Rifle Scopes Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

[75coupered]

Hello all,
I'm new here and have been doing some research regarding the best optics options available for my DS Arms FAL Para Tactical. I would like to solicit your opinions and accumulated knowledge regarding the best glass for my specifica application.

My goal for this is match up the glass to the rifle's intended purpose and use, as well as durability and reliability.

So far I have considerd the following factors as critical in my decision criteria. The scope should be mil-spec grade, 4x, tough as nails and offer great target acquisition properties. Idealy the scope should also be easily detachable and self zero upon reattachment.

My list so far has been narrowed down to the following 4 choices:

Trijicon ACOG
Trilux S.U.I.T.
Hensoldt Z24 (M3)
IOR Valdada M1

Due to the fact that many of these were older production standard issue scopes most of my selection will be limited to excellent condition surplus, only the trijicon and IOR can be had new as far as I'm aware. The tijicon is also better suited to a .223 whereas all the others were tailored for 7.62 NATO (like my FAL) Most have a reputation for being tough as nails with the exception of the IOOR (no experience to evaluate)

So what do you think, are these good choices for the FAL, any one of them jum out as being better than the other? How are the Hensoldt's I hear really great things about them, but no direct experience with them either.

TIA

 

[deadly0311]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

how bout a US Optics SN4?

 

[Lightscout]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

Haven't used the SUIT but you'd be keeping it "correct" in a historical standpoint (if that matters to you). The ACOG would be nice and light but the IOR would probably be cheapest. I have a FAL and have been arguing with the same issue. FAL's, at least mine, aren't super accurate; good enough to hit man-sized targets on the battlefield but not a tack driver. Although I like the ACOG, I can't see dropping that much money on a gun that won't perform up to the scope's potential. I had a Hensoldt on a HK91 and it worked, but I wasn't all that impressed.

Thanks, I guess you've let me talk myself into an IOR.

 

[Erud]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

In my humble opinion, there is no such thing as a good choice of optics for a FAL. The stock angle is designed to give you proper cheek weld with the iron sights, anything higher than that and you will not be able to get into a good position. Look at the sight height on an FAL compared to an AR15 and you will see why optics are good for one bur not the other. The FAL is a great open-sighted battle rifle - why mess with it? I'd sugges that if you want optics on a .308 semi, look into an AR10 platform....

Good luck,
Erik

 

[75coupered]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

Thanks for the replies so far.
As to the US Optics SN4, I have not considered that as of yet, so I have t do more homework. Thanks for the suggestion.

Lightscout. Glad to see you share my angst

I also like the ACOG but new cost is far more than I want to spend on optics for the FAL. What did you not like about the Hensoldt? and why is the IOR your top choice?

TIA

 

[75coupered]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Erud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my humble opinion, there is no such thing as a good choice of optics for a FAL. The stock angle is designed to give you proper cheek weld with the iron sights, anything higher than that and you will not be able to get into a good position. Look at the sight height on an FAL compared to an AR15 and you will see why optics are good for one bur not the other. The FAL is a great open-sighted battle rifle - why mess with it? I'd sugges that if you want optics on a .308 semi, look into an AR10 platform....

Good luck,
Erik </div></div>

Thanks Erik, I agree with your observation ragrding the FAL's iron sites, I just wish my eyes were up to the task, so really I'm looking for some magnification beynd the 150 yard range, my primary reason for a scope on this rifle.
Regards,

 

[Lightscout]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

It's not that I didn't like the Hensoldt, I just wasn't overly impressed with it. Then again it was on a different platform so it could be different on a FAL. Hensoldt's been around for ever so I don't doubt the durability of the product. It just didn't seem to be the best fit.

Now that IOR has a lot more scopes on the market, those early M1 and M2 should be able to be found at a reasonable price. I don't know that IOR is my top choice in scopes, but it fits the bill in this application. FYI, my FAL sports a 16" barrel and is used for killing paper and deer. 1) Don't need a ton of magnification for where I hunt as even 100yd shots are rare. 2) Looking for something durable and reports point to IOR being built strong. 3) Considering "my" FAL isn't super accurate I don't want to drop a ton of change on it. A used or older IOR should be relatively inexpensive. IOR may not have the glass clarity (at least on M1/M2's) that a Leupy or S&B would but I don't need that much ability on a driving gun that gets banged through swamps left and right.

Now, my bolt guns or M1A that are much more accurate than my FAL don't sport IOR M1/M2's. If I was in the market for that type of scope I would definitely consider one of IOR's other options though as I think they make good scopes.

I'll agree with the comments on the FAL feeling better with irons than scopes. They can be scoped with good results but I like it when the scope is as low as possible. Consider one of the British(?) rear sights that flips up/down maybe. Scopes are a great tool but I'd argue that we all need to become proficient with the irons first.

 

[cjgemm]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

I have a TA11C in DSA's Scope mount designed for the ACOG on my Para and it works nice. The mount was designed so you can still use your Irons for backup if need be. I can post PICS if you'd like.

 

[75coupered]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cjgemm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a TAllC in DSA's Scope mount designed for the ACOG on my Para and it works nice. The mount was designed so you can still use your Irons for backup if need be. I can post PICS if you'd like. </div></div>

Yes please, post pics, I'm curious as to how that looks, maintaining access to the iron sights is very mportant to me or at least being able to remove the scope quickly and use the irons when needed.

Regarding the Hensoldt, that scope mounted on a ARMS #5 or #7 base puts it down low and offers quick detachment (which is needed as it blocks the irons)

Thanks

 

[Chris Smith]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

I have an IOR M1 on one of my FALs in low QD rings from DSA. I think it is about perfect for the FAL. I took the rubber eyepiece off and it sits just in front of the rear sight high enough so that it's not obstructed, but low enough to use with the standard stock.

I also have the SSALT mount from SWFA on another FAL. It is made for an AR type platform. On the FAL, it holds the scope just a little high, but you can use the iron sights with it attatched. It has a tunnel underneath you can see through.

If you want to put a larger optic on them you will need a stock like the one Magpul makes. I don't have one of these, but I do have one of the old Weapon-Arts stocks on one of my FALs, and it is very similar to the Magpul version. It works well, but I agree FALs are not precision rifles.

 

[cjgemm]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

Here is a link to the website of the guy who helped design the mount. Gives you an idea of how it works.

DSA ACOG scope mount.

 

[75coupered]

Re: Mil-spec optics for FAL, which one?

thanks cjgemm that is one cool mod for fitting a ACOG to the FAL!

So far I've got more comments in favor of the IOR M1 with QD rings as a top choice. Since I currently have the DSA Extreme Duty cover and rail, this should work out well.

The SUIT would be a good alternative with the original style dust cover/mount allowing the proper height for the scope while keeping the use of the iron sites.

I still have some homework to do on this but keep the suggestions coming...