Like the title says - I would like to buy some glass for my Springfield M1A just need some info on a solid piece of glass with Mil-dots and wether or not to look at the illuminated reticle...and what mounting system....

I believe A.R.M.S. makes the Swan mount that is the ticket for the M1A

Don't know your budget, but this would get a bunch done.

http://swfa.com:80/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P50716.aspx

Has anybody fiddled with the replacement stocks from groups like Troy / Sage / archangel or what is the best way to add a pistol grip to your M1A

I've got the sage EBR. I really like it but it does add weight. I've also got a Bulldog762 bullpup stock for my M1a scout and
that one is BA!

Sage and Troy both work. Neither are lightweight.

ARMS mount for M1As will break.

Smith Enterprises makes a better one, if you have a railed handguard you can also use a LaRue LT139 mount backwards.

If you don't have a grand for glass, you might want to get into a cheaper rifle...keeping an M1A accurate isn't cheap.

A Leupold VX II would do well for you and keep you under $500. Speaking as a guy who's sold optics professionally and helped scope a couple dozen M14s headed to Afghanistan.

If money wasn't an object, a US Optics or Nightforce 4.5-14 would be the overall good choice for the rifle.

I bought a Sage stock; got rid of it...too heavy. I shot scoped M14s in the Marines, and I'm convinced it is a rifle not meant to be scoped. Our scope mounts used the side bolt and stripper-clip guide mounting points, then were welded to the receiver; eventually, they broke the welds under firing. I tried most mounts before realizing my own M1A is at its best open sighted. I guess if I were determined, Sadlak would probably be the next mount I would try. As for optics, Vortex's Viper line has very clear glass, repeatable clicks, and priced well below their competitors. Burris's Fullfield line are also very clear for the price. Illumination is fine if you plan to shoot a lot in low light, but some are just too bright if in no light.