11-16-2016, 03:53 AM
diddlyv Wrote:I don't have a lazer bore sighter but can see the utility for lever guns and M-1 or M-14 style arms. Those having arguably the best sights ever put on a battle rifle rather begs the question as to why one would use a scope. With my M1A I found I could shoot better with the irons than the scope, mostly because of how high the scope ends up being when mounted. With proper cheek rests etc extreme accuracy for long range sniping can be achieved and in that role the scope is a good idea. For hunting at ranges I am comfortable in shooting game say 300 yards I find the irons satisfactory for shots where the animal is not hidden in the shadows then optics rule.
If you can shoot better at 300 with iron sights then all kudos to you - I cannot. I use a scopes because they are simply more accurate than iron sights. Plus they see more detail and as you say, are better at light gathering than the naked eye.
The M14/M1A was never designed to mount a scope. The short-medium range SOCOM system is a clumsy fix. One mount that is a thoughtful design is the Canadian CASM. It fits to the top of the receiver through the rear windage knob assembly (so you have to remove the rear sight assembly). Then you screw the front and back to push against the frame - So four points of contact. Other mounts that screw into that little threaded hole on the side or sit on the handguard are hopeless at keeping zero and are way too high. The CASM is as low as you can get a Picatinny rail, and with low rings you don't need too much padding on the rear stock.