine and see what happens (assuming I will come down a little).  I have seen them sell for quite a bit, but these are nothing special as far as serial numbers or parts.  

[brimic]

https://hi-luxoptics.com/collections/tactical-rifle-scopes-and-optics/products/hi-lux-optics-close-to-medium-range-series-cmr1

A friend of mine has one of those on one of his ARs- fantastic scope for the price. This might be the next scope I buy. Only downside, if it is one, is that the turrets are in MOA, where I prefer milrads

Another scope that would probably be good, though it's a bit of a nuisance being SFP if you plan on using it for ranging without it being set at its highest power, is this: https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-1-4x24-tactical-30mm-riflescope.html

I have 2 SWFA scopes a fixed 10x, and a higher magnification variable  tactical version that is SFP. They are excellent.