Scoping the FAL

[gunplumber]

For a lightweigh scope like an aimpoint, sure, but I don't trust the fal dustcover for mounting anything substantial. If I had to, I'd use an inch pattern with the tabs for extra support. Even the ARMS mount never held zero for me for more than 1K rounds.

[686+]

gunplumber,
I will take you up on your offer if it's still standing. What time frame are you looking at? I wil need a few weeks.

686+

[gunplumber]

I'm several weeks out of being ale to do it, so that will work fine.

[Steve in Allentown, PA]

For a lightweigh scope like an aimpoint, sure, but I don't trust the fal dustcover for mounting anything substantial. If I had to, I'd use an inch pattern with the tabs for extra support. Even the ARMS mount never held zero for me for more than 1K rounds.

Mark, your reputation as a no-BS guy is well known and much appreciated. We're thinking along the same lines on this issue. I'd be uncomfortable putting a heavy glass scope on this rail. I won't be moving my Nightforce 5.5-22X from my bolt rifle to the FAL anytime soon.

FWIW, I put a Weaver 4X scope on this mount and have had no problems through several hundred rounds. The Weaver weighs in at about 10 ozs which is about 3 ozs heavier than the Aimpoint.

Having spent many years humping gear and guns through the boonies for Uncle Sugar I have a fondness for lightweight stuff. When I consider the geography of my AO and intended purpose of the FAL, a 4X glass scope is all I need at the most. However, the Aimpoint is the optimum sighting device. Light, tough, and all I need.

I'll keep track of my round count with the Weaver installed and will report back once I get over 1k rounds.

[snolden]

I just received a Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 yesterday. The 1x eye relief is amazing, like 12" while at 4x it is still about 6". With its illuminated reticle and extreme eye relief it is like a reflex sight at 1x power. I have the rings coming in a couple days and should have it all wrung out in about 10 days. If anyone is interested I usually keep good notes for my reloading data. I will shoot this to at least 400 yards probably 600 depending on the wind next week.

It will go on a 16" DSA SG58 Para with the DSA Extreme Duty rail. But the eye relief and the fast focus eye piece are definitely amazing, dam near as fast as my Eotech, not quite as bright yet much clearer.

I have some medium and some high warne rings on the way to see where it will sit. Low will fit but I won't be able to fit the scope lens covers on with it that low.

[686+]

snolden,
interested in reloading data, and chrono data for mil surplus if you get it. I keep wondering what the velocity is out of the shorter barel with '90's DAG.

[686+]

@gunplumber

Got the T-1. I have made a CAD model of the DSA rail and a crude model of the sight. I am trying to figure out some of the details involved in this setup. The good news is that the mtg. hole spacing will fit inside the picatiny rail width, but the screw heads need to be within the main body of the cover, otherwise the counter bores break thru. In about a week I should have a good layout of what I think the setup should look like, including some drawings. At that point I will kick it over to you so you can take a look at it with a trained eye.

686+

[gunplumber]

I finally got around to modifying some DSA scope covers. I machined a groove down the center - not really important since the iron sight is visible anyway, but this makes it more visible. Just a a U channel.

Then I machined off the front and rear slots so that I could mount the scope lower and still clear the objective.

Pictured is a Leu VarX-III 1.75-6x 1" tube, 40mm objective, and a Zeis fixed 6x, 1" tube, 36mm objective. This is why I prefer the compact scopes with generaous eye relief - they can be mounted in front of the rear sight instead of over the rear sight.

Took them out yesterday to test/zero, prior to a DMR class this weekend. They worked great. No problem engaging a paint can at 400 meters. Gotta look over the rear sight to see the glass and the 1.75x the front sight can barely be seen - like a smudge on the glass. But they are low enough to need no cheek piece, which was my goal.


falcamo-12.jpg

falcamo-14.jpg

[Dr. John]

Mark,
What brand of scope rings are you using? What height?
How much would you charge for the modification you are describing?
Thanks.

[gunplumber]

Warne, low. Same style as the leupold, but clamshells side to side instead of top 2/3, bottom 1/3 like on the Leu., which I find scratches scope tubes easily.