Ok, last chance... FAL zeroing.

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ny32182

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Some of you may recall my previous FAL zeroing issues.

I really... really hope that it is me that is doing something wrong.

How do YOU zero your FAL? I have access to only a 100 yard range. Until now, I've tried to make the impact at 100 yards be 2" high in order to simulate a 200 meter zero. I realize that this might not be the best procedure (distances aren't exactly known, sights set up for meters, etc).

What should I do to try to zero the gun on a 100 yard range? If I can't do it this time I'll have to either start dremeling or send it back to DSA with a foggy explanation of the problem.

Also, just to make sure I'm actually using the rear sight correctly.... with the sight in any given position, the highest number that is visible behind the sight is the range that the rear sight is set to (in meters), correct?
 
If your rifle (and all FAL's) is set up like most other battle rifles, the number directly in front of the adjustment (slider, whatever you want to call it) is the range you'll be sighted to. Like, the number that it comes to a rest on when it is locked in place.
 
The only problem with that is that were that the case, the sight wouldn't be able to be adjusted to all positions. Only if the number behind the sight is the correct number, can all the numbers be selected.
 
Gosh Id hoped you fixed it by this time!
The number behind the actual rear sight is the range that you are shooting at.
2 is the lowest position on the rear sight ramp, and the closest setting on the rifle and stands for 200 meters (~220 yds), the next numbers (with corrisponding detents)are 3,4,5,6 (X 100 meters)
To Zero the rifle for elevation, you would shoot at 200 meters, with the rear sight set to 2, and screw the front sight up or down untill it hit how you want (right on, or ~6 inches high for shooting bulls)
The arch the bullet makes crosses the line of sight at 2 places for a 200 m Zero, once @ ~27 m, and again at 200 m, and the bullet is ~2" above the line of sight @ 100 m (with a 200 m zero).
Therefor you can start at ~27 m and point of aim will equal point of impact, or you can shoot @ 100 yards and POI will be ~2" above the POA.
If you are using standard 7.62 NATO ball all of the other ranges marked on the sight should be close, but you must shoot at those ranges to be sure.

PS-use a new small triangular file to regulate the front sight if it still is not short enough for a 200 m Zero, NOT a dremil tool.
 
You are correct on the number issue. With the sight all the way to the rear, the 2 should be covered. As for zeroing procedure, start up close and work your way farther out. If memory serves correctly, with the rear sight set farthest back, it should be on at about 25 meters, then high until it gets back to on at 200 meters.

It appears that Bwana John beat me to it, and did a better job to boot.... :)
 
I will try shooting at ~27 meters next time... thanks. It is about 2" high at 100 yards right now, but that is with the rear sight at 500m. I can do some major shortening on one of the front sights and see how that works.
 
OR, you could try one of the Indian(higher), or Inch(highest) rear sights if you really hate the stubby front sight post.
 
I sighted mine in at 25 yards. Set the rear sight at 200 and adjusted the front sight for elevation, the rear for windage until it was hitting at point of aim. When I took it to the 100 yd range, point of impact was about 2 inches above point of aim. Dead solid perfect. :)

ps - it also shot a 1-1/4 inch 3-shot group at 100 yds with the iron sights.
 
OR, you could try one of the Indian(higher), or Inch(highest) rear sights if you really hate the stubby front sight post.
Click to expand...

Can these be added to my existing rear "ramp" with no modification? This might be the best solution.

I sighted mine in at 25 yards. Set the rear sight at 200 and adjusted the front sight for elevation, the rear for windage until it was hitting at point of aim. When I took it to the 100 yd range, point of impact was about 2 inches above point of aim. Dead solid perfect.

ps - it also shot a 1-1/4 inch 3-shot group at 100 yds with the iron sights.
Click to expand...

I wish this was the story with mine. Once it is hitting where I want, the group are very good... better than I was expecting... I've just got to crank the sights way out of whack to get it there.
 
Can these be added to my existing rear "ramp" with no modification? This might be the best solution.
Click to expand...
It looks like you have to buy everything eccept the sight base screws. Gun Parts Guy (GPG) has rear inch sights for sure, $32. He used to have Indian ones also I dont see them now.
 
If you have the factory rear sight, set it to the most comfortable height. Then clean it and slather the whole thing with JB-Weld. Forget about adjusting the factory rear sight for range - the adjustments are nowhere near repeatable. Gluing the sight down will also help with the mechanical play that FAL sights suffer from.

Then zero 2" high at 100 yards, and you'll be about dead on at 200, and maybe 7" low at 300 depending on the exact load and environmental conditions.

- Chris
 
That would be another possibility... I would be nice to shoot at longer range though, if the opportunity ever presents itself. Does anyone else think that the rear sight range adjustments are that far off?

Maybe I should just scope the thing.
 
Go to the link below to have all of your FAL questions answered.....just make sure to look through all the areas and run the search engine before asking :)

FALMike
 
Yeah, FALfiles is a great forum!

Does that L1A1 sight fit onto my metric receiver with no modifications? Any reason I wouldn't be able to install it myself?

I'll probably file down one of my front sights as well, just to see which method will work out better for me.
 
Does that L1A1 sight fit onto my metric receiver with no modifications? Any reason I wouldn't be able to install it myself?
Click to expand...
I believe it does, I had some problems getting a rear sight off a South Africian kit due to hardened grease and baked in elephant dung, but some "Break Free" and a brass punch did the trick.

Do you have a friend that owns another FAL? I would be intrestred to see if swapping lowers might help. Lowers are relitively cheap. (<$100) Also, are you using 7.62mm Nato Ball ammo to sight it in, or commericial .308 Win?

When you file the front sight remember to try a couple of different types of NATO type ammo, i.e. Hirt, Aussi, RG, SA, MEN, Port, LC, ect... Stay away from the Indian.
 
No friends with FALs available. :(

I used Aussie surplus to zero.

I'll try the L1A1 sight next. Might be a while, but I'll post up the results. Thanks for all the advice.
 
Bwana John....Thanks

I guess it would have helped if I had attached the link.....was in a hurry to get to formation.....I was the acting Commander today :uhoh:

Mike
 
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