Well, currently have a standard M1A with chrome lined USGI barrel. May or may not replace with an 18" barrel. Thinking about setting up with an Aimpoint, as that's what i prefer on my AR's. but not discounting the Eotechs.

My main concern however is choice of scope mounts. I've read over and over again how the receiver mounts are hard to get on, and how the scopes sit up high ( i know, not as big of a deal on red dots, but still). I really like the Springfield scope mounts that mount forward of the receiver. But have never used one, and have heard some people love them, and some not so much.

Anyway, sure I'll have more questions. but would like some input on the issue for sure.

Quoted: I really like the Springfield scope mounts that mount forward of the receiver. But have never used one, and have heard some people love them, and some not so much.

The Aimpoint and EOTech work best on M14 type rifles when they are mounted forward of the receiver.
The Springfield scout mount is a solid mount for the current one-piece offerings.
The Knight's RAS is great for the one-piece optic and well suited to the new magnified two-piece versions.
If you want to go all-out the SAGE or the soon to be released TROY drop in stock are available.

If possible try before you buy or you will have slightly used items to sell soon.


HTH ~

I gave up trying to put any optics on my M14. I tried all sorts of things, and they just turn a wonderfully balanced, fine-handling rifle into a clumsy, awkward, heavy stick that's difficult to sling.

It has the best iron sights ever designed, that has to be enough for me. I may install a tritium front sight post, but that's all.

Here is what I finished with for an all around general use M1A after trying all kinds of options.  I had an Aimpoint on the scout mount that came with the gun, but ditched it because I wanted some magnification.  At 200 meters+ the dot covered up a lot of target and this gun really shines at 200+.  The ARMS mount sits nice and low and with their low rings I don't  need a cheek pad.  The problem with the  ARMS mount is it took some fitting.  I used a Smith mount on a different gun in the past and it did not need any fitting, but the scope sat high enough that I had to have a cheek pad.  

In keeping with several other responses, I've been pondering "scoping" my M14 for awhile now. And I've come to the conclusion that I don't even want to. The irons are so wonderful.

I want to get a Remmy or maybe Kimber .308 bolt gun, have it customized and scoped. And have a real precision rifle. Not make the wonderful M14 battle rifle into something it isn't.

However, I would also like another M14, say a scout-type. 18 inch chrome-line barrel with the aluminum SAI foward scout mount or the Rooster33 Aimpoint mount.

I think the Aimpoint is more appropriate for the M14, since it can be mounted lower than the EOTech.

Just my two.

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm leaning heavily towards either the Springfield mount, or the Rooster mount. Don't know which is better, as it seems hard to find info on either.

And the more I look, I'm really starting to like the idea of a 2MOA Aimpoint mounted on my M1A.

Anybody used the 2MOA Aimpoint on there M1A? I just can't seem to find a reason it would be a bad idea, but haven't even held a 2MOA Aimpiont yet, so not sure.

Quoted: Thanks for the input guys. I'm leaning heavily towards either the Springfield mount, or the Rooster mount.

Take a look at THIS

The ARMS 18 and the SEI mount are reputed to be the best.

The Springfield 3rd Generation mount has had it's share of problems. But the ARMS is sometimes difficult to mount, due to different reciever geometries.

The Aimpoint 2x is reputed to have problems. The idea is good, but the execution was flawed.

As said before, however, the M14 does have wonderful irons.

Quoted: Thanks for the input guys. I'm leaning heavily towards either the Springfield mount, or the Rooster mount. Don't know which is better, as it seems hard to find info on either. And the more I look, I'm really starting to like the idea of a 2MOA Aimpoint mounted on my M1A. Anybody used the 2MOA Aimpoint on there M1A? I just can't seem to find a reason it would be a bad idea, but haven't even held a 2MOA Aimpiont yet, so not sure.

I'm using a 2MOA Aimpoint M3 on the forward rail on my M1A Scout.  It's in a LaRue RASII mount.  It works great for me, the only problem with it is the rail was out of spec.  Even though the LaRue mount is adjustable, it still wouldn't fit, so I had my uncle do some milling on the mount until it fit.  Works great now.