Okay, I'm taking a "precision rifle" class in the near future and my 3rd Generation Springfield Armory mount just isn't cutting it. I've got a 2000 era full size base model M1A with fiberglass stock and a decent 6x40 eyeball that needs a good mount. I'm not a genius, so I'm going to toss out some queries on various message boards. I've read a zillion ancient articles from HighRoad to AR15 to blah-blah. I kinda want up to date comments. So here:
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According to a variety of sites:
- My M1A is not milspec (duh!) and yet it totally is (some say accessories work fine).
- I'll have issues getting a mount to seat and stay (#+ wobble) yet it'll be rock solid.
Turns out that shit is way confusing. Meh, I'm going to buy a decent mount anyway.
It would be an understatement for me to state that I'd rather have a late model AR-10.
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I've only used this particular rifle with its glorious iron sights so I have little experience with M14/M1A mounts. I put a few M14s together in the military (old as hell, didn't actually fire them) and the extra crappy piece of dog poo that came with my own M1A. I've never had any function issues with the M1A, but that may change given the various forum comments regarding what seems like an endless array of mount / scope issues.
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Candidate #1: $170. I was thinking ARMS #18 as looks way solid, 3 points, and very low profile. Only issue is that you can't use the iron sights when it's mounted, leaving you dead in the water if your scope isn't right. I suppose I could get QD rings, but I'd rather be able to shoot both in a pinch. Keeping the scope as low as possible is nice, though. Perhaps prevents having to use that giant cheek pad.
Candidate #2: $300. Also saw the Sadlak "Airborne" model. Skeletonized steel. Also comes highly recommended. Advantage is use of iron sights, albeit through an extremely tiny little channel. Worth the extra ~$130? Who knows?
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Thoughts? Suggestions? What did I miss?
Part of me is thinking I should sell this headache and get a tricked Savage LE bolt gun.