reflex sights on fal rifles

[Revolver Ocelot]

I'm coming home to a new fal waiting to be picked up (dsa para carbine) and was looking into some sighting options.

the ones I was looking at were a aimpoint t1, aimpoint comp m4s and an eotech (probably a 516). If you have any other suggestions let me know.

Just trying to get an opinion from those of you that have used these or similar sights on fals or similar rifles.

 

[Vaarok]

I use a Trilux SUIT.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

All FN-FAL rifles/carbines are supposed to have...an ELCAN! ALL of 'em, no exceptions.

 

[scramasax]

Wish I could afford a 1-4 Elcan for my Para. Just have to stick with the 4x S&B scope.

Cheers,

ts

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I agree with the elcan but could never bring my self to buy an optic that costs almost twice as much as the gun I'm putting it on

 

[Z-Michigan]

EOTechs are too tall for you to get a good cheekweld the way that the FAL is set up.

The Aimpoints would be fine but you would need a low mount instead of an AR-height mount. That isn't difficult to find or any more expensive, just be sure to get the right mount.

I would suggest a 1-4x conventional scope as being more versatile. But it depends on your intended uses.

 

[Chuck R.]

I used to use a Trijicon Tripower on my DSA SA58 Para. The Trijicon inverted Chevron was pretty good at precision and could be used for limited range estimation but I felt it didn’t make the best use of the 7.62 ranging capabilities. It is an awesome dot sight and now resides on my Colt LE6920.

I’ve since switched to a Vortex Viper HS 1-4X on my FAL. At 1X the illuminated reticle acts like a large dot sight, and at 4X I can hit steel at 500+ yards. It’s a compromise, not as fast as a dot up close, a little heavier, but much better at distance with the 7.62.



Chuck

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

that was my thinking for the aimpoint but I've seen so many people put eotechs on fals in similar configurations that I figured there may be something to it. I see that the n cell powered aimpoints can be mounted right against the rail, but wanted to go with somethig either aa or 3 volt powered and the m4 series I think has to sie a little higher due to it's design, is that right?

 

[Z-Michigan]

The standard CompM4 (not the M4s) has the high battery tube and can mount low on the rifle like the other Aimpoint models:

http://www.aimpoint.com/products/all-products/product-singleview/product/CompM4/?pid=340&damcat=114

However, you are paying a LOT extra just to get the use of an AA battery. I would instead recommend the Micro H1 which is small and light. All the Aimpoint models have at least 3-5 years of battery life, so it should not be much of a concern.

 

[Girodin]

I agree with the elcan but could never bring my self to buy an optic that costs almost twice as much as the gun I'm putting it on

Just get the Eclan and a Scar 17s, that will solve your problem.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

the cost of the optic is not to big of a deal (cheap is always better though as long as we are talking seem quality, mayb e just less features). this is gonna be a shtf rifle for me so I'd like it to be a common battery type, though I'm still leaning torwards a t1 at the moment just from hearing that it's more durable than the h1 and the battery is small enough I can keep a quanity in my bug out bag.

Just get the Eclan and a Scar 17s, that will solve your problem

I wanted to go with something with a longer track record, hence the decision on the fal

The standard CompM4 (not the M4s) has the high battery tube and can mount low on the rifle like the other Aimpoint models

I thought the m4s used the same mounts as the m4?

 

[Z-Michigan]

I thought the m4s used the same mounts as the m4?

Same mounts, I believe so. However the m4S has the low battery tube on the right side and I can see that either interfering with mounting or getting hit by empty brass with each shot. I don't own either version of the CompM4 and I haven't tried to mount one on an FAL so I could be wrong. I don't see any drawback to getting the M4 (non-S) however.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

considering the price point and how far forward I plan on mounting it I'm thinking the t1 is the better choice, between the m4 and m4s though I prefer the m4s, just seems like that much less to snag. I have seen one fal with an m4s on it but I can't remember whether or not it had a spacer on it though it probablly did just because most seem to come from factory for an ar 15 co witness.

 

[Z-Michigan]

The only Aimpoint I own is an H1. The others I find too big and generally too expensive for what they are (though H1 is not the lowest priced model). The T1 gives you NVG compatibility and a couple feet more diving depth. Your choice.

Just to throw another variable in, have you considered a 1.5x compact ACOG? They are really small and light, bombproof, and very handy for any distance that an RDS works at. They do work completely differently from an RDS and are slightly less flexible for shooting on your side lying underneath a truck, but work great for >99% of what you would be likely to do with an RDS.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I had heard the t1 was more durable, even so I have a night vision device that I personally own (wasn't issued from the military). I haven't considered the acog though, I may have to look into that.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I looked into it, they're alittle over what I was looking to spend. the only downside eye can find other than that is their eye relief makes them a little slower to use. for my uses I think I'll try to stay with something that has infinite eye relief, thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Sounds like you have a good handle on what you want then. I suggested the 1.5x ACOG because they are available for around $750 if you know where to look, which is about what a CompM4 costs.

Another nice thing about the Aimpoint Micro models (T1 or H1) is that resale value is solid if you decide you don't like it - or you can get a different mount and put it on something else.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

i've used a t1 before but it was on a ump 45 so different gun masy handle it different
all in all it's one of the optics I liked more, my only concern was the farther down the rail I put it the harder it may be to look through being such a small optic. I like keeping my optics torwards the center balance point on the weapon. I've heard some say tthough that that far down the gun the m4 optics tend to block more of your sight picture.

if you know where to find that acog for 750 let me know, maybe I'll get one for my m4