Optics for a M1A Socom

[Cobalt]

LOL...the recticle is set up for 1200 but if it's much more than 500 or so I'm switching from the .308 to the M107.

you can hit man sized targets easily out to 800 yards with M118 ammo with a 4x or 6x scope. I've done it. The longest confirmed 308 kill is 1250 yards. 10x scope I think, NF. The eotech is probably the best CQB optic in my opinion but beyond 300 yards there are much better options. On an M4 the eotech is golden. The AA batteries can be gotten anywhere and with an LMT stock you can store batteries as backup.

 

[kimberfan]

thinking about having a 18.5 inch barrel put on my m1a and a better muzzle brake but its so expensive i'm tempted to trade it in for a scout ><

 

[thelastbestplace]

all the best glass in the world is and has been made over seas, Germany and Japan have the best glass made period. there are only three major glass makers in the world that make surgical, sniper optical grade glass. all but the cheapest crap is bid out to the best. one for instance is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schott_AG ask ior (which i like), night force, Zeiss, leica and many others. after the glass is made they will apply the coating and layers you want or you can take it home and coat you own.

don't get me wrong here, i love America and take my hat off to the flag which a lot of other people don't that have no respect and need their teeth knocked out when our national anthem is playing.

as a matter of fact i am now holding an American made glass full of idaho made vodka in one hand and an American made busse knife mounted on a Springfield M1A in the other. but American glass pfttttttt.... doesn't exist.



.

A busse knife mounted on a Springfield M1A? How cool is that! :thumbup: Photo?

 

[Raging Rhino]

so much discussion about records and possibilities...

Why long eye relief optics: Fast shooting from your feet on running targets, max effective range: up to maybe 300 m if you're good, real good.
Why get a socom: Fast shooting, drop 'em quick, on the move, lighter and more compact for manuevering in rough terrain, buildings, vehicles, etc...tailored for closer range work, but certainly capable of greater ranges if necessary and/or possible. A red dot and/or a lower magnification scout scope is not only capable, but much more effective. Sure you can put a variable high power scope on a socom, put it in a bench rest, exhale slowly and shoot at 500+ meter targets...go for it...but if that's the objective, why a SOCOM. Ever try and hit a fast running target that instantly darts from the bushes 60 meters away, while your walking with your rifle slung on your shoulder, and your scope was on a magnification of 4X or greater...good luck with hitting a target in maybe a 3 second window...that's where red dots, 2.5X power scout scopes, and ghost peeps really shine IMO.
Who buys a socom for long range snipe shooting? Thus, any discussion beyond an absolute max of 300m for the SOCOM seems misplaced and silly...in reality optics choices should focus on a typical range of 25-200 meters for the SOCOM. I'm not saying that the SOCOM can't perform at long ranges, because it can, but it is not designed for that nor is anyone buying one for that purpose.
IMO...and you know what they say about opinions

 

[Cobalt]

Although I haven't done it, I would think an Eotech or aimpoint would be great on pigs using an M1 socom. quick acquisition and clear view. has anyone used an eotech or aimpoint on pigs?

 

[PeterPHWS]

so much discussion about records and possibilities...

Why long eye relief optics: Fast shooting from your feet on running targets, max effective range: up to maybe 300 m if you're good, real good.
Why get a socom: Fast shooting, drop 'em quick, on the move, lighter and more compact for manuevering in rough terrain, buildings, vehicles, etc...tailored for closer range work, but certainly capable of greater ranges if necessary and/or possible. A red dot and/or a lower magnification scout scope is not only capable, but much more effective. Sure you can put a variable high power scope on a socom, put it in a bench rest, exhale slowly and shoot at 500+ meter targets...go for it...but if that's the objective, why a SOCOM. Ever try and hit a fast running target that instantly darts from the bushes 60 meters away, while your walking with your rifle slung on your shoulder, and your scope was on a magnification of 4X or greater...good luck with hitting a target in maybe a 3 second window...that's where red dots, 2.5X power scout scopes, and ghost peeps really shine IMO.
Who buys a socom for long range snipe shooting? Thus, any discussion beyond an absolute max of 300m for the SOCOM seems misplaced and silly...in reality optics choices should focus on a typical range of 25-200 meters for the SOCOM. I'm not saying that the SOCOM can't perform at long ranges, because it can, but it is not designed for that nor is anyone buying one for that purpose.
IMO...and you know what they say about opinions

+1 :thumbup: The SOCOM 7.62/.308 is chosen by many because it "drops" what you hit better than a 5.56/.223 ... not because you can do distance ...

In Iraq they were on stimulant drugs ... often charging through 5.56mm burst fire ... at close range too ! Basra has frequently shown this ... then the same was happening in S'tan.

It was getting so noticeable that section GPMG's were the only effective option from what we had ... now they have rushed through "EBR's and Sharpshooter" carbines with a mix of Trijicon 6x and a reflex dot sight mounted on top of the 6x ... the reasons given are "coming under effective fire from 500m +" ... but the reflex sight is mounted on top of the Trijicon for the very reasons given above ... fast moving close quarter targets cannot be locked onto quick enough with a magnification system ... despite long eye relief ... and at least then there are two section weapons that have a bit of knock down power.