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The Springfield M1A rifle platform is popular for shooters looking for something more powerful than a .223 Remington. With both .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor chamberings available, the M1A is a great choice for anyone looking to get into larger-caliber shooting.
One of the challenges that can come with owning an M1A is figuring out how to mount a scope to it. Unlike the AR-15 platform, which usually comes with a rail on top of the upper receiver for mounting purposes, the M1A does not have any direct way of mounting a scope onto it.
The M1A can present a few different problems when you go to install your scope. You need a solid mount and you can get that from aluminum construction without the added weight of steel.
Once you get your scope attached and the optic sighted in your weapon is battle ready. Whether you are a hunter or a Police Officer that is going to be using the Springfield Armory rifle for situations where someone may be firing back an M1A scope mount specifically designed for your gun and not something that you made watching a YouTube video!
How To Install A Scope Mount On The M1A
While mounting a scope on the M1A isn't so bad that you need to take it to a gunsmith it does require a little more work than taking out some preplaced setscrews and attaching a Picatinny rail.
Tools Needed To Complete The Installation
- Loctite
- Small Triangle File
- 3/32" and 1/4" Punches
Installation
Unload and clear the weapon, double check it. Now drive the pin out of the top stripper clip guide using the 3/32" punch from top to bottom. Tap the stripper clip guide from right to left to remove it.
Place the new clip guide from your M1A scope mount and tap it in where the original guide was taken out. You may need to file it slightly if it doesn't fit but be extremely careful not to remove too much material.
Align the receiver grooves and the guides on the M1A scope mount. Insert the front screw and carefully tighten it by hand.
Now, take a soft mallet and tap around the flat everywhere but don't mar the finish. Tap the front, back, and all over but don't hit it so hard to mar the finish. Snug the screw again and repeat the process using a screwdriver. When it stops tightening you have finished.
Quality scope mounts have follow-up steps. A 2-point scope mount will have a bushing that you need to secure and tighten the rear nut on at this point, some may have top screws that stabilize the M1A scope mount. Be sure you check the instructions so that you get them in the correct order! With a front screw, put a little Loctite on it and turn it so that it contacts the receiver solidly so it keeps the vertical alignment perfect.
The Springfield Armory M1A is a battle-ready weapon proven by the US Army with iron sights. So it stands to reason that if you install the M1A scope mount with an optic installed you have a very deadly weapon.
We have looked at all the available M1A scope mounts available and hand-picked these out for you to look at and we're sure that you'll agree that these scope mounts are the easiest to install and the best scope mounts available for your Springfield Armory M1A so get yours today!
Springfield MA4GENAM M1A 1-Pc Scope Mount, Picatinny, Aluminum, Black Finish
This sturdy aluminum mount provides a Picatinny-Style rail above the receiver of the M1A. The 4th generation mount features 3 points of contact with the receiver. Includes all mounting hardware and instruction.
- Imported
- Aluminum, one-piece construction
- Provides a Picatinny-Style rail above the receiver
- Mounting hardware and detailed installation instructions included
- Will not fit SOCOM II
Sadlak Industries M14/M1A Lightweight Airborne Model Steel Scope Mount
Airborne Scope Mount is 20 percent Lighter than our standard steel mount. Precision mil-spec Picatinny rail and see-thru U-channel for iron sight use with scope/rings attached Rail hardened to 45-50 Rc for a tough and strong mounting platform.
Produced from solid chrome-moly steel bar, not investment cast 5-degree case deflector angle milled on the underside of the rail. Proven Brookfield type 3-point contact design. Includes all mounting hardware, fasteners, hex wrenches, and detailed instructions Weight 9.0 ounce.
- PROVEN - Brookfield type 3-point contact Design.
- PRODUCED - from solid Chrome-Moly Steel bar. Not Investment Cast.
M1SURPLUS Scope Mount Rail - Low Profile Design - Durable Aluminum Material - Fits Springfield M1A Rifles
Picatinny Scope Mount Rail - Low Profile Design - Durable Aluminum Material - Anodized matte black finish - Fits most Springfield M1A Rifles - Does "NOT" fit M14 rifles - Includes a set of low-height aluminum scope ring mounts that have a 1 Inch Internal diameter - Installation will require filling and fitting procedures on the mount - Installation instructions included - Gunsmith Installation recommended
- M1SURPLUS Brings You A Low Profile Scope Mount Rail For Springfield M1A Rifles - Does "NOT" fit M14
- Provides a Picatinny Mounting Rail For Attaching Scopes or Optics
- Includes a Set of Low Height Aluminum Scope Ring Mounts
- Low Profile Design With See-Through Channel Allows Use of Your Rifles Iron Sights
- This Item Cannot Be Exported
UTG New Gen 4-Point Locking Deluxe M14/M1A Scope Mount
UTG 4-Point Locking Deluxe M14/M1A Scope Mount with 15-slotted Top Rail, Top Rail Locks into the Charger Guide Dovetail, Side Plate Features Locking Point, Horizontal Bottom Guide & Adjustable Side Screw to Provide a Rock Solid Foundation, One Piece Design Machined from Aircraft-grade Aluminum Alloy.
This New Gen Deluxe Scope Mount is made for M14/M1A rifles and features a one-piece design machined from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with a black matte finish. It features a 6-inch fully Picatinny-compatible top rail with 15 slots.
A lockable rear end with charger guide dovetail, a side plate with a locking point, a horizontal bottom guide, and an adjustable side screw to provide a rock-solid foundation.
It accepts Weaver-style rings and is see-through to allow for the use of iron sights for aiming when installed. Plus, it installs easily with no gunsmith required and comes with black rubber rail guards.
Features:
- New Gen mil-spec quality deluxe sniper mount for M14/M1A rifles
- See-through design for use with original sights; may be low profile with special cutting, high profile with a tunnel, or clearance so as not to block the user's vision from the rear aperture to the front post
- Over 6-inch fully Picatinny-compatible top rail with 15 slots
- The rear end locks into the charger guide dovetail
- 1-piece machined from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with a black matte finish
- The side plate features a locking point, horizontal bottom guide, and adjustable side screw to provide a rock-solid foundation
- Accepts Weaver-style rings and allows the use of iron sight
- Installs easily, no gunsmithing required
- Black rubber rail guards included
- Specifications:
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 5.7 ounces
- Rail Type: Picatinny/Weaver
- Dimensions: 6.1 by 1.6 by 1.8 inches (L x W x H)
FAQs
Can you mount a scope on an M1A?
Installing an M1A scope mount is fairly common, and you can also install scout scopes on the forward mounting Picatinny-style rail if equipped.
What is the difference between steel and aluminum M1A scope mounts?
Steel is stronger than aluminum, but the aluminum version is much lighter. It's also easy to damage the finish of aluminum by changing optics and scope rings. Aluminum should be left in place while steel is better for frequently changing your M1A scope.
Is the mount centered with the rifle bore?
If you follow the instructions and tighten the screws in the correct order, these mounts should be centered perfectly on the bore just like the factory iron sights.
