Looking for suggestions for scoping an M1A

[xsgt]

Greetings all,
About 30 yrs. ago I bought an M1A Match w/ the intent to set it up like the Army's XM21 sniper rifle, with the Leatherwood auto-ranging scope. For one reason and another, I never got that far, & I realize that by now there are better options. I can't justify a $3000 or more scope. I'm not looking to compete, in fact as of now the longest range I have access to is 200 yds. Still, I want to set it up w/ something halfway capable in case I can stretch my legs in the future. I'm looking for something decent in the $1000 range. One that caught my eye is the Brownells Match Precision Optic 3x18 scope. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience w/ this scope, or would recommend something else in the price range. Also, is Springfield's scope base a good setup, or is there something better out there? (I don't want to use anything that requires a permanent modification to the rifle.) Finally, could anyone recommend a strap-on or lace-on cheek piece? At the time I bought the rifle I got one of the Garand-style leather cheek pads, but now I have come to understand that it was designed for the offset scope on the M1 & is not really optimal for a straight-line scope. I haven't really kept up with all the "tacti-cool" stuff, so any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bamban]

For a cheek rest I like these.

Bradley adjustable tactical cheek rest m1a cheek rest
https://bradleycheekrest.com/

I know you mentioned no modification, but in case you will change your mind, this scope mount is the best I have ever used. Over the years shooting the platform across the course I have used any different mounts for load development, I just gave up on them and just shot irons over sand bags.

Fast forward when I wanted a purpose built pig gun with optics I machined a barrel from blank (never again) to be mated to heel stamped Polytech, I searched again for a solid mount. This is what I came up with. I believe it was designed at Crane. The front mount is sandwiched between the barrel and receiver. Once you torqued it down, just like a recoil lug it stays put. The rear mount replaces the rear sight and clamped by 2 screws from each side of the ears. The actual scope mount is a metal strap that bolts to the front ring and rear mount. Very solid, but optics only.

 

[Nature Boy]

As @Bamban says above, I like the Bradley riser.

I’m also a fan of the Bassett scope base. I went with the Low mount option. Attaches with one bolt and goes back to zero when reattached.

http://www.bassettmachine.com/

 

[xsgt]

Thanks to both for your replies. Bamban, I checked out the website & that riser looks perfect. Nature Boy, I also checked the website you mentioned. You say you have the low mount, but I was intrigued by the high mount w/ picatinny rail. I like the idea of being able to use both the scope & the iron sights. I could keep the irons sighted for NATO ball for plinking & casual short-range shooting & sight in the scope with match grade ammo for longer & more serious shooting. However, I wonder if mounting a scope w/ a 50mm objective high enough to allow this would make the rifle unwieldy, top heavy, etc. I'd appreciate your opinion. Also, may I ask what the scope rings on your pictured rifle are?
Again, thanks to you both.

 

[Bamban]

You have to call Bassett Machine. The old man running it passed away a few years back, the daughter took over. That was the last information I have about the operation. Dripping Springs not being from my house I went to the place of business before and bought a couple of mounts, then after the old man passed. The old physical business is no longer in existence The daughtet must be operating elsewhere.

If you want a mount that is well made and can still use irons, call Mike at Sadlak. His mounts are almost direct copy of the GI mount. Of all the detachable mounts I tested, Mike Sadlak is the one I would ever consider for my use. Then again nothing beats the one I posted above.

M1A Scope Mounts| SADLAK M1A / M14 and AR Components
https://www.sadlak.com/m1a-store

 

[Bamban]

D. T.