A scope? A red dot? Neither?

Feel free to post your decision as well.

Most "purists" will say irons. The M14/M1A does have a set of AWESOME iron sights...

Some will say a regular scope. They like the extra "reach" of the 7.62mm/.308 and want to be able to capitalize on it with a magnified optic.

Yet others will vote for the red dot due to the speed with which you can acquire the target out to 300 - 400 yards.

It just depends on what situation you want to have your particular rifle set up for. The M14/M1A isn't the easiest platform to mount optics on, but it can be done.

Me? I voted for the red dot because I have an EO-Tech 552 on mine.

Quoted: Most "purists" will say irons. The M14/M1A does have a set of AWESOME iron sights... Some will say a regular scope. They like the extra "reach" of the 7.62mm/.308 and want to be able to capitalize on it with a magnified optic. Yet others will vote for the red dot due to the speed with which you can acquire the target out to 300 - 400 yards. It just depends on what situation you want to have your particular rifle set up for. The M14/M1A isn't the easiest platform to mount optics on, but it can be done. Me? I voted for the red dot because I have an EO-Tech 552 on mine.

How do you like the EO-Tech on your M1A?

Quoted: I guess it depends on your application. It has excellent irons, but I go with optics when ever I can.

Same here.

I had a 4-14x56 scope on my M1a for a time when I first got it...  too much scope.

took it off, put on NM sights and thats the way I've kept it.  I'm not about to change it.


I have entertained the idea of getting the short M1A, the one with the Aimpoint.

I go with the red-dot/scope combo of an ACOG TA11E. You should edit your poll so I can vote.

Irons

I just took the scope off for good.  Maybe some day I'd put a red dot on, but for now it's all irons.

spork-

I really like it. I've got a KAC M14 RAS on my M1A that the 552 is mounted on. I tried an A.R.M.S. #18 mount and a Smith Enterprise mount, but they didn't really didn't work too well with the EO-Tech. The A.R.M.S. mount sat low enough, but the empty cases would hang up on the EO-Tech as they were being ejected and cause a "stovepipe" jam. The Smith Enterprise Mount sat high enough to avoid jamming the rifle but also sat too high for a decent cheek-weld on the stock. I did like the way I could use the iron sights while the EO-Tech was still on the rifle, though. Both of those mounts are fine for regular scopes but not with the EO-Tech. It took me over a year and half of experimenting until I found the right set-up. The KAC M14 RAS is a great mounting system and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to put any kind of optic on their M1A. Just keep in mind that it works only with USGI-profile barrels. It also is still just a teeny bit high, but I was able to overcome the issue by putting a Blackhawk strap-on cheekpiece on my rifle. Works great. This is my "Go To" rifle should the "SHTF"...

The EO-Tech provides FAST target acquisition. Should the EO-Tech go down, I can remove it quickly and I'm good-to-go with the iron sights.

Should be a shit-hot coyote rig. I plan on trying it out on them this fall.

I'd say Irons then a scope and probably never a red dot. The gun is capable of more accuracy than a red dot can offer IMHO.

The M1A is too damn hard to scope, and once you do get it right, cheek weld is a problem without  adding a platform cheekrest.  I have scoped one, but I still say irons.
-g

Thanks for the input, guys.

If I go with the M1A route, I will stick with iron sights.

I had an Aimpoint on mine,  took it off and put a scope on it,  I like it, I can shoot much better with a scope. Good luck.

The M1a's iron sights are a work of art. That's what I voted for. However with a good mount it looks cool scoped as well.

I have a NM match version, and the irons sights are the way to go, but of course if you have some aging eyes like I do, you may want to keep your options open regarding optics whether red-dot or scopes.

Iron sights.