6 Best Scopes for M1A in 2023

In the realm of iconic firearms, the Springfield Armory M1A holds a special place as a modern classic battle rifle. Chambered in the powerful .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) caliber, the M1A combines timeless design with contemporary features, making it a versatile and reliable choice for various shooting purposes.

So, I decided to delve (very briefly) into the historical significance, features, and performance of the Springfield Armory M1A, exploring why it continues to captivate firearms enthusiasts and why it remains a revered firearm for multiple applications, including competition shooting and hunting. And then, I’ll review six of the Best Scopes for M1A currently available to ensure you get the best possible view of targets anywhere up to 600 yards away.

A Brief History of the M1A

The Springfield Armory M1A is the modern-day evolution of the M14 battle rifle. The M14 quickly gained favor among soldiers for its accuracy and robustness, but for a number of reasons, it soon gave way to the M16 during the Vietnam War. Despite this, the M14’s excellence found new life as a designated marksman rifle and remained integral to military operations.

A classic design with modern enhancements…

The Springfield Armory M1A proudly carries on the legacy of the M14, blending classic design with modern enhancements. Its semi-automatic action, chambered in .308 Winchester, allows for quick follow-up shots without the complexities of a fully automatic firearm, making it suitable for various applications, from self-defense to hunting and competitive shooting.

Built with a gas-operated, rotating bolt system, the M1A ensures reliability and ease of maintenance. Its high-quality forged carbon steel construction ensures durability and longevity, making it a trusted companion in the field.

Today, M1As have also been equipped with contemporary enhancements, including adjustable stocks and Picatinny rails, to accommodate the preferences of present-day shooters, facilitating the mounting of optics and other accessories.

Versatile and practical…

The M1A’s .308 Winchester caliber gives it substantial stopping power, making it well-suited for hunting medium to large game and tactical engagements. The rifle’s inherent accuracy, premium components, and expert craftsmanship allow shooters to achieve tight groupings at extended distances consistently. Its controllability and minimal recoil make it accessible to shooters of all skill levels, enhancing its appeal as a go-to firearm for multiple shooting scenarios.

The only thing limiting your ability to hit targets at long range is your inability to see them. So, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of some of the best M1A scopes currently on the market, starting with the excellent…

6 Best Scopes for M1A in 2023

1 Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 – Best Overall Scope for M1A

★★★★★

Regarding precision shooting and long-range engagements, having a reliable and feature-packed riflescope can be the difference between hitting the bullseye and missing the mark entirely. One optic that has gained significant attention in the shooting community is the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP (First Focal Plane).

This cutting-edge riflescope offers a perfect blend of advanced technology, impeccable design, and superior performance, making it a go-to choice for discerning marksmen.

Bright and clear…

The Viper features a large 50mm objective lens, allowing ample light transmission, resulting in bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. The XD (Extra-low Dispersion) glass ensures reduced chromatic aberration, providing sharp, true-to-life colors. With its fully multi-coated lenses, it delivers excellent light transmission and anti-reflective properties, culminating in a crystal-clear sight picture.

One of the standout features of the Viper is its first focal plane reticle. Unlike second focal plane scopes, where the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification, the FFP reticle scales with the magnification level. FFP scopes are often preferred for tactical and long-range shooting, where accurate range estimation and holdovers are crucial across different magnification settings.

This feature ensures that your holdover and windage corrections remain accurate at all zoom settings. As a result, you can easily adjust for bullet drop and wind drift without needing to recalculate your holdovers, making it an excellent option for precision shooting at varying distances.

Versatile magnification range…

The 5-25x magnification range of the Viper provides shooters with incredible versatility. The 5x magnification enables quick target acquisition and allows easy scanning of the field. At 25x magnification, you have the power to engage targets at extreme distances, making it an ideal scope for long-range shooting, tactical applications, and even competitive shooting.

The EBR-2C (Enhanced Battle Reticle 2nd Gen) is the reticle of choice for the Viper. This well-designed reticle incorporates intuitive features like sub-tensions for holdovers, wind drift compensation, and ranging. It offers MOA (Minute of Angle) and MRAD (Milliradian) reticle options to suit the shooter’s preference. The Christmas tree design of the EBR-2C facilitates precision adjustments and holds, especially during challenging wind conditions.

Quality construction…

The Viper is built like a tank, with aircraft-grade aluminum construction, making it shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. It can withstand the rigors of the field and maintain its reliability in harsh environments. The single-piece tube design provides extra strength and improved alignment, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy recoil.

The Viper turrets, designed with precision shooters in mind, offer tactile and audible clicks, allowing for easy adjustments in the field without losing sight of the target. While the CRS (Customizable Rotational Stop) Zero Stop feature enables quick return-to-zero after making elevation adjustments, streamlining the shooting process and ensuring you can always return to your original settings effortlessly.

