[Nightcrawler]

Hey guys. I'm contemplating some different optics options for my FAL rifle. I've thought about an ELCAN, but it's typically too pricey. The ACOG is kind of in the same category.

I'd like to keep the cost of the basic optic under three hundred dollars, four at the most.

The optic should be rugged and durable, for hard field use. I'm contemplating possibly a low-power, 2.5 or 3x scope. I'm also contemplating a fixed 4x, 5x, or 6x scope, too.

This will be to aid long ranged shooting with my FAL (soon, hopefully, to be an 18" carbine). 200-500 meters.

The optic needs to be quick-detach, so I can access the iron sights. Either through quick-release rings or though a throw-lever mount like ARMS and GG&G make.

Here are some under consideration:

ATN 5x33 (http://www.atncorp.com/DayOptics/RifleScopes/ATN5X33LU)

http://www.atncorp.com/i/product/eng/113/A.jpg

Comes with .308 caliber ranging cam. Wonder what bullet weight it's for?

IOR Valada M1 4x24 (http://www.dsarms.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=VT46M1308N&storeid=1&image=dsa4x24M1scope.gif)

http://www.dsarms.com/images/dsa4x24M1scope.gif

Price is like $350. I'd get the NATO reticle. Comes with a .308 ranging cam, but it's for 168 grain ammo only (whereas I shoot 147gr ball most often).

I'm also considering two Russian rifle scopes.

PSO 4x24 (http://www.nightvisionweb.com/po_4x24_s1.htm)

http://www.nightvisionweb.com/images/po_4x24_s1.jpg

Excellent price, will fit standard rings.

Also, there is the PSOP 6x42 (http://www.nightvisionweb.com/posp_6x42_wm.htm).

http://www.nightvisionweb.com/images/posp_8x42_wm.jpg

Very wide objective on this one. I'd have to use a quick-release mount from ARMS to get the quick-detach function I desire.

Finally, on the lower end, you've got an offering from Tapco.

Tapco T28 4x28 (http://www.tapco.com/product_information.asp?number=OPT8628&back=yes&dept=4&last=3)

http://www.tapco.com/item_pics/lg/OPT8628_lg.jpg

Good price. I'd have to also buy the FAL STANAG mount from Tapco. Don't know if I want to go that route; the mount allows for using the iron sights, but places the scope very high.

So, fellow FALers. What optics do you prefer on your FALs? Any recommendations?

[Derek Zeanah]

The IOR isn't bad, but it's not nearly as nice as the Elcan.

[Nightcrawler]

But does the ELCAN have a quick release function? I mean, the windage and elevation adjustment in this piece is in the mount itself; I don't know how you'd quick-detach that and retain zero. Is their a provision for that?

But still...Elcans are usually $1,100.00. Maybe if I go back overseas... :uhoh:

[Coronach]

I'm kinda/sorta doing the same thing, but I made my decision already.

Once I get set up with a place where I can shoot regularly (and thus my FAL will be spending less time in the safe and more at the range), I will be getting an ACOG TA-11E for it. Yes, it is pricey, but it seems to offer the best compromise between the various things one wants a combat rifle to do. It will be magnified for long range shooting, the chevron will offer a 'precision-enough' aiming point for a FAL, but it is low-power enough that it can be used fairly close in, with a reticle that is quick to pick up, has bullet drop calculation, and can (apparently) be used as an OEG for CQB if you are really forced to do so.

Naturally, TANSTAAFL...it costs more than the gun. But hey. It is as close to a "do everything well" sight as I can find.

Mike

[Chris Rhines]

My first choice would be an ACOG TA11F on a LaRue QD mount. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is worth it. I've never regretted the ~800 bucks I dropped on mine - not for a second.

If you can hold off until the first of the year or so, Muller Optics should have their CQB scope done by then. 1-4x, 90' FOV at 1x, very bright illuminated reticule, ranging/holdover reticule. Should price out around $300 or so. Worth looking at.

- Chris

[Coronach]

Chris,

Why the -F and not the -E? And what is the difference?

Mike

[Derek Zeanah]

But does the ELCAN have a quick release function? I mean, the windage and elevation adjustment in this piece is in the mount itself; I don't know how you'd quick-detach that and retain zero. Is their a provision for that?Do a search -- they do a decent job of retaining zero if you dismount and remount them (to the exact same spot, of course). The Snipercountry review probably mentioned this...But still...Elcans are usually $1,100.00. Maybe if I go back overseas...Well, shop used. ;)

The big complaint about the Elcan is its size -- it's a beefy piece of equipment. But it's worth it to me -- I much prefer it to the ACOGS (which makes me a distinct minority -- I know).

Regardless, used is generally a good option, if available.

