I've always had a soft spot for M1 Garand rifles, and I'm not alone in that. I'm excited to dive into some of the best optics accessories for the M1, all aimed at boosting your accuracy and helping you lock onto targets faster.
My go-to for mounting a red dot has to be the Hopco adapter. It's sleek, minimalistic, and takes the place of the rear iron sight without adding unnecessary bulk. Nowadays, you'll find the M1 not just in the hands of history buffs but also being used for hunting and target shooting by folks everywhere.
M1 Garand Scope Mount Installation
You can mount an optic on the M1 Garand on the handguard top rail or replace the rear iron sight.
Right now on the market, I highly recommend the two following accessories:
It makes it a tactical M1 and better than ever.
To mount a red dot on your M1 Garand, two solid options stand out.
The Hopco mount plate adapter replaces the rear aperture sight, offering a low-profile setup that keeps the rifle’s classic look while allowing for a seamless cheek weld and easy co-witnessing with iron sights.
Alternatively, the UltiMAK M12 rail mount clamps onto the barrel assembly, providing a rock-solid platform for your optic.
For a quick, intuitive sight picture, the Hopco mount is a game-changer—just shoulder the rifle, and your red dot is instantly in view.
The Hopco plate is compatible with a micro-sized red dot sight
Watch the installation video here
If you're leaning towards a more versatile setup, there's also a Picatinny-style rail option that's worth considering. This rail is crafted from sturdy 6061 T6 Aluminum, designed to securely clamp onto the barrel. What's neat about this setup is that the rail sits atop the handguard, offering a low front optic mount similar to what many shooters prefer on their AKs.
For those of you looking to equip your M1 Garand with something a bit heftier in the optics department, like an Aimpoint Micro, an Eotech, or various variable zoom scopes, UltiMAK and Amega have got you covered.
Red Dot Beats The Standard Iron Sight
The M1 Garand has earned its reputation for accuracy, holding its own even by modern standards. Whether chambered in the classic .30-06 or the adaptable .308, this rifle is built for precision at long distances. With iron sights alone, it can reliably hit targets out to 500 yards—an impressive feat for a firearm with such a legendary history.
But why stop at "good enough" when you can push for even greater precision? That’s where a red dot sight comes in, elevating your effective range beyond what iron sights can offer. One limitation of the standard M1 front sight is its width, which can obscure finer details at longer distances.
At 100 meters, it spans about 8 inches, and this width effectively doubles every additional 100 meters. Eventually, at long distances, the front sight obscures the target entirely, making accurate shots a real challenge.
Now, consider the advantage of a 3.5 MOA red dot sight. At 100 meters, it covers just 3.5 inches, offering a much clearer view of your target.
Even out to 400 yards, that red dot allows for precise aiming without the target being lost behind the sight. It's no wonder many shooters find using a red dot on their M1 Garand not just more accurate, but also more enjoyable compared to traditional iron sights.
Both Eyes Open - Increased Situational Awareness
Traditional iron sights often require closing one eye for proper alignment, which can slow you down.
Red dot sights eliminate that hassle by removing the need to align front and rear sights. Just place the dot on your target, and you're ready to fire—fast and intuitive.
This also allows you to shoot with both eyes open, improving situational awareness. You're not just locked onto your target; you maintain a full view of your surroundings, making for a quicker, more responsive shooting experience.
Recommended M1 Garand Optics
Trijicon RMR is one of the most durable miniature red dot sights on the market. It’s the gold standard for pistol red dot sights.
Holosun 507C is another good one and its slightly more affordable than the RMR, so you can invest the money buying a good mount for the M1 Garand.
M1 Garand Optics FAQ
Does The Red Dot Sight Sit Too High On The Rifle?
If you’ve never shot an M1 with a red dot sight, you might wonder how it lines up with your cheek weld. The height is comparable to a 1/3 co-witness on an AR-15, with the red dot sitting about half an inch above the M1’s rear sight aperture.
If you're used to an AR-15, just shoulder the M1 the same way, and you’ll get a clear sight picture. It’s an easy adjustment that improves your shooting experience without adding complexity.
Will The En-bloc Clip Ejection Hit The Red Dot Sight Causing Damage?
When firing an M1 Garand loaded with an En-Bloc clip holding eight rounds of .30-06, there’s always that moment of anticipation for the iconic PING as the clip ejects after the final shot. This distinctive sound is a signature of the rifle—one that many shooters find oddly satisfying.
A common concern, however, is whether the ejected clip might strike and damage a red dot sight mounted on the rifle. The short answer? No. The M1's design ensures the clip ejects cleanly without hitting a red dot mounted over the rear sight block receiver.
That said, spent casings might lightly brush against the front of the red dot sight, potentially leaving some brass marks on the frame. While this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect functionality, it’s something to keep in mind. Ultimately, the minor possibility of brass marks is a small trade-off for the benefits of using a red dot on this legendary rifle.