The Viper is a remarkable riflescope that leaves no room for compromise regarding precision shooting. Its advanced optics, versatile magnification range, FFP reticle, and durable construction make it a top choice for tactical shooters, hunters, and competitors.

2 Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm – Most Versatile Scope for M1A

★★★★★

Next, in my review of the Best Scopes for M1A, when it comes to hunting and precision shooting, having a reliable and high-performance riflescope can make all the difference in a successful outing. One optic that has garnered a reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship and superior performance is the VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Scope from Leupold.

This versatile and feature-packed scope is designed to meet the needs of hunters and marksmen alike, providing clarity, precision, and ruggedness.

Dawn or dusk hunts…

The VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm boasts impressive optical quality thanks to its high-definition lenses with fully multi-coated surfaces. These coatings ensure maximum light transmission, which results in a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions. Whether you’re tracking game during dawn or dusk, this scope will provide you with the visual clarity you need for a successful shot.

It features a versatile magnification range of 3.5x to 10x, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios. At 3.5x, you have a wide field of view, ideal for close-range shooting or scanning the area for targets. While at 10x magnification, you can easily reach out to more distant targets. This versatility allows the scope to excel in various hunting environments, from dense woods to open fields.

Plenty of light…

The 50mm objective lens has excellent light-gathering capabilities. A larger lens that allows more light to enter the scope improves brightness and image clarity, especially during the critical minutes of the early morning or late evening hunts. This feature ensures you won’t miss a shot due to poor lighting conditions.

Leupold is renowned for its rugged and durable optics; the VX-3i is no exception. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, is water and fog-proof, thanks to the proprietary Argon/Krypton gas blend used during assembly.

Additionally, the scope is shockproof, capable of withstanding heavy recoil from high-powered rifles such as the M1A without compromising its zero. The sturdy construction ensures it can handle the rigors of hunting in challenging environments and extreme weather conditions.

Twilight Light Management System

The VX-3i incorporates Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System designed to enhance low-light performance further. This system includes lens coatings that reduce glare and improve contrast, allowing hunters to spot game more effectively during the critical moments when its activity increases.

It also features Leupold’s finger-adjustable, 1/4 MOA click precision turrets. These allow for easy and precise adjustments, ensuring you can dial in your shots quickly and maintain accuracy. Additionally, the scope’s generous eye relief and a fast-focus eyepiece enable swift target acquisition, minimizing the chance of missed opportunities.

The VX-3i is a top-tier optic that redefines excellence in hunting and precision shooting. Its superior optics, versatile magnification range, dependable construction, and advanced light management system make it a go-to choice for hunters and marksmen seeking the highest level of performance.

3 Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm – Best Affordable Scope for M1A

★★★★★

For avid shooters and hunters who demand exceptional performance and accuracy from their optics, the Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope stands out as an excellent choice. Combining a feature-rich design with reliable construction, this first focal plane (FFP) riflescope has earned a reputation as a go-to optic for precision shooting at various distances.

FFP…

The SLX utilizes an FFP reticle, setting it apart from traditional second focal plane scopes. With an FFP reticle, the reticle’s size remains proportional to the target at any magnification level, with holdovers and windage corrections staying consistent, allowing you to adjust accurately at any zoom setting. As a result, shooters can effectively engage targets at various distances without recalibrating their scope, making it ideal for long-range shooting and dynamic scenarios.

The 4-14x magnification range of the SLx scope provides shooters with remarkable versatility. The 4x magnification allows for a wide field of view, perfect for close to mid-range shots or scanning the environment for targets. While the 14x magnification enables precision shooting at extended ranges, making it suitable for long-range target engagement and competitive shooting events.

The SLx features fully multi-coated lenses that ensure exceptional light transmission and clarity. These deliver bright and crisp images, even in low-light conditions, enhancing target visibility during critical moments. Whether you’re hunting at dawn or dusk or taking precision shots during unfavorable lighting, this scope provides a clear and vivid sight picture.

Built for the hunt…

The SLx, crafted from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, is built to withstand demanding conditions and harsh environments. The sturdy construction makes it shockproof, ensuring consistent performance while enduring heavy recoil from high-powered rifles. The scope is also fog resistant and waterproof, allowing you to operate confidently in various weather conditions.

One of the standout features of the SLx is its Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticle. The ACSS, developed to simplify ranging, holdovers, and windage corrections, offers quick and intuitive target acquisition. This system incorporates bullet drop compensation, wind holds, moving target leads, and a built-in rangefinder, streamlining the shooting process and reducing the need for additional calculations in the field.

