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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I have an ART II scope and I really don't know much about it. What I do know is that I can't get on paper at 100 yards - it shoots high with the elevation at the lowest setting. The optics are clear and the scope appears to function properly.

It also seems that the cartridge guide clip to mount the ART II is different from the "more recent" cartridge guide clip.

I just heard that they are built for different ranges and that that, at least in part, is due to the range ring you have (or the cam).

I'm interested in anything anybody can tell me. I've attached some pictures. If you need more, please let me know.

Thanks!
 

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Howdy front sight,

Looks like a nice scope. Your range cam is a military model. There are two basic versions, one marked for 300-900 meters (3-9) and another marked 1-10 for 100-1000 meters (allegedly...) We can't tell which you have from the photo.

On the 1-10 cam, ignore the 1, 2, and 10 markings, they are pretty much useless. They didn't change the machining from the 3-9 version, just added the 1,2 and 10 markings and those settings are not on the trajectory curve.

If you are hitting high at 100, here are the first things to check. Center the elevation and windage adjustments on the scope itself. You can either turn both knobs stop to stop, count the turns and split the difference (don't force the knobs at the limits, as soon as you feel resistance stop turning...) or, in bright light, put the objective end of the scope against a mirror and look through the scope. You will see the reticle and a mirror image of the reticle. If they are not aligned, the reticle is not centered. Adjust the windage and elevation until the reticle and the mirror image are aligned, now the reticle is centered.

Next, there is an adjusting screw for gross elevation adjustment in the scope cradle under the range cam. This screw makes large elevation adjustments, use this to get close, then make final minor corrections with the elevation in the scope. Hold the screw with a small flat screwdriver and loosen the nylock nut. Turn the screw upwards, raising the rear of the scope, to add elevation, turn the screw downward to lower the rear of the scope to lower elevation. Starting point is lower the screw until it loses contact with the cam, then turn it up until it just barely touches the cam ring. Hold the screw there and tighten the lock nut.

I must ask whether you are using a proper rear stripper clip mount. That is an essential part of the system, and if you aren't using one you will probably have elevation problems.

There are two options for this. The Army machined each rear mount custom for each rifle. Mount the scope with the front bolt, mark the location of the rear mount bolt on the side of a standard USGI stripper clip guide, then drill tap and countersink that hole for the rear mount bolt. This provides a perfect custom fit for that mount on that rifle and eliminates some dimensional problems found even on USGI M14s.

Option #2 is use the rear mount made by Leatherwood for the commercial market. It is predrilled, but because of dimensional issues with various receivers it may or may not work properly on your rifle. I am using one on a SAI M1A 047XXX vintage and it fits perfectly, YMMMV.

Also, be aware that when zeroing the ART II Government Model on the M14 type rifle, at 100 yards with the scope set on 300 meters, the bullet should impact about 5.6" above point of aim. This will be close to zero at 300 meters. (for typical 173gr/175gr match loads similar to Federal Gold Medal or M118 Match or LR.)
 

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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
Thanks 2336USMC,

I figured it was supposed to hit high at 100 yards. I talked with a guy at a gun show a few years ago who was selling M1As and some of them had ART II scopes. He seemed to know what he was talking about but I included it in my post to be complete and in case you had something to say about it.

I believe I have the correct stripper clip mount. I have two M1As. One that came with the ART II - it fits on the rifle fine. The other is a 'regular' Springfield 'Loaded' model with a scope mount. As you say, the two mounts are not compatible. The ART II will not fit on the loaded M1A and the scope mount for that rifle won't fit on the rifle that the ART II fits on.

I'll try your suggestions for adjusting it for 100 yards. The last time I tried it, it was more than 6" high so that might help.

The main reason, I'm asking these questions is I'm thinking of selling it. Am I right in thinking that some of its value is because it's collectible/military? At the moment, I haven't done any long range shooting (our club only has a 100 yard rifle range), but I'm wondering if that would make a good scope should I get into longer range shooting or would it make more sense to get a more modern scope? As you can see, I don't know much about scopes!

Thanks again!
 

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In my opinion there are two reasons to own an ART II.

1- For the history and/or collector value. It was the standard US Army scope issued with the M21 sniper rifle for about 10 years during the 80's, and some served well after that.

2- It can still serve just as well today as it did then, but now it would be considered more of a Designated Marksman tool. The scope is designed to put solid hits on man-sized targets at fairly long ranges, quickly.

However, if you're serious about long-range shooting, you would probably be better off getting a modern long range scope with much more precise adjustments. Technology marches on. For example, a nice ART II would be about an even-up trade for a Leupold Mk 4 LR/T plus rings... DI5
 

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