Opinions desired, fixed 6x for M1A?

[BrigandTwoFour]

So, I've been gradually working on a dedicated long range bolt action rifle to put my better and higher powered glass on. My JAE-100 stocked M1A is now scopeless.

I'm in the camp of owning one or two great pieces of glass that can be moved from rifle to rifle as needed, but also don't mind having some inexpensive glass on the other rifles in the mean time. As of now, I'm in the market for two scopes. One for a Recce build (that one will get a 3-9 FFP), and the M1A.


Now, the range I typically shoot at has a 600 yard steel plate range. This occasionally becomes a 1000 yard range once a week when they block off certain areas so the shooting positions can be safely moved way back (they are in the process of building an actual dedicated 1000 yard range).

I was pretty much set on a 10X fixed power mil/mil scope, maybe even considering a fixed 12x or 16x.

But, the more I think about DMR type builds with a variety of situations. Maybe some action shooting that takes better advantage of the semi-auto capability, the FOV limitations of the higher power become paramount. I'm now considering a fixed 6X Mil/Mil scope for this purpose.

What is the longest range any of you have comfortably used a 6X scope? I figure the high power guys perform near super-human (to me) feats of marksmanship at long ranges with only iron sights- so a 6X can't be that useless. Would you feel comfortable using a 6X on a steel plate range out to say 700 yards?

Or should I just stick with the original plan for a fixed 10x? In the grand picture of things, if the AR gets a 3-9, and I already own a 6-20, with provisions for the Bushy 3-25 HDMR in the future- would having the lower power option of a fixed 6 be a bad thing?

Precision is not the name of the game here, just getting hits on target.

[Alaskapopo]

I am not a fan of fixed magnification over 4x. The reason being 6x is too much if you are forced to fire up close. Now if you had a back up red dot in a off set mount it would a doable set up. But I feel you would be much much much better off with a good variable. I have shot my 1-6 Swarovski out to 500 yards on targets that were 12x18 inches with no problems. It depends on the size of the targets you are shooting at.
Pat

[bubba04]

I just picked up a swfa 10x mil/mil for mine. I plan on mounting it so I can still use irons

[Alaskapopo]

I just picked up a swfa 10x mil/mil for mine. I plan on mounting it so I can still use irons

That is going to put the scope up high screwing up your cheek weld. Never did care for scopes over the irons set ups.

[bubba04]

That is going to put the scope up high screwing up your cheek weld. Never did care for scopes over the irons set ups.

That is a concern I have. I have not bought a mount yet and was hoping to sit behind a few to help decide.

Other idea is a Basset low mount that I can remove and use irons if so desired.

[BrigandTwoFour]

I guess I should be clear that this is NOT a rifle intended for any serious social use. If I was talking about an optic for my self defense rifles, this would be a different kind of conversation entirely.

I really like the Swaro 1-6 stuff, but that is beyond the price range and intended use of what I'm looking for. It would be great for my Recce-ish rifle (which currently has a TR24G), but that's not what I'm shopping for. If I ever do use my M1A in a situation where I may be "forced" to shoot up close, then I can switch optics to the TR24 or something else.

My M14 is strictly a range toy for practicing medium to long distance. The scope is mounted high, as they always are on M14s, but the JAE stock has an adjustable comb to compensate (which also precludes the use of irons all together. That is why I have the CASM mount that replaces the iron sights).

All that said, the steel plates at the range I shoot at are about the same dimensions as your, Popo. It appears 6X is adequate, and the scope would be something to add to the tool box.

Bubba, do you already have the SS 10X mil/mil in hand, or is yours still on preorder? This whole discussion started because I'm trying to choose between the 6X, 10X, 12X, or maybe 16X SS scopes. They're hard to beat for the price and let me put glass on the rifles that don't get to have the high dollar glass day to day.

[BrigandTwoFour]

That is a concern I have. I have not bought a mount yet and was hoping to sit behind a few to help decide.

Other idea is a Basset low mount that I can remove and use irons if so desired.

Don't go too low with the mount, as it interferes with ejection (found that one out the hard way).

Your best bet is to just go ahead and choose a quality mount and also get an adjustable cheek piece like a Karsten or one of the XLR pieces. There is no easy way to use a scope on a M14 and keep the original stock.

[bubba04]

Don't go too low with the mount, as it interferes with ejection (found that one out the hard way).

Your best bet is to just go ahead and choose a quality mount and also get an adjustable cheek piece like a Karsten or one of the XLR pieces. There is no easy way to use a scope on a M14 and keep the original stock.

Thanks for the tips.

[bubba04]

I guess I should be clear that this is NOT a rifle intended for any serious social use. If I was talking about an optic for my self defense rifles, this would be a different kind of conversation entirely.

I really like the Swaro 1-6 stuff, but that is beyond the price range and intended use of what I'm looking for. It would be great for my Recce-ish rifle (which currently has a TR24G), but that's not what I'm shopping for. If I ever do use my M1A in a situation where I may be "forced" to shoot up close, then I can switch optics to the TR24 or something else.

My M14 is strictly a range toy for practicing medium to long distance. The scope is mounted high, as they always are on M14s, but the JAE stock has an adjustable comb to compensate (which also precludes the use of irons all together. That is why I have the CASM mount that replaces the iron sights).

All that said, the steel plates at the range I shoot at are about the same dimensions as your, Popo. It appears 6X is adequate, and the scope would be something to add to the tool box.

Bubba, do you already have the SS 10X mil/mil in hand, or is yours still on preorder? This whole discussion started because I'm trying to choose between the 6X, 10X, 12X, or maybe 16X SS scopes. They're hard to beat for the price and let me put glass on the rifles that don't get to have the high dollar glass day to day.

My SS 10x mil/mil came in friday. It is great. For 270 (got on sale) it is extremely hard to beat! Clarity of class is real good and nice positive clicks on the turrets.

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

I have a Horus Hawk on my rifle eye relief is no issue and there is no strain on my neck at all. The mount is a sadlak and the rings are medium Mk4. Its not a 6 power but its an option.