The M1A is one of the most versatile rifles on the battlefield. If there are rifles more versatile than the M1A, it would be just a few. Whether you want to set up your long-range game with a national match model or you just want an amazing rifle setup, you will need the best scope for M1A. Many people love the M1A rifle. Despite the high price of this machine, it is continually selling out.
When it comes to M1A scopes, there are hundreds of options in the market, with different specs, sizes, and price tags. After extensive research and considerations, we have compiled a list of some of the best scope for M1A in the market.
In this article, you will also be exposed to some of the vital things you need to consider when shopping for a scope for your M1A.
The Best Scopes for M1A Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50mm AOE Red and Green Illuminated Scope |  Top Pick |
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| 2.Vortex Viper Pst 6-24x50 FFP Riflescope |  |
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| 3.Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm |  |
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| 4.Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective 6-24x50mm |  |
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| 5.Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Patrol Riflescope |  |
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| 6.UTG 3-12x44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings |  |
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| 7.Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope |  |
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1. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50mm AOE Red and Green Illuminated Scope — Best M1A Scope
The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is another great scope for M1A. This scope feels and works as well as other high-end M1A scopes out there. This tool features a variety of magnification ranges, from 6x to 24x. This makes it ideal for medium and long-range shooting. It is very easy to assemble and loosening the rings is also not an issue.
This illuminated scope is pretty amazing in low-light and dark conditions. It features a red, clear layout to the shot that allows you to hit your target irrespective of the weather. The length of this unit is 15.7 inches and it weighs just 22.4 ounces. The illumination levels of this unit are 5 intensity (red) and 5 intensity (green). The diameter of the tube is one-inch.
This is one of the best M1A scopes for medium to long-range target practices. Nevertheless, it is not the ideal option for environments where the weather is an issue. It is best for indoor ranges and places where the weather is not an issue. The diameter of the objective lens is 50mm and it features an impressive field of view of 28 feet at 100 yards.
It also features a click value of 1/8 at 100 yards. It offers 3.52 inches of eye relief with an exit pupil of 5.1-16.9mm. In addition, this scope comes with one lens cover and two scope mounts for 20mm Weaver dovetail rail.
Specs
- 6 to 24x
- 15.7 inches
- 22.4 ounces
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lengthy eye relief
- Long-range magnification
- Dual illumination
Cons
- Not weatherproof
2. Vortex Viper Pst 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
If you are looking for the best M1A scope for the money, then the Vortex Viper 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope is one of the best options you have. This scope is also one of our top choices for getting extreme range shots.
What makes this scope stand out from the rest in the market is its superb lens quality. It also features an extra-low dispersion glass that comes in really handy. Furthermore, the glass of this unit is multicoated, providing you with the best, brightest images you can get.
To crown it all, it comes with a large objective lens size – an impressive 50mm. This scope is completely sealed and purged. It is fog proof, waterproof, and dustproof, regardless of where and when you use it. It also features an O-ring seal that provides top-notch shock resistance for a lifetime of use. With these features, you can use this scope to shoot in the worst situations you can imagine.
With several BDC reticles and turret adjustments, the adjustable zoom scope functions at different ranges and conditions. The lowest magnification is 6x and it is great for shorter-range shootings less than 100 yards. The maximum zoom level is 24x, and this will take you as far as you have the skill to shoot.
The extra-low dispersion glass of the tool also increases resolution and fidelity, providing you with sharp, crisp images. It also comes with a customizable rotational stop that aid in returning to zero after dialing temporary elevation correction.
Specs
- 6 to 24x
- 15.5 inches
- 23.4 ounces
Pros
- Extra-low dispersion glass that offers sharp, crisp images
- Argon gas purged
- O-ring seals
- Affordable
Cons
- 6x magnification might be too much for shorter-range shooting.
3. Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm — Best Scope for M1A Scout Squad
Are you looking for a M1A scope for close to medium-range shooting? If yes, then this is the right option for you. The Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm is a top-notch M1A scope that delivers high-quality shots up to about 400 yards. It features a magnification range of 2x to 7x, making it the perfect option for close to medium-range shots.
This scope sports the top of the line, field-proven technology. The fascinating design of this scope allows for pinpoint accuracy while reducing bulk, thanks to its low profile adjustment knobs. It also comes with high-performance glass, which is a great source of clarity provided the lighting conditions in the environment is good.
Furthermore, this scope focused more on the lower vertical crosshair. This is the process through which Burris learned to compensate for any bullet drop that hunters experience. It boasts of ultra-fast target acquisition with both eyes open.
In addition, this scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. The lenses are also multicoated. If you shoot in only bright and well-illuminated settings, then you should not overlook this scope. The diameter of the objective lens is 32mm, and it has a field of view of 23 feet at 100 yards.
Specs
- 2 to 7x
- 9.7 inches
- 13 ounces
Pros
- Multi Coated lenses
- Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
- Coil-spring assisted posi-lock
- Fast target acquisition
Cons
- Not ideal in low-light conditions
4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective 6-24x50mm
If you are looking for a top-notch riflescope to complement your M1A but do not want to spend much, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is one of the best options you should consider. This scope comes with a huge 50mm objective lens and an impressive magnification range of 6x to 24x. If you have been patiently waiting for the best long-range M1A scope, then wait no more.
With the impressive 6 to 24x magnification, hunters have recorded shooting accurately more than 1000 yards. Even after being knocked around, this scope manages to hold zero. It is also incredibly durable, as it is built to last. The elevation and wind adjustments also remain intact even after continuous abuse. It also comes with customized hash marks that seem to have set a new standard for optics.
With the lines, you no longer have to do guesswork previously associated with windage and holdover corrections. The fully coated, anti-reflective lenses of this scope provide very clear and bright views for the user.
It features a single-piece tube construction that is made with aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring strength and shockproof performance. It is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, which means it is fog proof and waterproof. It also has 4 inches of eye relief.
Specs
- 6 to 24x
- 14.5 inches
- 23.6 ounces
Pros
- Great parallax removal
- Dead-hold BDC reticle
- Waterproof
- Durable and shockproof
- Long eye relief
Cons
- It is a bit weighty.
5. Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Patrol Riflescope
Since M1A is already a weighty rifle, you would want a lightweight scope on it. The Leupold VX-R Patrol Riflescope is one of the best lightweight scopes for M1A, as it weighs only 12 ounces. The tool features a high-quality glass that is very clear and sharp. The magnification settings of this tool range from 1.25x to 4x, making it a more versatile tool than a red dog coupled with a magnifier. It is also one of the best options for near and medium-range shots.
It features a daylight bright and adjustable dot illumination. You can also use it for most outdoor situations, as it is very bright. Nevertheless, if you are in a desert or snowy environment, the dot might be a bit dim. It comes with a CR2032 battery that can last for more than one year. This tool shuts off automatically after five seconds when no motion is detected. The reticle will remain very much visible even when the battery dies.
It is 100 percent waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. The Twilight Light Management System of this scope adds up to 10 extra minutes of glassing recoil. The 30mm main tube offers incredible strength and an increased range of elevation and windage adjustment. The downside to this scope is that the Lifetime warranty of Leupold does not cover electronics.
Specs
- 1.25 to 4x
- 9.67 inches
- 12 ounces
Pros
- Low-powered variable optics
- Lightweight and durable
- Crisp, clear glass
- 100 percent waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
Cons
- Only a two-year warranty on the electronics
6. UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings
The UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope is a heavy-duty scope that you can use for short, medium, and long-distance shots. This scope is known for its extreme durability and high performance. It comes with a 30mm tube that is built on what UTG refers to as a “True Strength Platform.” This means that this scope is nitrogen-purged for weatherproofing. The metal is also made to last.
