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View Full Version : Opinions needed on red dot scopes


Fordzilla
September 04, 2004, 15:04
We all know the quality of the big name, expensive scopes- ACOG, EOtech, Trijicon, but what of the lesser known, more affordable makers-

Are Tasco, BSA, Hakko, ADCO and Cobra red dot scopes worth consideration?

Those of you in the know, please sound off.

I want to go with a red dot on my new FAL. I intend to use a mount that will allow me to still use my iron sights.

maz
September 04, 2004, 19:59
i have a bsa on one ov my fals, no problems to mention yet.about 500rds so far.
not bad for $30.00.:) waitin for my hakko.

MisterJG
September 04, 2004, 20:36
I have two Kobras one on my AK and one on my FAL. They are built like tanks highly recommend them.

Orion 762
September 05, 2004, 00:00
I've got a TASCO ProPoint (about $80) and it works great. Over 1000 rds with it on my FAL . . .

It does not look as "military", but it works just fine. I could paint it OD or something, but if we ever get to SHTF stuff . . . I'll be going to iron sights anyway.

Orion 762

pmf
September 08, 2004, 08:08
I love red dot scopes and I've got some experience ---

1. Have a Kobra scope on an AK. If you have an AK with a side mount rail, this is the one to have. It slides on and off without losing zero. Its well built and takes regular AA batteries. I paid around $125 for it.

2. I have a Hakko Bed-65 on a M11/9. This is a small, light scope that goes for around $140. Its not military grade, but for what I do, its just fine. I like the size of it on my M11/9. It takes small watch batteries that are found all over the place (I go to Radio Shack).

3. I have a EoTech 511 (or 510 -- whatever the cheaper one is) on a FAL. Its around $300 and take N size batteries. Its built like a tank and weighs in that way too. its on a stg58, so the extra weight isn't that noticable.

All have adjustable brightness. All but the EoTech have a choice of 4-5 symbols to look at (e.g., red dot. cross hairs, circle with a dot in the middle, pointer, etc). Of the three, the EoTech is definitely the nicest. It does have a holographic look to it. Its heavy and expensive though. The Kobra is a military grade scope that I think is a good buy. I have the previous generation. I hear the new ones on the market are nicer. The scope is slightly canted, but not enough to make any difference. The Hakko is nicer to look though than the Kobra, but it is definitely not a military grade scope. Most of them probably sit on top of Japanese airguns. Still, its small size make it ideal for a small gun, or even a pistol.

Hakko also makes a knockoff of the Aimpoint scopes that might be worth considering. I have one on order from a group buy here. Its $100, which is cheap. Problem is, red dot scopes from any manufacturer seem to be in pretty short supply these days.

MisterJG
September 08, 2004, 08:35
Originally posted by pmf


1. Have a Kobra scope on an AK. If you have an AK with a side mount rail, this is the one to have. It slides on and off without losing zero. Its well built and takes regular AA batteries. I paid around $125 for it.

Some Kobra optics are set up to be used with weaver rails. The one I have on my FAL sports a quick release weaver mount. The Kobra is attached on a DSA extreme duty para mount.

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=1005152

pmf
September 08, 2004, 10:08
Yes, Kobras come in two configurations. Not limited to a side rail with one.

Hey Fordzilla -- Go to the marketplace and look at the group buy Texas Tactical is doing. You can still get in one a Hakko copy of an Aimpoint (2 choices) for around $100, shipping included. This is a good deal. I got one. They look exactly like an Aimpoint. Probably not as high quality, but I'm sure perfectly functional and 1/3 the price. Unless you're going to war, you don't really need anything that tough.

MarkBall
September 08, 2004, 12:20
Just bought a Simmons 30mm for my G-3 build. Don't know if it will stand up to the recoil or not. It was cheaper than the Nikon's & Eotech's I saw. Time will tell if it can hold up.

Jessie, you always have the neatest toys. I must have started too late in the game to keep up.

Mark

bigant
September 08, 2004, 13:29
Originally posted by Fordzilla
We all know the quality of the big name, expensive scopes- ACOG, EOtech, Trijicon, but what of the lesser known, more affordable makers-

Are Tasco, BSA, Hakko, ADCO and Cobra red dot scopes worth consideration?

Those of you in the know, please sound off.

I want to go with a red dot on my new FAL. I intend to use a mount that will allow me to still use my iron sights.

If you want something less expensive than go with the Hakko Tac Point, their is Texas Tactical has a great price on it now.

Bigant

Sayeret Tzanhanim
September 08, 2004, 16:02
I have used ACOGs professionally on M-4s and have an EOtech 511 on my CAR-15. It is without a doubt the fastest CQB sight I have ever used. Very quick. What I like best about the 511 as opposed to the later models is that it uses only a 1 MOA red dot. Later models use a 1 MOA red dot within a 60 MOA red reticle. Way too cluttered. The single red dot is faster. Holds zero well and like pmf said is "built like a tank"

Fordzilla
September 08, 2004, 20:27
Originally posted by rdc01

I haven't seen an Eotech on an FAL, but don't think you can get it to cowitness the iron sights. Fordzilla, Let us know if you get the red dot to cowitness.

I went to the gunshow Sunday, and I bought a Meprolight Mepor 21 reflex sight. I like it quite a bit. It uses tritium, so there are no electronics or batteries to fail. I did a search on the sight, and found it listed for $349.99- I talked the seller down $25.00 and got it for $250.00. It mounts on a piccatinny rail, so I ordered a "see through" rail today, plus DSA's heavy duty piccatinny rail to take the place of my dustcover. They should come in next week. I'll mount the "see through" rail atop the piccatinny on the gun, then mount my Meprolight atop that so that I can still use iron sights.
Yesterday, drilled holes into my right handguard to mount my weapon light's mount on it. When my piccatinny rails get in and I get the whole thing set up, I'll post some pics.

MisterJG
September 08, 2004, 20:49
View of Eotech in action.

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=1001712

BTW - Sights do not co-witness

Fordzilla
September 08, 2004, 21:54
I must have that para folding stock set up someday.

Gremper
September 08, 2004, 22:11
42mm BSA works fine on my L1A1. Mounted on a TAPCO Stripper Clip Dustcover. Iron sights co-witness perfectly.