Simple adjustments…

The SLx, equipped with finger-adjustable, resettable turrets featuring precise 0.1 MIL (Milliradian) click adjustments, allow shooters to make quick and accurate changes to their elevation and windage settings. The turrets, designed to be re-zeroed easily, enable the shooter to maintain their preferred settings or switch between loadouts without losing zero.

Unlike more expensive brands, The SLx is an affordable game-changing optic designed to elevate your shooting experience.

4 Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27×50 Gen 2 – Best Premium Scope for M1A

★★★★★

Next, up on my rundown of Best Scopes for M1A, the world of long-range shooting and precision optics is an ever-evolving landscape, with manufacturers consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Among the top contenders in this arena stands the Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27×50 Gen 2, a rifle scope that has earned a reputation for its exceptional performance and versatility.

Crystal clear images…

The Ares BTR boasts impressive optical quality thanks to its high-quality ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass that significantly reduces chromatic aberration, ensuring crisp and clear images. Additionally, fully multi-coated lenses improve light transmission, providing a bright and sharp sight picture even in low-light conditions. With its 50mm objective lens, this scope gathers ample light, delivering optimal clarity during critical moments, such as dawn or dusk hunts.

It features an FFP reticle, a sought-after feature for precision shooting. Unlike second focal plane scopes, the reticle size changes proportionally with the magnification level, allowing for consistent holdover and windage correction at any zoom setting. This makes it an invaluable tool for long-range engagements, where quick and precise adjustments are crucial for hitting targets at varying distances.

Versatile and practical…

The Ares BTR also boasts a versatile 4.5-27x magnification range, providing shooters with incredible flexibility. The lower end of the magnification range allows for a wide field of view, ideal for acquiring targets quickly or tracking moving games. On the higher end, the 27x magnification facilitates precision shooting, enabling shooters to engage targets at extended distances confidently.

The Ares BTR is engineered for durability and resilience, built from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope is shockproof, enabling it to withstand heavy recoil and handle the rigors of demanding shooting scenarios. The argon-purged construction renders it waterproof and fog proof, making it a reliable optic in various weather conditions.

Precision shooting and ranging…

The Ares BTR also has Athlon’s advanced APLR4 MIL reticle, tailored for precision shooting and ranging. It features precise MIL measurements, allowing for accurate holdovers, windage corrections, and ranging calculations. With its detailed grid design, shooters can quickly adjust for bullet drop and wind drift without complex mathematical calculations.

The scope’s turrets, designed with tactical shooters in mind, provide crisp and audible clicks, ensuring precise adjustments with ease. While the zero stop feature allows for quick return-to-zero after making elevation adjustments, saving valuable time in the field.

The Ares BTR is a precision beast that combines advanced optics, rugged construction, and user-friendly features, making it a top choice for serious M1A shooters and tactical enthusiasts.

5 Burris Optics Scout Scope 2-7x32mm – Best Scout Scope for M1A

★★★★

Among the top choices for M1A scout rifles scopes is the Burris Optics 2-7x32mm, a compact and versatile riflescope designed to meet the unique needs of scout rifle enthusiasts. It is purpose-built for scout rifles, making it the perfect match for an M1A scout rifle featuring forward-mounted optics, which benefit from low-profile and compact scopes like the Burris Scout.

The 2-7x magnification perfectly balances close-quarter engagement and longer-range targets, making it an ideal companion for scout rifles used in versatile shooting scenarios.

Despite its compact size, the Burris Scout Scope does not compromise on optical clarity. It is equipped with high-quality lenses that provide clear and bright images in low-light conditions, ensuring the sight picture remains crisp and vivid, making it perfect for dawn or dusk hunts.

Excellent eye-relief…

One of the essential features of the Buris Scout is its generous eye relief, and the Burris Scout delivers on this aspect. With an impressive 9.2-12 inches, shooters have plenty of leeway to maintain a comfortable shooting position without risking any scope-related injuries from recoil.

The scope, built to withstand the harsh conditions of outdoor shooting, is made from high-quality aircraft-grade materials, making it shockproof and resistant to recoil. Additionally, it is nitrogen-filled, ensuring that it remains fog and waterproof, allowing shooters to perform in any weather condition with confidence.

Versatility of Zoom

The 2-7x magnification range on the Burris Scout provides a wide range of versatility. At the lowest setting of 2x, shooters can engage in quick target acquisition and maintain situational awareness in close-quarters scenarios. Whereas the 7x magnification enables mid-range precision shooting, making it suitable for engaging targets at moderate distances.