It comes with an integrated angled sunshade that allows you to control the amount of light that enters the unit. One of the coolest features of this tool is the degree to which you can customize it. It is set up with 36 different colors that you can change whenever you want.
The different colors come in very handy during different lighting conditions, and you can change the colors with just the press of a single button. This scope offers more features and customization than most of the low-price scopes in the market. It is also highly reliable and sturdy.
The magnification range of this scope is from 3x to 12x, and it comes with an objective lens of 44mm. It comes with a special circuit and housing design for uninterrupted illumination even under heavy recoil.
Specs
- 3 to 12x
- 10.4 inches
- 23.2 ounces
Pros
- 36 different colors to choose from
- Multi-emerald coated lenses
- Consistent zero resettings and locking
- Weatherproof
Cons
- It is a bit weighty
7. Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
The last on our list is the Primary Arms SLX 4-14x4m Riflescope and it is one of the best scopes for M1A. This scope comes at an affordable rate, and it gives you a tactical feel. It features a magnification range of 4x to 14x, which is pretty great for short to medium-range shots. It comes with a high-quality glass that leaves you with crisp and clear images at all levels of magnification.
This scope combines both MIL dot and BDC reticle. This feature is very useful, as it allows you to use any system you want. This reticle is a first focal plane reticle and it has an illumination function, providing you with accurate crosshairs in all magnifications. It features repeatable, precise turrets that are zero resettable and finger adjustable. Nevertheless, a little improvement on the clicks would be better, as it feels a bit mushy.
This scope has parallax adjustments including a wide range of internal adjustments. It is highly durable and you can use it with .308. This unit features partial red illumination with five brightness settings and it is powered by a CR2032 battery. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The body is made with 6063-aluminum with a matte black finish. This scope is covered by a limited 3-year warranty for defects due to workmanship or materials.
Specs
- 4 to 14x
- 13 inches
- 24 ounces
Pros
- First focal plane
- It comes with parallax adjustment
- Clear and crisp images for all magnification
- Weatherproof
Cons
- The eye relief is a bit small
How To Choose The Best Scope For Your M1A
Scopes are highly technical, which is why you need to make sure you are paying attention when buying one. Small differences in measurements or technology can make a huge difference, especially for M1A scopes. As such, you need to get the technical aspects right.
Here are some of the vital things you need to consider when shopping for the best scope for M1A:
The Weight And Size Of The Scope
The size of scope you will choose depends more on what you want to use the scope for than the type of rifle you have. If you are plinking, which means you are not likely to take shots more than 100 yards, you do need not a scope with a very big objective lens. Nevertheless, you will need every millimeter you can get if you are a long-range shooter.
Nevertheless, if you want to use the scope to compete in a surplus competition or the national match, you go for a scope that is a bit weighty. This would help reduce the recoil by adding weight. You should go for a lighter scope if you want to use it as a general use firearm or to control a hog population on the farm.
Features
Your need for the scope will also determine the features to look for in a scope. Depending on the type of shooting, you might need different scopes. Scopes are just like cars; you cannot use a pickup truck to do the same things you do with a minivan. This is pretty much the same for scopes, as you do not go hunting with the scope you use for plinking.
Even the most affordable M1A scopes often come with these features. With these features, you can use the scope to embark on several shooting activities.
Budget
Your budget is another vital thing you need to consider. The amount of money you have to spend will determine the quality of the scope you will get. Generally, optics are expensive. Good glass on a rifle can considerably surpass the amount you paid for the rifle itself.
Final Thoughts
Sorting through the seemingly endless M1A scope options in the market can be very difficult. When looking for the best scope for M1A, the best thing you can do is determine what you want to use it for as well as your budget; this would help streamline your decision-making process.
Our two cents’ worth is that the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is a pretty solid bet. It features a great magnification and illumination, and it’s comfortable, sturdy, and quite affordable.
