What Is the Best M1A Scope Mount?
When it comes to shooting accessories, we have picked the Springfield Armory M1A Generation 4 Scope Mount as the best M1A scope mount because of its high-quality design and a sturdy foundation. One feature customers really like about it is the Picatinny-style rail, which can be better for viewing.
Not all scope mounts are one-and-the-same. To find the top M1A scope mount, we weighed the pros and cons of several products, considered their different features, and read hundreds of customer reviews.
Ultimately, we concluded that the best quality scope mount for M1A is one that’s remarkably sturdy, allows you to reload the magazine manually without having to remove it, and makes it possible to realize the full potential of your rifle.
After reviewing hundreds of scope mounts, we narrowed it down to the top 10.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 M1a Scope Mounts for Hunting
1. Springfield Armory M1A Generation 4 Scope Mount (Best Overall)A fully equipped open-sight scope mount, the Springfield MA4GENAM M1A 1-Pc Scope Mount provides the universal Picatinny style compatible with most scopes. | Read Our Review | |
2. AIM Sports M-14/M1A Scope Mount (Best Budget)With a stylish look and durable anodized aluminum construction, the AIM Sports M-14/M1A Scope Mount is ideal for most older generation riflescopes. | Read Our Review | |
3. Sadlak Industries M14 Aluminum Scope MountMade from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Sadlak Industries M14 Aluminum Scope Mount is very durable, with a weight of only 4.3-ounces to reduce the strain on your weapon load. | Read Our Review | |
4. UTG New Gen 4-Point Locking Deluxe M14/M1A Scope MountIncrease the mil-spec quality of any mounted scope with the UTG New Gen 4-Point Locking Deluxe M14/M1A Scope Mount. It is oversized, adding even more weapon accommodation. | Read Our Review | |
5. Sadlak Industries M14/M1A Lightweight Airborne Model Steel Scope MountThe Sadlak Industries M14/M1A Lightweight Airborne Model Steel Scope Mount is a military-grade option with full aluminum construction and weather-resistant coatings. | Read Our Review | |
6. M1SURPLUS Scope Mount RailThe Springfield M1A is timeless, which makes the M1SURPLUS Scope Mount Rail a rail that will grow old with your scope and improve all aspects of sighting. | Read Our Review | |
7. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Sprgfld Scope Mount M1A 4Th Gen STLNothing makes life easier than having a single-piece mounted rail. The SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Sprgfld Scope Mount M1A 4Th Gen STL is ideally designed for users with limited mounting experience. | Read Our Review | |
8. TACBRO See-Thru Scope MountYour TACBRO See-Thru Scope Mount might have a variety of special colors, allowing it to either stand out or add just a little more edge to your rail. It is compatible with most scope variants. | Read Our Review | |
9. AIM Sports TACBRO Inc M-14.M1A Scope MountTACBRO has introduced a second-generation upgrade for rifles for most types of scope mounts, but this one is still completely affordable and will add the same see-through feature. | Read Our Review | |
10. M1SURPLUS Scope Mount RailIf you have a couple of amazing rifles and all of them have been designed to work with different scopes, the M1SURPLUS Scope Mount Rail will make them all compatible.. | Read Our Review |
10 Best M1A Scope Mounts Review
Best Overall
1. Springfield Armory M1A Generation 4
What You Will Love: This Springfield Armory M1A Generation 4 scope mount delivers considerable quality for the price-it’s lightweight, durable, and provides a sturdy platform for large scopes.
Our top pick for the best M1A scope mount overall is the Springfield Armory M1A Generation 4 Scope Mount because of its high quality and reasonable price.
This black matte aluminum one-piece scope mount provides a Picatinny-style rail above the receiver, giving you wider, deeper slots.
A Picatinny rail is also especially helpful if your gun uses a detachable magazine. All the mounting hardware, plus detailed instructions, are included, so installing the scope mount shouldn’t be too complicated.
Although springfield armory m1a generation 4 is lightweight, it’s surprisingly sturdy and does not interfere with the ejection of spent shell casings.
Pros:
- It’s lightweight
- sturdy
- And in most cases relatively easy to install
Cons:
- According to the installation instructions, you may have to file the rear dovetail mount to fit it in the slot.
- (If you don’t feel comfortable doing the filing yourself, customers (who were otherwise satisfied with the durable shooting gear) recommend that you have a gunsmith take care of the task.
- Also, bolts may become loose after firing.
- Additionally, this scope mount may not fit rifles that have been modified in any way
- And does not fit the SOCOM II.
Best Budget
2. AIM SPORTS M-14/M1A Scope Mount
What You Will Love: This scope mount for M1A is easy to install, is remarkably sturdy, and offers plenty of quality at a highly-affordable price.
If you’re looking for shooting accessories on a budget, we recommend AIM SPORTS M-14/M1A because of its ease-of-use and modest price tag.
This small scope mount has an anodized aircraft-grade aluminum finish, so it’s durable enough to withstand frequent use, doesn’t twist, and easily returns to zero. Zeroing the scope takes less time than most of it’s competitors.
