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That can't be you - that's a skinny young guy.

(Ducking)

Finally gave up myself and put some optics on the M1A last month. Used to be able to pick up a target at 500 yards but not so much n'more. Got the Springfield official mount and then the fun began.

In any sane gun you bolt the mount on and that's it. Not so fast! You know you're dealing with a battle rifle when: well, first you knock the pin out of the stripper clip guide and remove it altogether. (WHAT? The M1A doesn't have a stripper clip guide...oh...that's what that thing is...) Knocked the pin out and it fled downstairs for a romantic assignation with the missing socks the dryer ate...

Epic installation instructions. So, yeah, you screw the mount on. Tight. Then you hit it with a hammer (WHAT?). Yeah, a hammer, and then you tighten it some more and hit it some more and when you can't tighten it anymore after you hit it, you're done. I think that's why they call them "armorers" instead of "gunsmiths" but what the hell do I know.

So I got these fancy-dan cantilever rings that look like something out of Starship Trooper and on goes the Nikon. I take a nice cheek-weld and whaddaya know? I can use the irons through the base of the mount. Nice. Only...

Only the scope is about three inches above the bore axis, and if you're not a giraffe or have a third eye growing on a stalk from the top of yer head, it's sort of tough to see through the glass. Dang it. Great carry handle, not so good to actually, oh, I don't know, LOOK THROUGH?!?

Tore it off and put on a set of low-rise mounts and life is good. Range is still in snow but I can't wait to take it out. Soft shooter, built like a tank. If, God help us, I ever had to hit the weeds to defend against the invading Muslim hordes from Alberta (Muslim hockey fans, that's the worst kind), that'd be the gun I'd want with me.

Ah yes, we were all skinny back then, right? Had a funny experience about 15 years ago when I hosted a reunion of ONTOS Marines at Quantico - we had just restored one of the last operational ONTOS (6 106mm recoilless rifles!) and they asked me to set things up for them. When they arrived with their families, they were astonished that they could fit in the thing anymore ("I don't remember it being that small").

Can't wait to hear how well you're newly optic-equipped beauty does for you at the range. I have alternately installed optics and then removed them and then reinstalled them as I come to grips with old age and diminishing eyesight.

I have installed a lace-on cheekrest and that helps a lot with the elevated sighting plane.

Good luck and I'll join you to hold off the jihadist hockey fans!

Since everyone who has posted here has an interest in the subject I would recommend you read American Rifle - A Biography. Published about 10 years ago, and I think is out of print, it is my opinion is one of the most complete references on the subject of ammunition for US military rifles going back to Colonial times.

If you can find a copy it is well worth the investment.