FAL hooded sight?

[eldon519]

I've got an StG58 from DSA on order, and I was wondering if there is any advantage to going with the hooded rear sights offered on their webpage? Is the aperture any different in size on the hooded sight? Is one more conducive to iron sight accuracy than the other?

Also, has anyone tried the KNS Precision front aperture sights? I kind of like the look of them and think they would probably help accuracy alot, but they look like they could really obstruct the sight picture.

Anyone have any thoughts/advice?

 

[iamkris]

I have a hooded rear sight on my StG58a...the advantage is that the aperature is smaller...about the same difference as the 0-200 and 200+ aperatures on the A2 sight is. I've found that I shoot a bit more accurate with it than the stock rear sight. Probably reduce group size by 25-30% for me.

Biggest downside is that the hood is always hitting my shooting glasses and scratching them.

I personally would avoid the aperature front sight but that is personal preference. I like the post. The only aperature front I have is the globe front sights I have on my Sharps.

 

[funfaler]

I have both the hooded and standard rear sights. My preference is that standard.

I tried the hooded to reduce glare and to aid in long range shooting (300-500 yards), but I find the reduced peep hole in the hooded sight, makes it difficult to see through, when the sight is set to 500 yard setting.

Something that I have done to my FALs that I find very helpful:
-I turned the front sight down from the standard .075" to .050". This makes it a finer picture, and it is better for range estimation.
-I tightened the rear sight, by "squeezing" the part that rides on the sight ramp, this reduces the "wobble" that is a problem with the FAL sights.

My "vote" would be to not get the hooded sight. On the other hand, the hooded Inch sight that DSA sells, is a vast improvement.

 

[eldon519]

I guess I may have to just wait and see how I like it when it gets here before I start thinking about changing it.

On another note, has anyone used the Brass Savr brass catching bag? I am just planning on using iron sights, so it won't interfere with optics for me. Seems like it would be a useful way to hang onto all of my brass and make it easier to sort by different lots to keep track of number of firings.

 

[DMK]

I agree with the other posts. A DSA hooded rear sight tightened up groups on my FAL. Smaller aperture and the hood prevented glare. Make sure there's no wobble in the rear sight.

 

[Bwana John]

Biggest downside is that the hood is always hitting my shooting glasses and scratching them.

While I love the NM hooded rear sight on my M-1a the FAL hooded sight scratches my shooting glasses also.

I think the best bet "might" be to get a windage adjustable Para rear sight or Hampton Lower and put a NM M-16 hooded rear sight on it if you "have" to have a hooded rear aperture.