Best Optic for FAL

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Posted: 4/8/2003 2:07:23 PM EDT

Hey guys,

Well, I just got a new toy and need to finish optioning it.

I expect I will use this mostly for blasting, plinking, offhand/prone etc. It will not be a benchrest rifle (not sure it would be good at that anyway).

I want fast simple target aquisition, clear sights, wide field of view, no eye relief sensititivty, BUT, it would be kewl if there was a way to dial up a bit of magnification for longer range shots. Hmm, maybe up to 6x or something.

I a m leaning towards an ACOG which I already have from a different toy. What else should I consider? An Elcan was suggested by someone here, but I see some negative views of them here.

On with the "best of" war. Thanks

Posted: 4/8/2003 2:16:39 PM EDT

[#1]

If it's an inch pattern, I'd go for the [url=http://www.dsarms.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=TRIL2A2&storeid=1&image=trilux.gif]L2A2 Tri Lux[/url]

Posted: 4/10/2003 5:39:37 PM EDT

[#2]

I have 3 FALs, and I love them, love shooting them. Having said that, though, unless you have a DSA or got lucky with a kit gun that shoots really well, spending $800 or more on a scope for it might be over kill. Also, unless you're hand loading, I'm assuming you're shooting milsurp ammo...so once again, inherent accuracy might not warrant high $$ on optics.

The Tri-Lux scopes are cool, relatively cheap (when compared to Acogs and Elcans), and preserve the original look of the FAL. I'm pretty sure I've seen a Tri-Lux for both inch and metric FALs, too.

I've used a Kobra red dot sight on one of mine from time to time...it looks a little funny, but it certainly works. The weaver mount ones go for about $135 these days. The Kobra is pretty rugged, much more so than the cheap red dots (BSA, etc). Check out the Kobra here:

[url]http://tantal.kalashnikov.guns.ru/bstkobra.html[/url]

Scroll down towards the bottom to see the weaver mount syle.

You'll be the only guy on your block with a Commie scope on a Brit gun lol.

Posted: 4/10/2003 6:34:38 PM EDT

[#3]

I'd have a look at the IOR Valdada M1/M2 scopes. They're rugged, small and can be bought calibrated for the .308. I'm looking at picking one up one of these days.

I've got an AMT 5x "professional" scope hung off of mine now. It's calibrated for .223 and I haven't tried it out yet but it seems like the right size and magnification for the FAL.

Posted: 4/10/2003 7:02:47 PM EDT

[#4]

Cool ideas. I started another thread and I think I am going to use one of the optics I already have.

I've narrowed it down to either the Trijicon Reflex II (nice low mount) or an Aimpoint CompM 2x. Already got em so I'll give em a try. Seems as if what I'm using this for and the quality of ammo I'll use a true precision magnification scope would be a waste of time.

Posted: 4/10/2003 7:26:55 PM EDT

[#5]

Aimpoint goes great on a FAL. Used one with ARMS topcover mount on an 18" FAL and it was awesome. I may put an IOR on my FAL carbine when I have cash.

Posted: 4/10/2003 7:55:17 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Aimpoint goes great on a FAL. Used one with ARMS topcover mount on an 18" FAL and it was awesome. I may put an IOR on my FAL carbine when I have cash.

View Quote

QC,

Could you explain what a "topcover mount" is? Thanks

Jim

Posted: 4/11/2003 5:57:34 AM EDT

[#7]

http://www.mountingsolutionsplus.com/products/ARMS/ARMS-3.htm

Jim-- check this out.

Posted: 4/11/2003 6:03:44 AM EDT

[#8]

RUT,

Thanks. That is what he meant by topcover mount. I got this one on order:

[url]http://www.dsarms.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=620A&storeid=1&image=scpmnt.gif[/url]

Same idea. I'm thinking one of the Reflex or Aimpoint 2x will fit right. Gotta wait on the order to find out.

Posted: 4/11/2003 10:27:13 AM EDT

[#9]

Yep. That's what I was talking about. I think the ARMS follows the lines of the rifle a little better but the DSA is reputed to be an excellent mount also.

Posted: 4/11/2003 10:46:38 AM EDT

[#10]

I have an IOR M2 308 on my FAL para. it is not too bad, The gun is very accurate so I decided to take off the Reflex and mount the IOR, it turn out to be a pretty good choice. got to use a high ring for the install, and the IOR still barely clear the rear sight. I will take a picture and post it on Monday.

