Totally Awesome FAL Carbine Project!

[Nightcrawler]

Okay, folks, my TAFALCP (pronounced "TAH-falkp") is underway. As soon as my Belgian flashhider arrives from DSA, I'll be shipping it off to Arizona Response Systems for rebuilding.

The parts I'm adding to my STG-58A 21" are as follows:

-16.25" Badger Ordnance, US-made barrel
-Belgian (US Made) combo device
-DSA windage-knob para-style "tactical" rear sight, dual apperature
-DSA lightweight alloy lower reciver

These modifications will take almost five inches and probably more than a pound of weight off of the rifle. which is good, because the scope and mount combo will more than make up for it!

I've got an IOR/Valdada M1 scope, with some IOR heavy duty see-through, quick-detach rings. The rings aren't really see-through on the FAL, though; the base is so thick it blocks the sight picture. It isn't so much of an issue, though I am slightly disappointed. However, later on, I can have a machinist dremel a small channel in the base without compromising the integrity of the ring, I think. The rings are so heavy duty (machined billet steel) that it'd take an awful lot to hurt them. In any case, they're QD if I need to use the irons.

I was strongly considering an ACOG. Some will say that I should've just got that. Thing is, an ACOG with the mount would've cost me nearly a thousand dollars. While I know you can't put a price tag on quality (or so it is written), I can't justify that (yet) when I've got college to pay for. Perhaps I'll get one later, or I'll be able to find a good used one.

I still am strongly considering a Trijicon Reflex sight for it, but I've decided to wait until I get it assembled and take it shooting. After that I'll be better able to determine what I need for it.

I've also got a Specter SOP Sling on the way for it, so I'll have a good mulitpurpose sling.

Any recommendations? Anything you think I should add? Did I overlook something? I've still got about eight hundred rounds of .308 left, I think, so I'm set on ammo for awhile. I do need to get some more magazines. I've only got twenty, I think.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Have you considered a Trijicon Accupoint? It may be able to use the same rings as the IOR (I believe it is 30mm). It has the same tritium/fiber optic reticle as the ACOG and is variable magnification to boot as well as being cheaper than the ACOG ($600-700 range).

 

[Nightcrawler]

I have. How do the Accupoint scopes hold up to field use? The Valdada is extremely rugged.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Ugh. Second guessing.

Here, before I've even used it, or even mounted it on the rifle, I'm wondering if I should've bought the Valdada scope. Considering my intended uses for the rifle, the Reflex sight would probably be a lot more practical. And I really would like an ACOG. Perhaps it'd be better to wait until I can comfortably obtain one of those?

Crap. That's fine, but what to do with this? I'm not just going to trash a three hundred and fifty dollar scope, with sixty dollar rings. I don't think DSA would let me return them; it's been more than 30 days since I've ordered and there's nothing wrong with the items.

Hrmm...maybe they'd let me return the scope, minus the 15% restocking fee, in exchange for that amount of money off of the price of a Reflex II? There's an idea. Doubt it, but it might work.

On the other other hand, it's a really good scope. Perhaps I can put it to good use?

Argh. I hate being so indecisive about this. Problem is, I can't test a lot of gear that I might want before I buy it...

 

[Father Knows Best]

You will NOT be disappointed in the Valdada. It's a great scope, and will work great on that rifle. In fact, I'm saving up for a Valdada to put on my FAL Para Congo. I want this one:

Use the Valdada for a while. If for some reason you decide it isn't right for that rifle, you will either find another rifle to put it on, or you can sell it and get almost all of your money back. Have you seen the prices on used Valdadas? They're not much cheaper than new ones....

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I have. How do the Accupoint scopes hold up to field use? The Valdada is extremely rugged.

Well, it isn't an ACOG in terms of ruggedness; but it is popular enough for use in Iraq that Larue makes a special mount to use them with AR-type rifles. So I would guess it is still rugged enough for most of us.