Reconsidering the Aimpoint for my rifle

[Nightcrawler]

I've been looking at the various models of Aimpoint sight, and I'm seriously reconsidering them for my FAL. Before, I'd dismissed them, simply because I think a 4 MOA dot is too big for long ranged shooting. However, there are new Aimpoints available with the super-long 50,000 hrs battery life, and that have 2 MOA dots.

The reason I'm considering an Aimpoint for my FAL is simple. The FAL does not have a straight line stock like the AR-15. The DSA optics mount sits so the sight line is just above the picatinny rail. If you mount a scope low enough, you only have to tilt your head a smidge and maintain a good cheek weld, but the optic is high enough where the rear sight doesn't interfere (worked on my old Bushnell 3-9x, anyway).

The EoTech and the Reflex II sights, I think, with their thick bases, will sit too high for proper cheek weld. But the Aimpoint will work with any 30mm low-mount ring.

While I've been considering the Trijicon Accupoint, most of the shooting I'm going to be doing with this 16" carbine will be short ranged, and perhaps the 1x optic will be just fine.

But, looking at Aimpoint's selection, they have many models to choose from! Happily, most are considerably more affordable than the scopes I've been looking at (especially if you get the models that aren't night vision compatible, which makes sense because I dont' have night vision goggles).

You can go HERE for a pretty good listing of Aimpoint models, plus their prices. Very few cost $500, and some models are less than $400. That fits better into my budget (I'm selling guns I don't shoot to finance this. Sigh! Working for a living blows!)

Affordability is important, as any one of these sights costs a month's rent for me. So...

While the most obvious choice would the be the Comp ML3 2MOA model, what about the other Aimpoints?

The slightly larger 9000SC model, 2MOA, while not military issue, seems to be built pretty solidly.

Also, tell me about these 2x Aimpoint magnifying optics. Anybody have any experience with these?

 

[DMK]

he reason I'm considering an Aimpoint for my FAL is simple. The FAL does not have a straight line stock like the AR-15. The DSA optics mount sits so the sight line is just above the picatinny rail. If you mount a scope low enough, you only have to tilt your head a smidge and maintain a good cheek weld, but the optic is high enough where the rear sight doesn't interfere (worked on my old Bushnell 3-9x, anyway).

I don't really like the Aimpoint, preferring the Eotech/Bushnell Holosight instead. However, you make a good point and in this case, I'd have to agree.

I wonder if you can get a mount to put that Aimpoint right down on the rail so you can see through it with your iron sights? That way you could mount it well forward and low. What is that a 30mm tube? What about an ultra low 30mm scope ring like this?

While the most obvious choice would the be the Comp ML3 2MOA model, what about the other Aimpoints?

The slightly larger 9000SC model, 2MOA, while not military issue, seems to be built pretty solidly.

What's wrong with the Comp C3?

 

[Nightcrawler]

I don't think you could get it low enough to co-witness, and that's okay. I think the iron sights being visible through the tube would be bothersome. I'd just get a low-as-possible quick release mount, so I could pop it off if it ever went down and transition to irons.

THIS THREAD at the FAL Files has many pictures of FALs mounted with Aimpoints and EoTechs. As you can see, the EoTech sits very high, whereas you can get the Aimpoint pretty low.

 

[DMK]

I don't think you could get it low enough to co-witness, and that's okay. I'd just get a low-as-possible quick release mount, so I could pop it off if it ever went down and transition to irons.

Hmm, you might be right. That Aimpoint in the Falfiles thread look really low, but it might be the angle of the pic though. Still, I'll bet if you worked at it, you could find a way to see through the lower quarter of the tube with the sights.

I think the iron sights being visible through the tube would be bothersome.

Depending on your sensitivity to it maybe, but I've never found the irons sights on my AR cowitness bothersome at all. As long at you can see the dot and the target clearly, you can put the rest of the stuff out of your mind.

Man, you've got me thinking of buying an Aimpoint now!

 

[DMK]

Take a look at this thread:

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=174591&highlight=aimpoint

 

[Nightcrawler]

That rifle has a different optics rail than mine. Mine is a DSA and it sits higher.

 

[Dienekes]

Not exactly to the point, but I put an ACOG compact 1.5 X 24 on my M4gery Bushmaster recently, and I am ecstatic about what it does for my AARP Mk. 1 eyeballs.

Eye relief is very long and forgiving. Field of view is more than ample. It has an 8 MOA triangle which works ok out to 250 yards. Good light gathering--if you can distinguish it, you can hit it. Weight, 5.9 oz. I like it better the more I use it.

The compacts are made in 1.5, 2, and 3 power, and weigh about half what the standard sized units do.

Will work with this one for a while to get thoroughly familiar with its capabilities, and will probably put a 4 x 32 red chevron for 7.62 on the M1A down the road.

Best thing since smokeless powder, and actually worth every penny.