Specially designed to complement the lightweight and agile nature of scout rifles, it boasts a compact 32mm objective lens and a slim profile that adds minimal weight and bulk to the firearm. This ensures that shooters can carry their scout rifles for extended periods without feeling encumbered, making it a perfect choice for hunting and tactical applications.

The Burris Optics Scout Scope 2-7x32mm is a testament to Burris’s commitment to producing high-quality and purpose-driven optics. Designed specifically for scout rifles, this compact and versatile scope offers exceptional clarity, robust construction, and user-friendly features that cater to the unique needs of scout rifle enthusiasts.

6 Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm Compact – Best Budget Scope for M1A

★★★★

A quality scope is essential for any marksman when it comes to ensuring accuracy and maximizing performance in the field. However, not everyone can afford a top-tier product to add to what is already considered a high-end rifle.

If this sounds like you, then among the many options available in the market at this price, the Leapers UTG stands out for its precision, durability, and versatility.

Excellent optics…

The heart of any scope lies in its optics, and the Leapers UTG does not disappoint. The UTG, equipped with high-quality multi-coated lenses, delivers exceptional light transmission, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.

The 44mm objective lens diameter allows ample light to enter the scope, resulting in a sharper and clearer sight picture, and with a versatile magnification range from 3x to 12x, this scope accommodates nearly all shooting scenarios.

Short or long-range…

At the lower end, the 3x magnification offers a wide field of view, perfect for quick target acquisition and shooting at close-to-medium ranges. At the upper end, the 12x magnification enables precise shots at extended distances, making it an ideal scope for hunters and long-range enthusiasts.

Built to withstand testing conditions and heavy recoil, the Leapers UTG is rugged and robust in construction. The one-piece tube design ensures structural integrity, while the nitrogen-filled housing makes it fog and waterproof, allowing shooters to perform consistently in various weather conditions. The zero holds after multiple rounds, maintaining consistent accuracy over time.

Practical, versatile, and affordable…

The UTG, equipped with an illuminated Mil-dot reticle, aids in range estimation, windage, and bullet drop compensation. The illumination feature is handy during low-light conditions, enabling shooters to quickly acquire their targets without compromising precision. Additionally, the illumination is adjustable to suit different lighting conditions, making it versatile for various shooting environments.

The user-friendly design of the Mil-dot reticle allows shooters to make quick adjustments on the fly, enhancing their shooting experience and overall performance on the field.

Great for longer hunts…

Unlike larger, bulkier scopes, the UTGs design is sleek and light, making it an excellent choice for shooters who prioritize mobility and ease of use. Its compact dimensions improve handling and help maintain the rifle’s balance, particularly in scenarios where every ounce matters.

The Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Rifle Scope embodies precision, versatility, and reliability. Its clear optics, impressive magnification range, and user-friendly reticle make it a top-budget M1A scope choice for hunting and medium-range shooting enthusiasts.

Need Some More Accessories or Upgrades for Your M1A?

Then check out our thoughts on the Best M1A Scope Mount, the Best Scout Scope for M1A, the Best Cheek Rest for the M1A, the Best M1A Cleaning Kit, the Best Ammunition for M1A Rifle, the Best M1A Stocks, or the Best M1A Magazines you can buy in 2023.

Or, how about the Best M1A Bipods, the Best M1A Sling, the Best M1A Magazine Pouch, the Best M1A Muzzle Breaks, the Best M1A Flash Hider, or our comprehensive Archangel Springfield Armory M1A Precision Stock Review?

Or, if you’re about to buy another M1A to add to the collection, take a look at our in-depth comparison of the Best Springfield Armory M1A Models, as well as our reviews of the Springfield Armory M1A Super Match, the Springfield M1A Socom 16 CQB Rifle, the Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Rifle, or the fantastic Springfield Armory M1A Tanker.

Which of these Best Scopes for M1A Should You Buy?

As the adage goes, you get what you pay for at the end of the day, and this applies equally so to the scopes I tested for this review. That’s not to say that scopes like the Primary Arms Slx, Buris Scout, and Leapers UTG are sub-standard because they are not! All three scopes offer more than adequate performance for their price.

However, in terms of quality, they are still well below-the-top-end scopes like the Vortex Viper, Leupold, and Athlon Ares, and of these three scopes, for my money, the…

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50

…stands out as a clear winner. The only negative is the price. The Viper comes in at around $900.00, so the scope is not cheap!

Still, if you consider the capabilities of the M1A rifle, you’re mounting it on, especially if that rifle is a modern version used in competition, tactical, or hunting scenarios, IMHO, you’ll be doing yourself and the firearm an injustice not to consider it.

There is no point in owning a rifle that can put down tight groupings at 600 yards if you can’t see the target and adjust correctly for the conditions you’re firing under.

As always, stay safe and happy shooting.