[Chris Rhines]

Coronach - The -F has the .223 BDC, while the -E has the .308 BDC. So for a FN-FAL, the -E would indeed be the better choice (I've never actually used the BDC on mine, save for testing.)

Both the -E and the -F usually come with the Trijicon flat-top adapter, which I don't like too much. The LaRue is QD, and way more solid.

- Chris

[wintermute76]

I just picked up a TA01 B ACOG for my FAL, I had a SUIT on before. Not sure what kind of precision you're looking for, you can find SUITs for $250 or so. fixed 4 power.

[Nightcrawler]

Question on the Trilux. Can the top-cover mount be modified to fit a metric receiver, and does the scope itself require removal of the rear sight? I mean, that's why the L1A1s have a folding rear sight, correct?

[Stinkyshoe]

Stay away from atn. They're junk

[Coronach]

Chris-

Ah! That would explain why I didn't recall researching the -F when I was deciding. :cool:

And, yeah. I hear the Larue mount is the way to go. How much height does that add to the whole affair, or is it no higher than the Trijicon adapter?

Thanks,
Mike

[NMshooter]

No higher than the Trijicon adapter. :)

Good optics are well worth the money.

[varoadking]

I use an Rev.F EOTech 552 with a GG&G Accucam QD mount on a DSA top cover rail. It's perfect for me, however, I limit my FAL offhand shooting to 300 yards...

[Roadkill]

I have a 14x Springfield 1st Gen combat on a DSA mount. Quick release, very steady.

rk

[71Commander]

I'm giving some serious consideration to one of these scopes for my FAL.

http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/cgi-bin/kowstore.cgi?user_action=link&link=mainpage

[wintermute76]

Most likely you would need to slightly modify the inch top cover/mount for a metric receiver, only involves removing the stop tabs if I recall correctly. And the SUIT just clears the metric rear sight, seems I had to shave a tad of the scope cover I put on mine.

Hope it helps, let me know if you want a couple pics, I could take some and post them.

[Stinkyshoe]

What height of rings would you all get for the FAL? Any opinions on the Leupold Quick release?
Thanks
Ss

[GunGoBoom]

Chris Rhines, is that "Muller" as you say, "Mueller"? Thanks.

[DougW]

I installed my Nikkon 1.5X4 Turkey scope on my L1A1 with a Tapco top cover base. Solid performer. Allows close quick sighting with both eyes open and good longer range shooting. This scope costs under $300, and is my version of a poor man's Leoupold CQT, which is absolutly sweeeeet.

But, I have taken the scope off, and have placed it back on my 20" A3 AR. I kinda like the L1A1 with open sights a little better than with a scope.

[Serum556]

How about an FN Trilux scope designed for the FAL? Cheaperthandirt.com has them with a replacement reciever cover for mounting for around $250 or so.

[Chris Rhines]

GGB - Yep, it's http://www.muelleroptics.com/. Dropped the 'e'. My bad.

- Chris

[Nightcrawler]

Leatherwood Hi-Lux M600 (http://www.dsarms.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=LART39X40TAK&storeid=1&image=LWM600.gif)

http://www.dsarms.com/images/LWM600.gif

[triage1998]

If you haven't bought a scope yet, I do recommend the IOR 4x24 M1 . It has really nice glass for the money. Its also built to take a beating. Your FAL will beat the $^!% out of it.

I had the QD Tactical Lever 30mm Rings (Med.) on a ARMS #3 mount.

The reason I said HAD, was that I just sold it. Not because I didn't like the scope, but because I'm upgrading to either the IOR 2-12x32 35mm or the NIGHTFORCE 2-10x24 35mm. I needed a little more range than the 4x gave me.

Here are some pics:

BTW I had the NATO MP9 reticle


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/triage1998/FNFAL%20G1/G101900000.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/triage1998/FNFAL%20G1/40aebe6b.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/triage1998/FNFAL%20G1/49af8df1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/triage1998/FNFAL%20G1/IOR-ValdadaM14X2402.jpg

[libertyman777]

Hi,

Could anyone tell me how to use the MP9 reticle to measure distance? What target size is it calibrated for? Thanks,

Paul

[ROCKSHUND]

Quoting RoadKill: "I have a 14x Springfield 1st Gen combat on a DSA mount. Quick release, very steady.

rk"

That's two of us...Mine's on an older DSA SA58 Gray's Lake medium barreled FAL, original DSA mount, in Leupold QRW rings...ALWAYS returns to zero when reinstalled. They work well together...

AND, I just stuck a Springer 6x in 1" QRW's atop a later version of DSA mount, atop my FAL carbine (similar to Congo model). Need to get around to sighting that one in...the scope used to live atop my Savage Model 10 .308.

Cheers, FNR...