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Thread: 1-4ish on a 7.62 NATO Rifle: Reticle Options?

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    1-4ish on a 7.62 NATO Rifle: Reticle Options?

    I'm putting together the final pieces for my FAL and am looking to put a 1-4x-ish piece of glass on top. Funds are limited at this point from the build, so will be looking at the $300 range. I'll make the jump to a higher quality scope later this year.

    I was looking at a Millet DMS 1-4, but the big donut reticle seems like it would be a nightmare when trying to stretch out the 7.62. At the same time, I was considering the Nikkon Monarch African 1-4x with the German No. 4, but not sure if the lack of bullet drop is super-important.

    I don't need illumination, and would prefer to get the best quality glass in my budget range. Use is for plinking and occasional hunting. Is a BDC reticle of some sort vital or would that Nikkon's reticle be just fine?

    If not, I'm still searching the forums, reading the threads, making a list and writing down specs. In the meantime, are there any go-to suggestions for a 1-4x with a BDC reticle that would work well for a general purpose type FAL out to 5/6oo yards or so (which I suspect will be pushing it, but we'll see once I get the gun built)?

  2. #2
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    1-4x is a perfect scope for a FAL.

    I'd consider saving a bit longer and get a Vortex PST (~$500 new) plus some good rings and a mount (DSA). Recoil on a FAL is notoriously hard on bargain optics. The PST mil/mil uses a very functional reticle at close and longer ranges.

    Really you'll save more money if you just save up for the scope you want now, rather than one scope now and another later. Rather than trying to unload a scope people aren't going to want. You might also call around and see if anyone has a used PST. Scott @ Liberty Optics might be a good person to call, he often has used optics in stock.
    Last edited by Gutshot John; 03-20-13 at 12:39.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gutshot John View Post
    1-4x is a perfect scope for a FAL.

    I'd consider saving a bit longer and get a Vortex PST (~$500 new) plus some good rings and a mount (DSA). Recoil on a FAL is notoriously hard on bargain optics. The PST mil/mil uses a very functional reticle at close and longer ranges.

    Really you'll save more money if you just save up for the scope you want now, rather than one scope now and another later. Rather than trying to unload a scope people aren't going to want. You might also call around and see if anyone has a used PST. Scott @ Liberty Optics might be a good person to call, he often has used optics in stock.
    I'm not opposed to buying used at all and actively have my eyes open and on the lookout for options, however, at this time the budget will remain hard set at $300, as I have a number of other things I need to pick up on this and other projects.

    So, back to my original question, as I find the "just wait until you have $500/$800/$1000 and buy a better piece of glass" option gets tossed out when someone asks about scopes regardless of the budget: do I need a BDC reticle? It would seem handy. I was looking at the Burris Tac30, but it has a specifically labelled 5.56 reticle, and I'm uncertain how that would factor into things on a 7.62 NATO gun.

  4. #4
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    Nevermind
    Last edited by Gutshot John; 03-21-13 at 02:08.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Will_Power View Post
    I'm putting together the final pieces for my FAL and am looking to put a 1-4x-ish piece of glass on top. Funds are limited at this point from the build, so will be looking at the $300 range. I'll make the jump to a higher quality scope later this year.

    I was looking at a Millet DMS 1-4, but the big donut reticle seems like it would be a nightmare when trying to stretch out the 7.62. At the same time, I was considering the Nikkon Monarch African 1-4x with the German No. 4, but not sure if the lack of bullet drop is super-important.

    I don't need illumination, and would prefer to get the best quality glass in my budget range. Use is for plinking and occasional hunting. Is a BDC reticle of some sort vital or would that Nikkon's reticle be just fine?

    If not, I'm still searching the forums, reading the threads, making a list and writing down specs. In the meantime, are there any go-to suggestions for a 1-4x with a BDC reticle that would work well for a general purpose type FAL out to 5/6oo yards or so (which I suspect will be pushing it, but we'll see once I get the gun built)?
    Find a Burris Tac 30 that fits your price range on sale at Midway right now. Great scope for the money. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/994...-reticle-matte

    The .308 and .223 are actually fairly close in trajectory just a little tweaking on your initial zero range and it will work fine for your .308.
    Pat
    Last edited by Alaskapopo; 03-21-13 at 02:26.
    Serving as a LEO since 1999.
    USPSA# A56876 A Class
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    Armorer for AR15, 1911, Glocks and Remington 870 shotguns.

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    I've just put to together a light weight 16" MATEN carbine. I've been debating on a 1-4 or higher power scope for that rifle. Especially since I live in urban MA. Not sure I need much higher for my purpose. Nothing over 200 yards to shoot at in my area.

    I like the Burris MTAC. From Burris website:

    "The new MTAC 1x-4x-24 with its wide field of view and Ballistic CQ 5.56/7.62 reticle is the perfect match for AR platforms. You can quickly engage close targets or take precise aim out to 600 yards."

    So the trajectory with two certain loads(it doesn't specify) must have very similar trajectory.

    If thats the case, I also like the Nikon M223 1-4 with point blank reticle. Right in your price range and I've read nothing but good reviews.
    Last edited by ack495; 03-21-13 at 10:46.

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