At the same time, it’s relatively lightweight, though heavier than some other scope mounts.
This Weaver-style mount accepts all Weaver standard rings. Plus, the package comes with all the hardware you need for installation.
Pros:
- It’s sturdy and matches the finish on most rifles.
- It’s also easy to install; you can probably get the job done within 15-20 minutes.
Cons:
- Hardware does not come with installation instructions.
- However, you can easily find directions online, often provided by customers in their reviews.
- Some users consider it heavy, but that just makes it steadier.
- You may have to do a little filing to get the screws to fit correctly when installing.
Best Aluminum
3. Sadlak M14 Aluminum Scope Mount
What You Will Love: While this scope mount is small and incredibly lightweight, that doesn’t detract from its overall quality, stability, and durability. Installation is a snap, too.
If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight, aluminum scope mount, the Sadlak M14 Aluminum Scope Mount may be just what you have in mind.
With its 3-point design, it attaches easily to the side receiver ring, charger guide dovetail, and receiver mount lug, so you shouldn’t have to do any filing to install it.
The precision-cut rail is compatible with Picatinny and Weaver-style rings, and it’s designed so as not to interfere with shell casing ejection.
When you receive your order, you’ll find that it contains all the hardware you need for installation, including hex wrenches and fasteners.
At just 4.3 oz., this best M1A scope mount for sale is lighter than many other shooting accessories of its kind.
Pros:
- The multi-point attachment set-up is similar to what you’d find with more costly shooting gear, especially expensive steel scope mounts.
- Also, you can use the iron sights with it.
Cons:
- It’s only compatible with the M14/M1A rifles.
- If you have a less expensive “knock-off” type, the scope mount probably won’t fit correctly.
- Some people reported difficulty with installation and spent casings getting jammed.
Best New Gen
4. UTG New Gen 4-Point Locking Deluxe M14/M1A Scope Mount
What You Will Love: It’s durable, comes with lots of great features, and is easy to install.
Because it’s so sturdy and comes with so many helpful features, the UTG New Gen 4-Point is among our top picks for best M1A scope mount.
Its one-piece design makes it easy to use. Manufactured with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it comes with a top rail that’s Picatinny-compatible and has 15 slots.
Its lockable rear end (with charger guide dovetail), adjustable side screw, side plate with locking point, and horizontal bottom guide make it especially sturdy.
The scope mount for M1A accepts Weaver-style rings and lets you use iron sights for aiming.
If you’re looking for something that can be installed quickly, you’ll be happy to know that this shooting gear requires no gunsmithing.
Pros:
- You won’t have to make any modifications for installation, and the scope is sturdy and works as advertised.
Cons:
- We couldn’t find any for the scope mount itself, but quite a few buyers reported that the included instructions were not helpful.
- Fortunately, you can find lots of “how-to” videos on YouTube and some customers included directions in their reviews.
Best Lightweight Steel
5. Sadlak Industries M14/M1A Lightweight Airborne Model
What You Will Love: The scope is lightweight, durable, and fits well on M14/M1A rifles. Unlike some scope mounts, you won’t have to worry about this one becoming loose after firing.
If you’re looking for the Best M1A airborne scope mount that’s made of steel rather than aluminum, consider the Sadlak Industries M14/M1A Lightweight Airborne Model (140015).
It’s lighter in weight than most similar scope mounts and features a Brookfield-type 3-point contact design.
Equipped with a precision mil-spec Picatinny rail, this airborne scope mount comes with a see-through U-channel for use with iron sights.
This scope serves as an exceptionally sturdy mounting platform and comes with all the items you need for installation: hardware, hex wrenches, fasteners, and instructions that are easy to understand.
Pros:
- While it’s lightweight, it’s remarkably sturdy and fits easily to your firearm.
- Customers report that this scope mount for M1A really shows you how accurate your rifle can be.
Cons:
- We couldn’t find many.
- As with just about any product, there were a few dissatisfied customers who claimed the scope mount wasn’t what they were expecting.
- Finally, when it comes to the best M1A scope mounts, look for one that is sturdy, isn’t too much of a hassle to install, and allows you to realize just what your rifle is capable of.
6. M1SURPLUS Scope Mount Rail
What You Will Love: The rail is see-through, which means that your standard iron sights are still fully functional for short ranges. It should not take the average gun expert more than a couple of minutes to set it up.
The stunning design of the M1SURPLUS Scope Mount Rail is low profile and fully constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. It works to accommodate a variety of Weaver rings and Picatinny scopes, which adds to the selection of compatible scopes that you can choose from at the end of the day.
Along with the scope being mounted, one still has the option of removing it by keeping the rail securely locked in place. For short distance shooting, it will enable you to use the standard iron sights that come with the Springfield M1A rifle. The rail might not be compatible with M14 rifles, but you can have it modified with the assistance of a gunsmith.
For the mounting process, you have access to a simple instruction manual. All of the instructions are accompanied with images, so it should not take you more than a couple of minutes to get it installed. Buyers will be able to pick it up for a very affordable price, and it won’t add too much weight to the weapon.
