Scopes that can handle vibrations of bolt slam.

[Runt]

Primary arms 1-6 & 1-8

 

[peacefrog]

Bushnell Elite 10x40 fixed is hard to beat. Usually can find them on the EE also for around $200-$250. If it breaks, Bushnell will give you a new one.

 

[cr5]

A general rule of thumb I was given years ago when starting out on this gun owning adventure, is that your scope if a vital and integral piece of your firearm system. You should spend as much money on your scope as you did on the firearm.

Good advice unless buying a Norinco, then your scope should cost 2-3 times what the rifle cost

 

[Arclight]

I have some experience with the M-14 platform, and I can attest that it is terribly hard on “budget” friendly scopes as well as some higher end (read expensive ish) target scopes....

Tasco- granted I tried this on a dare.... but it was one of those rimfire “target” style scopes, a 2.5-10x44 Varmit model iirc. It didn’t make 20 rounds and the adjustable paralux didn’t. Tasco’s warranty replaced the scope. Pronghorn 3-9; lasted about 200 rounds, adjustable zoom would spin but wouldn’t “adjust”. Replaced under warranty.

Vortex- I’ve tried a sparc; didn’t make it 20 rounds and it turned off and wouldn’t turn back on (even with fresh batteries), Diamondback; the crosshairs started to rotate clockwise at 40 rounds, Viper PST ($1300 scope) under 80 rounds and the reticle started spin counter-clockwise. Granted these were covered by warranty, and all netted NIB replacements, but still....

Redfield (made by Leupold)- currently my “go to” testing scope. It’s a Revolution 4-12x40 accu-range hunting optic. It’s seen over 1000 rounds on 30+ different rifles (Basset Machine mount) and it’s still going strong.

Bushnell- 3-9x40 (Walmart special, under $250) didn’t make it 100 rounds. Just enough to get it zero’d then the zero started to wander. Replaced under warranty. 4x40; (straight power) I put on a rifle for my father, 5yrs later (unknown round count) still going strong, Elite Tactical 4-12x44; currently resides on my LRB M25, (round count over 500) still going strong, Elite tactical 6-24x50; it’s moved around on a couple different rifles, I use it to test rifle placed in Chassis, (round count between 400-500) still going strong.

My personal recommendation....Redfield or Leupold for standard hunting style scopes. If you want something that you can spin the knobs with (to get out further than 400y) then it’s hard to beat the Elite Tactical line.

M14 pattern rifles beating up scopes is a real thing and not just internet hype.

John

I use a Bushnell Elite Tactical 3200 5-15x40 on my M305. Its holding strong with about 500 rounds fired.

 

[tula]

Well that settles that. I’m putting a top end optic on my Ruger precision and moving the bushnell elite 10x over to the m14.

 

[jonh172]

With less internal parts to fail a fixed power scope is going serve you best.

SWFA probably has the most choice in that department.
6, 10, 12, 16, 20x.
For 299US plus 80 shipping youre still ahead of the game, and these scopes are tough and tracking is c@ck on.

 

[TheNatural21]

I also have a limited budget. Recently, when I was researching scopes for my semi auto I -really- wanted to buy one of the options in the $500 range that had good reviews. After way too much internet search time I came to the conclusion that my rifle has a reputation for eating scopes and I can't afford to buy a scope more than once, so I better pick something well built with a lifetime warranty. Leupold Mark 4's, US Optics, Schmidt & Bender PMII, etc, are the variable power scopes people seemed to have long term success with on the M14 type rifles. Durable fixed power scopes can be hand much more cheaply.. I read of a few people that were quite happy with the SWFA's.

In the end I went with an Athlon.. a slight gamble as I couldn't find any long term reports of their reliability on semi's, but reviews all seemed very positive with respect to build quality and durability. If anything does go wrong, I have the lifetime warranty for a safeguard. And they're a bit cheaper than their competition, which appeals to my frugal side. That's just the conclusion I came to from what I think is a similar starting point.

Good advice unless buying a Norinco, then your scope should cost 2-3 times what the rifle cost

Ha! The scope I ordered for my Norinco M305 cost 2.25x what the rifle was. Don't have it in hand yet, so can't provide feedback on durability.

 

[TacticalTeacher]

I’m an iron sight shooter but when I need to scope things, I always have a Bushy 10-40mm nearby. Never been disappointed. Otherwise I’ve always used the Mark4 rigs on my various M14 projects. Enjoy the learning journey!!

Cheers, Barney