ACOG for FAL

[RGraff]

I'm considering an ACOG for a short barreled FAL. I have no experience with that sight but it appears to be well suited for my intended use of this rifle. Robust, simple and a variety of reticle choices. The latter attribute is what I'm struggling with. I read through the stickied "ACOG chart" but was hoping for input from real world users.

Not having used one before I was hoping those that do might be able to recommend a suitable sight. This particular rifle is set up for relatively short range work. The sight should be able to quickly pick up moving targets at something less than 75 yards but be able to accurately engage targets up to and including 200 yards. Caliber is .308.

Any advice you can offer will be appreciated. Please include the reasons you prefer a particular reticle.

[Failure2Stop]

If you are only reaching out to 200 yards, I would recommend a simple red dot, preferably inside an Aimpoint.

[Sensei]

First, keep in mind that the ballistics (external and terminal) of a .308 start to behave like 7.62X39 at barrel lengths below 16". So you are basically getting an AK with a lot of muzzle flash with 12-16" barrels.

Next, an ACOG is not the best optic for the mission that you describe. A 1X red dot along the lines of Aimpoint M4 or T1 would be my choice.

If your heart is set on an ACOG, there is not a reticle calibrated specifically for SBR (<16") length .308. However, any of reticles calibrated for heavy 5.56 would provide an adequate estimate of bullet drop for your uses out to 300 meters if you felt the need.

[RGraff]

OK, appreciate the input guys. My initial attraction to the ACOG was lack of batteries. Not a fan. Also prefer a reticle over a dot sight but I'll admit my exposure to dot sights is limited. Might be able to get use to it.

I'll check out the Aimpoint offerings and see if something looks appealing. Thanks again.

[shootist~]

IMO ACOGs sit way too high for a decent cheek wield on A FAL. However, a friend had one mounted using the slotted flat-top dust cover from DSA (that's made for the ACOG base), and made it work. He just sold that rifle, however so I guess it did not work too well.

A variable, mounted very low, with enough eye relief to keep the rear bell in front of the rear sight works very well for me.

The little Leopold Compact on the one below has worked pretty well for me - even out to 600 meters, (but does not have an elevation turret or BDC capability). I have the new USO SN-4 1.5-6 DFP (dual focal plane) on order for a replacement. Probably too much money for the average FAL, but this one shoots pretty good. Time will tell if it's a good choice or not.

I have a Comp ML3 on another one that also works very well. It's mounted low enough to co-witness the Irons, but I don't know if there are any currently available dust cover rails that will make that possible today.

Be aware that windage turrets sticking out over the FAL's ejection port can get beat to hell by the robust ejection. I've ordered the USO with a short "zeroing" windage knob for that reason.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/shootist87122/FAL-Pics/3-GunFALwOptic_edited.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/shootist87122/CAIArgyorImbelUpper016-1.jpg

[shootist~]

Pic of an Aimpoint Micro (R1) that I mounted just to see if it would co-witness the irons (it would not). The Aimpoint factory (Weaver?) base would not tighten up on the commie rail either.

And a note on the current 4th Gen (or was it 5th) commine rails: The ones sold years ago by Gun Parts Guy were oversized and fit tight as hell, even before the tension screws were tightened - a very good thing. The ones now sold under the UTG name are sloppy loose (i.e., crap). I just found that out the hard way.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/shootist87122/FAL-Pics/3GFalMicro1.jpg

[RGraff]

This is what I'm using. Pretty solid and positive mount.

http://www.dsarms.com/SA58-FAL-Extreme-Duty-Scope-Mount---620A/productinfo/620A/

[Thomas M-4]

DSA used to make a railed top cover that was milled out specifically for the ACOG to sit lower.

Add yep they still make it.
http://www.dsarms.com/SA58-FAL-Extreme-Duty-Scope-Mount-Modified-for-ACOGS-TA620A/productinfo/TA620A/

[shootist~]

This is what I'm using. Pretty solid and positive mount.

http://www.dsarms.com/SA58-FAL-Extreme-Duty-Scope-Mount---620A/productinfo/620A/

The DSA's drawback for me is it sits too high, resulting in a higher scope position. This is in part due to the:
Only FAL mount with attachment holes for Quick Detach Brass Savr

[shootist~]

With no other viable choice at present, I went with the DSA mount so I could scope another one of mine. Now modified for the lowest ocular bell position possible:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/shootist87122/FAL-Pics/DSAMount111211.jpg