Pros:
- Compatible with most Weaver/Picatinny scopes
- Allows iron sight access
- Lightweight
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Only compatible with the Springfield M1A
7. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Sprgfld Scope Mount
Why You Will Love It: The biggest reason that many people choose the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Sprgfld Scope Mount is due to the simplicity it offers. Once again, it also offers you direct access to the iron sights of the standard rifle.
It might not seem like the smallest of rails, but the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Sprgfld Scope Mount is surprisingly lightweight. Even though it’s constructed from top-grade aluminum, it’s the ideal rail for anyone to use on the M14 or M1A rifle. The matte black color looks great and adds a lot of resistance to weather and the elements.
There is nothing complicated about the rail, so you’ll be able to mount it from your home without any professional assistance; the solid rail does not depend on specific bullet grains to retain sturdiness. Most people prefer this type of scope mount due to the access they have to the iron sights on the weapon when the scope mount is not being used.
The only downside is that not everyone will be able to afford the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Sprgfld Scope Mount. It can also be slightly heavy for many people, especially hunters that prefer to be on foot for prolonged distances. All in all, the rail is certainly recommended for almost any user with a Springfield M1A rifle.
Pros:
- Setup takes little time
- The rail is compatible with most scopes
- M14 approved rail compatibility
- Weather conditions do not affect it
Cons:
- It has a heavy weight for those that carry it
8. TACBRO See-Thru Scope Mount
Why You Will Love It: The TACBRO See-Thru Scope Mount does not only allow you to take the rail apart in a matter of seconds, but it is compatible with a variety of weapons, including the .308 and the M14 rifle collection.
If you have ever spent time assembling or disassembling a rifle, you will notice that the rail can take some time to take apart. The TACBRO See-Thru Scope Mount, however, has a singular assembly point so that you can remove it on the fly. The reason for this is to give users access to the free aluminum sights that are on the Springfield M1A.
The 15 slots located on the rail make it versatile and more compatible with almost any scope you have. Scopes that require a Picatinny or Weaver rail will also mount on the rail without any hassles. It has a long base of 6.1-inches, giving more versatility when it comes to selecting a spot that could be used for mounting.
A colorful opener is responsible for taking apart the rail when you feel the need to do so. There are a variety of colors to choose from, so you will need to choose one upon ordering the rail. For the affordability of the price, we would recommend this scope mount.
Pros:
- It is compatible with a variety of weapons
- Easy to set up and take apart
- Gives open sight access
Cons:
- It is a large rail with a substantial weight
9. AIM Sports TACBRO Inc M-14.M1A Scope Mount
Why You Will Love It: The design is near flawless and still only takes a couple of minutes for any user to assemble or disassemble. It gives you direct access to the iron sights while being compatible with the M14.
One of the main aims of doing any review is to compare products. In this case, we have compared the AIM Sports TACBRO Inc M-14.M1A Scope Mount with the previous mount rail, and both of them have very similar features. It is also constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, but the matte black coating protects it from the elements.
Most people will notice that the size of the mount rails is virtually the same, so you won’t need to spend much time figuring out the compatibility. It is not only compatible with the MA1, but also the M14 rifle. You can use the iron sights, but a few more tools are needed to set it up or to take it apart when you are done.
Being a slightly newer model, there are not many user reviews on it as of yet. On the other hand, the unit has great reviews from people that have tried it out. We would recommend it for the quality of all the features and the affordable price.
Pros:
- Assembly is very easy
- Works with the M1A and M14
- Affordable
- Iron sight access
Cons:
- Still new on the market
10. M1SURPLUS Scope Mount Rail
Why You Will Love It: The M1SURPLUS Scope Mount Rail is a universal rail compatible with Picatinny and Weaver that does not cost you a fortune and offers you great value for your money
Last but certainly not least, one needs to consider the versatility of a rail before you start setting it up. The M1SURPLUS Scope Mount Rail is the perfect rail because it will accommodate almost any weapon you have. It is made from 6061 grade aluminum and coated to keep it fully protected in all weather conditions.
The main selling point is the fact that the rail is compatible with the Ruger brand as well. It is ideal for your M1A and works with Reflex sights and additional scopes. The interface is compatible with all Weaver and Picatinny scopes.
Since it has a basic design, the price is much more affordable than some of the others. An affordable price means that you will get value for your money. As a team of researchers, there is absolutely no doubt that we would recommend it to the avid hunter or farmer.
Pros:
- Versatile with all weapons
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons:
- The design is very basic
Conclusion: The Best M1A Scope Mount
The Springfield Armory M1A Generation 4 is one of the leading weapons on the market, with a timeless nature passed down from generation to generation. A scope, however, always takes any rifle to the next level. The best M1A scope mounts can make the M1A even better and make sure that your weapon remains accurate while improving your shooting range.
Related Articles:
- How to Mount a Scope? Install a Rifle Scope Correctly
- How Rifle Scopes Are Made
- Why Are Rifle Scopes So Expensive? Are They Worth It
- What Is a Rifle Scope and Why Do I Need One