Posted: 4/11/2003 3:24:25 PM EDT

[#11]

I have the DSA dust cover mount, #22M rings w/inserts for a Leupold 2-7x33. I usually keep it on 2x, you can see through the #22's and use the iron sights with ease. With very little adjustment, you can use the scope.

This is a very nice set up for me. I wouldn't go much higher on the objective size, you may not be able to see the irons. Traditional scopes are quicker than alot of people think.

I could email a pic if you like.

Mark

Posted: 4/11/2003 3:39:41 PM EDT

[#12]

My FAL wears the DSA flattop mount with an ARMS #22M68 (no spacer) holding an AimPoint CompML2. Works great.

-Troy

Posted: 4/11/2003 3:58:51 PM EDT

[#13]

Tony,

Thanks. I expect the mount early next week. Monday could be like Christmas since I am also expecting on that day the largest ammo order I have ever placed. If the topcover mount arrives then I can test the various scopes I have. Yup, life is still getting better every year.

Jim

Posted: 4/13/2003 7:28:48 PM EDT

[#14]

My Century L1A1 wears a Tapco weaver top cover with an older Aompoint Comp M mounted in the old style ring. No, doesn;t come off quickly, but its an inexpensive but quality optic on an inexpensive but quality battle rifle.

I have $350 into the L1A1 and it has never missed a beat. Got the Tapco cover on sale for $24.95. Bought the Aimpoint used off of a board member for $150 shipped.

$525 and it is the best damn battle rifle package for the money. All you DSA afficianados eat your hearts out!

Posted: 4/13/2003 7:49:52 PM EDT

[#15]

Hiram,

Yeah, but I got a DSA. I bet yours doesn't have cycling problems....er,, Uh, I bet yours doesn't get too hot with a couple rapid fire mags, errrr.......

Hmmm. How much did you pay? [shock]

Nah, I'm still happy. I'll fix the cycle problems and stuff. I do like the rifle. Just wish it were 100% right away. Trying to look at the bright side, this forces me to understand the rifle better to diagnise why it is a problem child. Might have it nailed now. Find out on Wednesday.

Posted: 4/13/2003 8:11:47 PM EDT

[#16]

Jimmy, we have a support group for folks like you. Just visit, [url]www.everycompanycanturnoutalemonnotjustcenturyarms.com[/url]

I think you'll find some of your DSA friends there. [;)]

Posted: 4/13/2003 8:18:02 PM EDT

[#17]

[LOLabove][LOLabove][LOLabove][LOLabove][LOLabove][LOLabove][LOLabove][LOLabove]

I like it.

Don't worry, I'll shake her out and have a good rifle when I'm done. I hope.

Posted: 4/13/2003 8:56:34 PM EDT

[#18]

I have an aimpoint comp M on mounted to an arms #3 mount. I can consistantly hit an oxegen tank at about 110 yards with it. it is WAY better than the FAL iron sights. I like the #3 mount because it is relatively easy to remove when cleaning.
[img]http://www.mountsplus.com/images/products/item-3.gif[/img]

Posted: 4/13/2003 10:46:21 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:

I've narrowed it down to either the Trijicon Reflex II (nice low mount) or an Aimpoint CompM 2x. Already got em so I'll give em a try. Seems as if what I'm using this for and the quality of ammo I'll use a true precision magnification scope would be a waste of time.

View Quote

Why did you choose those optics? Those would be 2 of my bottom 3 choices.

Posted: 4/14/2003 2:13:36 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:

Quoted:

I've narrowed it down to either the Trijicon Reflex II (nice low mount) or an Aimpoint CompM 2x. Already got em so I'll give em a try. Seems as if what I'm using this for and the quality of ammo I'll use a true precision magnification scope would be a waste of time.

View Quote

Why did you choose those optics? Those would be 2 of my bottom 3 choices.

View Quote

I selected them based on already having them from other projects. Why would they make your bottom 2 of 3 list?

Posted: 4/14/2003 2:35:08 PM EDT

[#21]

Picture of my FAL with Reflex and ARMS dust cover.

