Scoping the FAL

[686+]

Hi folks,
after running my FAL PARA in a match I figured out that my eyes hate peep sights, and I have trouble aiming with them. (My eyes keep trying to center the circle instead of sighting through it ) So I need a scope.

I had a Millet 1-4x in a SSALT mount, and I added a DSA scope mount cover. The problem is that the scope is way high, and the scope adds to much weight and throws the awsome balance of the rifle off. My cheek weld has become a tooth weld and it's all wrong, just really wrong.

I am looking for suggestions on scopes. 1-3x would be ideal, but the thing I am looking for is retaining ergonomics and weight ballance, so red dot's are in although 200 yard plates will be hard. Anyone run a red dot? How well can you aim out to what distance? Help, the next match is in a month and I need to get this done.

(Suggestions on using a peep sight also welcome)

Thank you,
686+

[Wilburt]

I'm using an 3.5x ACOG. I really like it. Still high if you don't have a riser. I'm using this one:



It's still a bit high. I have wanted to check out this one:



Both are through DSA. If you did go with the ACOG they have a special top rail just for it. It wouldn't be QD to allow the use of irons, but you said for a match right?

[co4874]

I have a Luepold Mark 4 CQ/T I use it on a AR-15 SPR it is a little high but I also have it on a throw lever mount it adjust between 1 and 3 power. Great Optic!

[gunplumber]

the lowest I've tried was a 2x7 Leu or Burris compact with low rings. Good eye relief so it sits in front of the rear sight.



Anything else and it has to clear the rear sight, which is the height thing.




Or see-through. One of these days I'm going to make the STANAG scope attach directly to the rail instead of having see-through risers.

[Ben M]

+1 to the 2-7 Burris or Leapold, I have two set up with the same low QD rings Gunplumber pictured. I have the Burris 2-7 Timberlines with the ballistic plex, perfect reticle for the FAL, and 2 power is plenty fast with both eyes open, barelly slower than a dot or acog.

[686+]

Excellent input all, thank you!

@gunplumber - Do you have an oppinion on using a Burris fastfire, or simmilar? Could it be set into a DSA scope cover so that the iron sights see thru the glass? Not really cowitness, but just having the irons functional?

[gunplumber]

I have no opinion as to the Burris appropriateness.. I played with one on a shotgun at the NRA convention and that's it.

[686+]

Here is a quick update. I am not sure if being able to use my irons with an optic on is worth pursuing. I still want to keep the optic low so as to maintain the low cheek weld. My buddy has one of the Docter type sights I can try. I will see how tall that takes me off the curent iron sight line.
The other alternative is to use a Aimpoint T-1. That sight without the base combined with milling the DSA scope cover will put the glass low enough to use irons through the glass. Best of both worlds? Not sure.

[gunplumber]

The other alternative is to use a Aimpoint T-1. That sight without the base combined with milling the DSA scope cover will put the glass low enough to use irons through the glass. Best of both worlds? Not sure.

tell you what - I've been considering this too but don't know how it will turn out. You want to experiment with your rail, and your Aimpoint, I"ll machine it no charge - just pay shipping. I'll try it out one of my guns before returning it. If we do it close to the front - or you choose the extended one that goes over the carry handle cut, it won't preclude using a different scope behind it.

[Steve in Allentown, PA]

Mark, you'll probably recall these pictures from a FAL Files review I did a while ago.

Here's an uncommon scope mount:










When you compare it to the DSA heavy duty scope mount you can see that the top of the rail is noticeably lower. With the Aimpoint mounted I have no problems achieving a solid cheek weld. FWIW, I really like Aimpoints and have no trouble hitting standard IDPA cardboard targets at 300 yards. They are light, extremely quick, rugged, and have a five year battery life. What's not to like?