Looking to put optics on my m1a loaded. Looking to spend up to 1500 i already have a SA mount i bought with my m1a coupon.

I went with the Leupold MK4 2.5 - 8x with illuminated reticle.

It's ok.  I find that it goes black if my eye isn't in just the right spot.  It's got a very finnicky eyebox.  I also find that the glass is not as clear as ACOG and it doesn't collect light as well.  I also had the illumination fail on me and it had to go back to Leupold.  They fixed it, but put a few dings on the scope in the process.  It was only a few days old.

I won't be buying another Leupold product.  But I will look into Trijicon next.  Their ACOG product has made me a believer.

I put a Zeiss Conquest on my standard one. The glass is excellent. You could try an IOR Valdada. They are supposed to be good scopes with excellent glass as well. The prices on the Vladadas is pretty reasonable too. They are heavy but they are built like tanks.

MPD165