[img]http://www.thermaldynamics.com/pictures/guns/FAL_1.jpg[/img]

Posted: 4/14/2003 5:23:37 PM EDT

[#22]

NICE FAL!! Any pics with the IOR mounted? I'm considering one for my Imbel carbine.

Posted: 4/14/2003 6:53:45 PM EDT

[#23]

[img]http://www.thermaldynamics.com/pictures/guns/Picture%20013.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.thermaldynamics.com/pictures/guns/Picture%20016.jpg[/img]

Posted: 4/15/2003 3:18:04 PM EDT

[#24]

OK. DSA delivered. I got my topmount today. So, after figuring out how to install (slight delay as the first install resulted in one of the plates not seating thus preventing reinstallation of the bolt - abut who needs a bolt ay?), I tried out some optics.

First, I tried the 4x ACOG. Looked good on it, but, I wasn't crazy about the cheekweld or eye relief. Seemed like I had to get too close and too high to nake this work. Pity. I thought this would be a winner. But if I notice it in the garage, I'll probably notice it more on the line.

So, I tried the Aimpoint CompM 2x. It had a spacer on the mount (was on an AR15). I removed the spacer and installed low as I could, not 100% sure it would install. it did. Perfectly. Seems as if I got a good cheekweld and no eye relief problems.

I wanted to also try the Trijicon Reflex but I am waiting on an ARMs #15 mount from Sableco.

On the field of view issue with the CompM 2x, I'm not sure this will be an issue. For fast target tracking it seems as if both eyes open eliminates the issue entirely, once on target, narrowing aim by closing an eye would be OK.

Dunno. Have to try it out this week and see.

I'd post some pics but my previous method of posting was crashed by an internet butthole so I have noplace to host. I am in the waiting zone for membership here for future photo posts.

I'll let ya know how it shoots.

Posted: 4/15/2003 7:57:01 PM EDT

[#25]

Direct from the GRSC site. Ed makes some of the best sling in the world, and he is a big big FAL fan.

Posted: 4/15/2003 8:53:47 PM EDT

[#26]

SMG,

Hmmm. Already got the mount from DSA. Good to know about if I get another FAL.

Darn. I was going to bed. Now I got to go to the garage and examine the ACOG to see how the base comes off.

Its always something.

Thanks SMG

Posted: 4/17/2003 6:20:28 AM EDT

[#27]

jimmy,

Here is another set up that you may want to consider....

[url]http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61903&highlight=scope[/url]

I recently got a Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 that I'm going to put on low rings using the same set up as above...Just thought you might want to check it out

Posted: 4/17/2003 6:28:24 AM EDT

[#28]

I'd look at the IOR m2. I have the m1 .223 version and it seems to be a pretty good scope for a pretty reasonable price.

Posted: 6/27/2003 8:48:03 AM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:
[url]http://www.grsc.com/ACOGSM1.jpg[/url]

[url]http://www.grsc.com/Acogsm3.JPG[/url]

Direct from the GRSC site. Ed makes some of the best sling in the world, and he is a big big FAL fan.

View Quote

tagged for later

Posted: 6/28/2003 6:39:08 AM EDT

[#30]

Here's some pics of my DSA SA58 Standard with Leupold Vari-X II 2-7x33mm, modified DSA scope mount, and Leupold QWR (quick release) LOW scope rings:

[img]http://home.ctcweb.net/~mramazin/Jeff/MVC-002F.JPG[/img]

[img]http://home.ctcweb.net/~mramazin/Jeff/MVC-005F.JPG[/img]

[img]http://home.ctcweb.net/~mramazin/Jeff/MVC-006F.JPG[/img]

[img]http://home.ctcweb.net/~mramazin/Jeff/MVC-007F.JPG[/img]

Posted: 6/28/2003 11:47:21 AM EDT

[#31]

I'll scond or third the IOR. For 4x go M2 if you want 6x go the Super M2, you get more power AND a wider view but at about $200 more.

SorryOciffer

Posted: 6/28/2003 12:02:09 PM EDT

[#32]

Jeff has mastered the html that I have not, else I would post a picture of an identical set-up. I also mounted the eye-piece of the glass to line up with the back edge of the scope rail. With the scope in that position I get a natural cheek-weld, but the rear end of the iron sight peg will bump my shooting glasses. I may move the set-up back one or two rails.

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