[gclark26]

I have a new M1a Scout that needs a red dot. As this rifle has the ability to reach out and touch someone, I am looking for recommendations for a 3x or best all around red dot.
I have read some here like the Vortex Striker. I dont know much about this sight. I have an Aimpoint on a SOCOM 16 but see this as CQ or short distance red dot.
Has anyone used the Prismatic types? Are they useful on a M1a? Bering Optics has one with a BDC feature.

The M1A is a SHTF rifle and important I have a SHTF red dot.
Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[LeeHarvey]

You dont want a red dot for SHTF. You want something you wont need batteries for. Look into any of the 1-4x scopes out there. They will suit you better. I have a Burris MTAC, its nice glass and the reticle is etched. It has illumination but doesn't depend on it. It also has a BDC reticle that can be used for both 5.56 and 7.62 NATO rounds.

 

[Nelson54]

Question:

Looking at the Burris MTAC 3.5x-10x-42mm what would be a good ring and mount for M1A scout.

 

[six clicks]

I've been real pleased with my aimpoint T1 micro, it's very low and very light.

 

[Ikeman83]

Aimpoints have a continuous battery life of around 5 years. EOTechs have a continuous battery life of 1000 hours (20 days). If you're running your optic, continuously, for 20 days, and can't find batteries, you've got other problems.

If you're ok with spending some coin, get a Trijicon Accupoint.

https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product2.php?id=AccuPoint&mid=1-4x24

They're 1-4x scopes (true 1 power, so you can run it like an Aimpoint) that are illuminated by fiber optics and tritium. Tritium has a 1/2 life of 12.5 years, so a decade from now your scope's illumination will be half as bright as it is the day you buy it. If the world doesn't end between now and a decade from now, Trijicon will replace your tritium gas for a fee.

In the world of intermediate ranged combat optics, Trijicon is King, and it's not even close.

 

[m14brian]

+1 to Ikeman83. Also, If you get a red dot, get one that takes common AA batteries, they are everywhere. I Like the Aimpoints and EOTech both, but I have an EOTech on my SHTF Socom. The EOTech will automatically shut off after 8 hours, the Aimpoint runs continuously.
Get the best batteries and stock some away. I have several packs of Energizer Ultimate Lithium, mine expire in 2024.
m14brian

 

[mack7.62]

Me I would hope for a short term SHTF but prepare for a long term SHTF. IMHO that leaves you two options Aimpoint or Trijicon ACOG. T1/H1 allow co witness mounted on a Ultimak handguard. ACOG the TA33 makes a fine battle rifle sight, good eye relief and 3 x so many can use it with both eyes open but will require a cheek riser.

 

[tonyben]

Question:

Looking at the Burris MTAC 3.5x-10x-42mm what would be a good ring and mount for M1A scout.

If you want to leave it on permanently, get a Sadlak or ARMS. If you want to take it off and on with ease and regularly, get a Bassett. Use medium rings from any of the good makers. Get a Bradley cheek rest while you're at it.

Tony.

 

[Instructor]

I purchased Burris Fast Fire II red dot sight and the base that installs in the ears of the receiver for mounting the sight and it is an interesting approach with either the Garand or the M1A/M14. The Garand does not lend itself to scope mounting and actually neither does the M14 without a cheek riser of some sort. I don't care for those at all. Since the Burris set up is in the same spot as the issue "iron" sights no cheek riser needed. If you feel you will need the absolute dependability of the rifle for some would call "business" purposes, I would not install any of the red dots or scopes of any sort. Red dots with batteries, scopes with or without batteries will fail and probably when you need them the most. Civilian users do not have a host of other folks around with replacement sights, red dot or scopes, it's just you normally. The issue sights of Garands, M14's, and the M16 have proven themselves in the most extreme conditions, war fighting. I realize my approach is very basic but in the rain, mud, snow, sand, dead of night, I know that the issue sights are going to be just where I put them, no question as to dependability and actually accuracy if practiced in use. Just a suggestion.

 

[Bones01]

Keep it simple and you can't go wrong.
I've been using standard factory sights for over 50 years with Zero failures.
I have had 2 failures with scopes in 25 years.
I believe term "Best" would describe the one that doesn't fail you. JMHO

 

[mercman]

I much prefer the EOTECH field of view over that of the toilet paper tube Aimpoints. I've owned both and run the EOTECH's on my guns. That being said, on the M14 cowitinessing is not possible with the EOTECH. I've also thought about the minin RDS's. I have a Fastfire III on my PMR 30 which I like, but haven't tried it on one of my Scouts yet. Keep us posted when you make a decision.

 

[batman223]

You can try a PRimary arms micro for fairly cheap as a proof of concept. If you like it you can upgrade to a real aimpoint or just use the PA sight if it's not for serious use

 

[gclark26]

UPDATE:
I went with the Bering Optics Prismatic Supra 3.0x32 Sight. I like the sight and the fact the glass is etched. The sight features illuminated switchable reticle, red or green, with five brightness settings. It may be also used without batteries.

Now the downside. It really doesnt work well on a M1a due to the short eye relief. So I switched it to my AR15. None the less I am on the hunt for another prismatic sight to be used on the M1a scout. I like the prismatic because it doesnt need batteries.
I would prefer to use the forward mount with a prismatic.
If you know of a prismatic that works on the forward mount please speak up.