What type of glass for my FAL?

[pat_riot56]

Hello, this is my first post to this forum; I tracked it down via the other popular black rifle forum...

Anyway, I'm looking to put some sort of optic/scope on my new DSArms SA-58 FAL. I'm not sure of what type of shooting I'd like to be doing with it, but I'm searching around for a type of scope that will allow me to reach out past 100 yards, but still allow me to do close in work.

I've been reading up on the Leupold CQ/T...maybe this is the route I should go?

Grant, I like this new forum...:cool:


ETA: spelling

[-Wes-]

I don't have any suggestions for you, there are several routes I'd consider. One being an Aimpoint M3 and 3x magnifier.

If you do decide on getting the CQT, I just ran across this one for sale;
http://www.gandrtactical.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3096

[VA_Dinger]

If you can afford it the S&B Short Dot is the best scope available. Pricey, but worth every penny.

[CapnCrunch]

Dinger's usually spot on in his observations, especially on the Short Dot...

But the Short Dot absolutely sucks on a FAL, especially when considering your mounting options. I ran a Short Dot on a ParaFAL for a few months, and have to say that it was unwieldy at best. The FAL is a heavy, long, unwieldy beast to start with. The Short Dot only exacerbates that.

I'll actually go one further than that... Most optics suck on the FAL. Reflex optics work decent, and the only magnified optic I'd think about would be maybe the TA11 or a Compact ACOG of some kind.

I finally got so fed up with trying to use any optic in conjunction with a Para stock that I ended up going back to irons.

[tomalibrando]

The short dot is nice, but about 1800 to 2000. The aimpoint with magnifier is a great combo and one I've been using for some time. A friend uses it on his M14 and has been pleased thus far. One small consideration. If the weapon is being deployed as more of a long range weapon (DM) an ACOG may be nice if you can figure out a way to mount it low enough. The TA 31 has a BDC for a 308 that'll be close enough balistically. The one limitation of an Aimpoint is that it's zeroed at (essentially) two ranges and thats it. the 308 affords far reaching accuracy and hitting power which can be exploited with the right scope in this case. A 4 power is a little slower to run at close range, but with pracitce, it can be fast enough. The short dot is the ultimate optic in so far as it can be dialed to what you want depending on your application. If you look at the price of the TA31. (in the 1000 range) and the cost of an Aimpoint with rings and a magnifier, they are comperable. The Aimpoint set up allows more flexability, but can not be quickly adjusted for extended ranges. You just have to know your hold overs. The ACOG lets you aim at extended ranges with pretty reliable accuracy. The ACOG has kind have fallen by the way side on the 5.56 platform because the bullet looses significant punch around 200 yards (yes, depending on the load for all the ballistic experts). The aimpoint with a 50 yard zero is pretty muc aim and shoot on a man sized target out to 300 yards. It hits below line of sight, but not enough to be worried about. Just figure out the application and choose the right tool. good luck

[Rmplstlskn]

So far I am happy with this option...

SA-58 Carbine, ARMS top cover/rail, Larue mount, Trijicon TA11-D ACOG.
http://www.wwyd.org/images/AR15/FAL-ARMS-ACOG 009_www.jpg

http://www.wwyd.org/images/AR15/FAL-ARMS-ACOG 001_www.jpg

http://www.wwyd.org/images/AR15/FAL&ACOG-002_www2.jpg

The TA11-D has a 5.56mm, 55g. handle-mount calibrated reticle (used to be on an AR), but many others have stated that the ranging reticles work out fairly close with .308. I have not had the chance to test it past 300 yards (the longest range I have access to). Mine also is a RED triangle, which I like greatly.

The BAC allows close-in, fast acquisition, but not as fast as an Aimpoint or EOTech, IMO. I'm sure someone more highly trained than I could make it just as fast, but better, as you have MAGNIFICATION when needed.

I chose the ARMS cover as it is well made (made by PRI), solid (as much as an FAL cover will allow) and is still removeable without loosening a bunch of screws (DSA Extreme mount). Nowhere near as solid and repeatable as an AR flat-top, but a great option for an FAL.

My near-sighted, astigmatic eyes appreciate the magnification.... :D

Rmpl

[militarymoron]

i put an aimpoint on my para FAL, as it works well from 3 yards to 300 yards. the problem with the para stock, as pointed out by those above, is the sucky cheek weld. i had the aimpoint on the standard height aimpoint 'rail grabber' mount before, and it was too high. one option was to get a cheekpad for the para stock from DSA. instead, i just used the ring that came with the aimpoint - it's the lowest ring you can get for the aimpoint. so low, in fact, that it doesn't have enough clearance to install the front scope cap (unless it's mounted where there's clearance, like i did). the cheek weld is perfect with the para stock now. yes, you lose any quick detach capability and you can't see the irons, but i keep the allen wrench to remove it in my TD vertical grip - takes a minute to get it off if need be.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/militarymoron/parafal.jpg

[Hawkeye]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v86/Hawkeye1/Guns/FAL18.jpg

[SethB]

You would be better off with a 16 inch 6.8 upper. I have never felt attacted to any of the so called battle rifles. There is a reason that we have moved on.

That said, a low mounted Aimpoint would be my choice.