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Posted: 2/27/2009 9:08:17 AM EDT
Hey there. I recently aquired a Springfield M1A in a trade. It's a standard model with an H&R chrome-lined barrel. I put an aftermarket synthetic stock on it and painted it come Krylon gren. It looks pretty good. I always wanted to put a scope on it but never had the kind of money to buy one of the best ones out there so for now I bought a cheaper chinese made one with a Buckmaster 4-24 power scope on it. It seems to be OK. I haven't shot it or sighted it in yet. I basically just installed the replacement part where the stripper-clip guide was and screwed the mount on, then put the scope on it. Basic question is, can I expect this mount to hold zero? What problems, if any, should I expect with the cheaper mounts? I plan on upgrading later, I just don't know if I can afford $300.00 for the Knight's armament mount. Thanks..
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If you want a reliable and easy to install scope mount, go with a Bassett. It's obvious but follow the instructions. If you're looking for something with three points of contact on the receiver for a traditional rifle scope, Smith Enterprise or Sadlak. For hunting, the Sadlak aluminum mount is going to do well. If you're mounting an ACOG, go with a Global Defense or a Smith Enterprise ACOG scope mount for the M14. Lots of folks like the low hugging A.R.M.S. # 18 but you're more likely to have occasional stovepiping of the spent cartridge case. YMMV
Mike Sadlak does a great job of explaining the challenges of mounting a scope on the M14 receiver. The groove dimensions and the location of the bolt hole vary so much on the commercial receivers that it's not unusual to need custom fitting of the three point mounts. Those same receiver geometry issues affect two point (cheaper) mounts. Thus, the two point mounts, SA, Inc. Third Generation, etc., tend to loosen faster with the round count. |
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I installed an inexpensive Chinese 2-point scope mount on my Polytech and it works just fine. It does not come loose and maintains zero when reinstalled. I'd say go for it. Better than spending a bunch for a Smith or Sadlak. Chinese receiver scope mount grooves and bolt holes are correctly located and machined. The OP has a Springfield Armory, Inc. M1A. SA, Inc. M1A receivers often have problems with proper fitment of scope mounts due to improperly machined scope mount grooves and incorrect location of the bolt hole. And then there's the cartridge clip dovetail that isn't always dimensioned properly. Commercial receiver geometry varies significantly from brand to brand and even within the brand serial numbers. Forewarned is forearmed. |
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I installed an inexpensive Chinese 2-point scope mount on my Polytech and it works just fine. It does not come loose and maintains zero when reinstalled. I'd say go for it. Better than spending a bunch for a Smith or Sadlak. Chinese receiver scope mount grooves and bolt holes are correctly located and machined. The OP has a Springfield Armory, Inc. M1A. SA, Inc. M1A receivers often have problems with proper fitment of scope mounts due to improperly machined scope mount grooves and incorrect location of the bolt hole. And then there's the cartridge clip dovetail that isn't always dimensioned properly. Commercial receiver geometry varies significantly from brand to brand and even within the brand serial numbers. Forewarned is forearmed. I did have tp file a little off the piece that goes where the stripper-clip guide goes, but once I did that it slid in just fine and the holes lined up okay. Seems to be tight and solid to me. |
| Do yourself a favor and get the Smith Enterpises Weaver mount for $125. It is the best deal out there for an all steel M14 mount. I have one and it is rock solid. I had a leapers Springfield mount copy that would come loose every 10 shots so good luck with that. IMO aluminum mounts suck. |
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