[skeeter]

I was asking the same question a month ago. Not wanting to spend too much I settled on a 4x Weaver with 8” eye relief. Suits me ok.

[andyk]

Pfl

[Joe 6-pack]

Whatever you decide on, make sure it’s waterproof in case of a boating accident.

[Carriage Hill]

I have an (older model illum yellow dot/circle) Mark 4 CQ/T on one of my AR-10s:

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/mark-4-cqt-riflescopes/

And a Mark 4 ER/T 4.5-14x50mm (30mm) M1 Front Focal, on another AR-10:

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/mark-4-ert-riflescopes/mark-4-ert-4-5-14x50mm-30mm-m1-front-focal/

[Lurker]

I found a Gen 2 Springfield Armory Rangefinding model, new in the box, about 7 years ago. I paid $600 for it. My friend has a Leopold that he’s very happy with.

My only advice is to buy the very best you can afford.

[The KG9 Kid]

Before I spent $2000+ on a NightForce, I'd sure want to know that my $1200 M1A had the inherent accuracy to take advantage of expensive optics mounted on top.

It would be sad to own a 3 MOA rifle with a $2000 scope on it that could only hit a baseball downrange at 100 meters away one chance in three.

[JoeFromSidney]

I'd put a Leupold on mine, whether or not it matches what the military uses. My question is, what kind of mount are you using to put a scope on an M1A or M14? I've tried a couple and haven't found anything satisfactory.

[Charles Martel]

The "Super Sniper" scope line from swfa.com has received many positive reviews. I don't remember all of the specifics, but I know the design is a revival of an older, much-lauded Tasco "mil-spec" scope that was once awarded a USN (SEALs) contract. The overall impression is that the scopes are 90% as good as a top-shelf brand & model, but cost only 30% as much.

I've purchased some glass from SWFA, they have good customer service.

[43north]

I have to agree with those who advise checking the accuracy of your rifle before blowing a wad on optics.

Most “rack grade” M1A’s will shoot 3MOA out of the box with good ammo if you do your part. Perform a few tweaks and you can tighten that up. Adding a scope to a 3MOA rifle makes it a 3MOA scoped rifle.

If you decide to get optics don’t “over-scope”. Something in the 2-7x variable range works fine for a .308 rifle.

Lastly, check out M14forum.com for all things M1A and M-14.

[Spktyr]

Here is the scope that Marine snipers currently use: http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-store/usmc-scope-ssds.html

[Spktyr]

Oh, and the scope it replaced was the Unertl/US Optics MST-100. Also available on the open market.

[PLMerite]

Bump for being in a similar boat myself.

[MasterGunner01]

I suggest a Tasco Super Sniper 10x42M available from SWFA.com. This is a Mil-Dot scope built under license by Howa Optics in Japan for SWFA. It is manufactured to the same Mil-Spec as the Leopold Mk 4. The scope is nitrogen filled, has the reticle etched on the optical glass, a 30mm tube, large w&e adjustment knobs, and has left side parallax adjustment. Price is $399.00. I have three on various rifles. I use it with A.R.M.S. No. 22M throw lever rings. The Super Sniper is proofed to handle .50 BMG recoil loads. Here: http://www.swfa-ss.com/

[Tainan]

If the military is paying the bill (there is a reason he is known as 'Uncle Sugar') you're looking at Schmidt & Bender for long range optics with exceptional light gathering abilities. Next in line would be something by Zeiss.

Nikon, Leupold, SWFA, Burris, Simmons, Tasco and a few others would merit consideration.
And when you get into the "used military" riflescopes...its another big bag of choices.