The pieces are coming together...

[Nightcrawler]

Okay, I'm collecting the parts slowly for my Totally Awesome FAL Carbine project.

In this project, I'm converting my standard, ban-years, muzzle-break'd DSA STG-58A 21" into a handy 16.25" carbine.

I argued with myself for months over the barrel length, but managed to score a new production Badger Ordnance 16" barrel (they're backordered for several months, I believe) so I snagged it. I've got the Belgian flashhider, the alloy lower, and the windage-knob para-style rear sight.

I still needed an optic. After a lot of debate, I decided to get the IOR Valdada 4x24mm M1 scope, with the NATO style reticle.

Observe. (Has the function where you can hide your web links in text for less clutter been disabled?)

http://www.dsarms.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=VT46M1308N&storeid=1&image=dsa4x24M1scope.gif

Now, in an older DSA catalog, they had a .308 version of the M2 scope. The only difference seems to be one and a quarter inch less length, and a few ounces less weight. If for no other reason, I would've preferred the more compact optic, but it seems the .308 M2 has been discontinued.

Honestly, given that I don't shoot much 168 grain ammo, and the reduced velocity from the short barrel will throw off the bullet drop compensator anyway, I probably could've gotten away with a .223 calibrated M2, but I might someday mount the scope on another .308, so who knows.

Anyway, once I get home, get my rifle put together, get moved, get settled, get to a range, and actually test it, I'll be sure to give a full review of my completed carbine and the optic in question.

Looking at April by the time that happens. I'm moving in March.

Until then, I need advice on other parts. I need a good sling for the carbine. I'm thinking the SOP Sling from Specter. Anybody have any experience with this?

 

[DMK]

Honestly, given that I don't shoot much 168 grain ammo, and the reduced velocity from the short barrel will throw off the bullet drop compensator anyway, I probably could've gotten away with a .223 calibrated M2, but I might someday mount the scope on another .308, so who knows.

You may get lucky and it will be close. 150gr. M2 should shoot flatter and be a little hotter than 168gr. match, but then again, you are shooting it from a shorter barrel so it should loose a little velocity and show more drop. It might put you very close to the mark again within 300 yards.

I wonder what barrel length they use to calibrate those?

And yea, you can still do inline links. Highlight some text, then click the link button and add your URL.

 

[Nightcrawler]

You know, I've wondered about that. M80 ball clocks about 2650 or so out of a sixteen inch barrel. That's about what most 168 grain loads do out of a 20-22" barrel. So, once I get some range time, I'm going to do some tests to see where it prints with different loads.

 

[Wllm. Legrand]

There is always variance in mil-drop scopes, at least I've found some in my useage.

I've found that getting a TRUE AND ACCURATE understanding of what how to use the mildrop is predicated on
1) finding out what your load ballistics really are out of THAT rifle, as opposed to what the book tells you they are.
2) once you find out the velocity(average) of your load, THEN you can compare it to the theoretical of the scope, vs. the actual of what your load is supposed to do.
Practice and make adjustments. I've found the tables and calculators (Try the one on the Norma Ballistics page) are a good start, but are not The Truth. Only you can find out what that is.

Just my opinion.

 

[rockstar.esq]

I've found that getting a TRUE AND ACCURATE understanding of what how to use the mildrop is predicated on
1) finding out what your load ballistics really are out of THAT rifle, as opposed to what the book tells you they are.
2) once you find out the velocity(average) of your load, THEN you can compare it to the theoretical of the scope, vs. the actual of what your load is supposed to do.
Just my opinion.

+1 and well said!