Suggested scopes for the M14

[MPNFL]

Looks like i'll be getting one when i'll be going overseas this year as a designated marksman. I was wondering if any of you have suggestions as to what scope i should request/buy on my own for that weapon?

I was thinking about the ACOG Trijicon for the M4A1, mainly because I have the most training on that optic. But my concern is how I would be able to use that optic at night, especially when trying to range a target.

or is there a bad asz optic that I'm being ignorant of that someone could point me too? that would be awesome.

thanks in advance.

[ADK031]

You could try asking here : http://www.m-14forum.com/upload/

[MPNFL]

^^awesome, thanks man

[Indiana Jones]

Looks like i'll be getting one when i'll be going overseas this year as a designated marksman. I was wondering if any of you have suggestions as to what scope i should request/buy on my own for that weapon?

I was thinking about the ACOG Trijicon for the M4A1, mainly because I have the most training on that optic. But my concern is how I would be able to use that optic at night, especially when trying to range a target.

or is there a bad asz optic that I'm being ignorant of that someone could point me too? that would be awesome.

thanks in advance.
Schmidt& Bender Short dot 1,1-4x20
http://www.vickerstactical.com/articles/shortdotarticle.pdf
http://www.schmidtbender.com/
Of course the price is...well, almost outlandish, but the optical quality is simply superb and it offers more flexibility than either the ACOG or an Aimpoint/EOtech.

EDIT:
Ah jeez, did not pay attention; thought it was about the M4A1. For an M14 in the DMR role, I would suggest going with a 1,5-6x42 or higher power variable from Leupold or any of the big four, preferably the latter.

[MPNFL]

^^it looks like the first link you posted could work for the M14 as well? i like the red-dot plus the 4 power sight.

hmmm...could you provide me a link of the leupold that you speak of please?

[kraut783]

For a M-14, look at Nightforce scopes. Good scope, durable, has a low light lit reticle option. Been using it over a leupold for the past 4 years on my H&S .308 rifle for civilian police sniper work.

What are they offering for you to use, issue wise?

[MPNFL]

For a M-14, look at Nightforce scopes. Good scope, durable, has a low light lit reticle option. Been using it over a leupold for the past 4 years on my H&S .308 rifle for civilian police sniper work.

What are they offering for you to use, issue wise?

not quite certain just yet, i'll find out soon enough tho (next couple of months). I'm pretty sure M68s and/or an ACOG Trijicon for sure.

thanks for the help.

[ADK031]

Leupold : http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/ just be prepared to pay the big bucks.

[H2O MAN]

Check with Smith Enterprise, Inc. (http://www.smithenterprise.com/) for scope, rings and mount.
SEI builds the Crazy Horse M14 and MK14 for the US military.

http://www.smithenterprise.com/images/news001.02.jpg

http://www.smithenterprise.com/images/MK14-SEI-1.jpg

[brianm423]

Looks like i'll be getting one when i'll be going overseas this year as a designated marksman. I was wondering if any of you have suggestions as to what scope i should request/buy on my own for that weapon?

I was thinking about the ACOG Trijicon for the M4A1, mainly because I have the most training on that optic. But my concern is how I would be able to use that optic at night, especially when trying to range a target.

or is there a bad asz optic that I'm being ignorant of that someone could point me too? that would be awesome.

thanks in advance.

If you are issued an M14 for designated marksman purposes, you will be issued a scope as well.

[MPNFL]

awesome guys thanks for all the help

[California Joe]

If you are issued an M14 for designated marksman purposes, you will be issued a scope as well.

That was my thought as well.

Why the hell would they make you a designated marksman and then not give you the issue weapon ready to go? Wouldn't make much sense would it?

[ADK031]

That was my thought as well.

Why the hell would they make you a designated marksman and then not give you the issue weapon ready to go? Wouldn't make much sense would it?

Maybe he's looking for something that might be better.

[MPNFL]

Maybe he's looking for something that might be better.

yup. I know i'll be issued something for sure, but I don't want it to be something that I later start hating to work with, granted that when push comes to shove you have to work with what you have, which I have no problem with, but if there's something better why not get the better?

[Indiana Jones]

That was my thought as well.

Why the hell would they make you a designated marksman and then not give you the issue weapon ready to go? Wouldn't make much sense would it?
Sancta simplicitas!
No offence, but what ADK031 said. Furthermore, has the army a particular habit of making much sense with regards to what it issues or its procurement policies in general ? ;)
I don`t know about your armed forces, but over here, until recently people would have sold their grandmothers for being allowed to privately purchase better optics or even very basic stuff like boots for that matter.
@MPNFL:
As you are deploying to a warzone, you should obviously acquire the very best material you can afford.
Some other inspirations:
http://www.zeiss.com/c1256bcf0020be5f/Contents-Frame/016f810a1b69e48a852571d70037e677

http://www.kahlesoptik.com/index.php5?direkt=Helia%20CL&pf=5

http://www.swarovskioptik.at/index.php?l=us&css=&nID=x434b76b737c887.28186349&c=produkte

[California Joe]

Oh I get the concept just fine. And yes, I've worked within the DoD long enough to know that things don't always make sense. It just offends my sensibilities that someone in a designated role wouldn't be given the correct tool for the job right off the bat.

[MPNFL]

^^I know. it's just that from what i've seen whatever is "Army issued" doesn't always work out to be the best sometimes.

but i hope what i'll be issued won't be something that will cause me to look for something else, but i'm just looking around just in case

[Biglug]

If you like an illuminated dot/crosshair with some power and don't need ballistic compensation markings in the mix than you might consider one of Trijicon's new Accupoint's.
You won't need to deal with batteries and the Accupoint's are a 6061 T6 body.
http://trijicon.com/user/parts/parts_new.cfm?categoryID=5

http://www.swfa.com/c-227-trijicon-accu-point-rifle-scopes.aspx

I think the 2.5-10x56 amber dot in fine crosshair should certainly serve you well if you like the reticle. There's always the triangles too.:)

http://trijicon.com/user/parts/products1.cfm?PartID=634&back_row=0&categoryID=5

http://trijicon.com/parts/TR22-1web1.jpg http://trijicon.com/parts/StandardDuplex2.jpg

[MPNFL]

perfect stuff guys, very well appreciated

[Doe]

US Army snipers dont always get issued the gear they need to get the job done, or atleast as far as ive been told

Heard stories about the Marksman of a team getting issued an M14 with cracked wood furiture, no bipod, and had to scrounge a scope. Spotter of said Marksman not being issued with any form of 'spotting equipment' or optics. Having to use a digital camera to try to identify targets .

If i was in operation in such a dangerous role, i woudl buy my own gear.