[DMK]

Here's my new Imbel Carbine. It's my first FAL and the first rifle I've built myself. I actually got it working a few months ago, but I just put the finishing touches last night on it so it's officially complete now. Woo Hoo!

It's got a Dan Coonan Reciever, FSE fire control group, Penguin Buttstock and PG, DSA textured finished metal hanguards, 17" rethreaded barrel with a TAPCO short muzzle break, TAPCO top cover with integrated weaver rail and stripper clip guides, Millet Red Dot, DSA extended safety/selector, FSE extended mag release, Uncle Mike's Quick Disconnect sling mounts and flat black Gunkote finish. I wrapped some Paracord around the front hand guards to insulate my hand from the hot metal handguards, put on an M-14 canvas sling from CDNN, and added the Spec-Ops AR-10 buttstock mag pouch. The carry handle was custom made out of aluminum by a friend.

Let's see or hear about some of your battle rifles. Garands, M1As, CETMEs, AR-10s, they're all welcome here!

Click on the pics for a larger image:
http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971Imbel-r_20-med.JPG (http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971Imbel-r_20.JPG)

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971Imbel-l_20-med.JPG (http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971Imbel-l_20.JPG)

[Coronach]

Gotta admit, that is very handsome.

I wondered about the carry handle. It was one of the first things I noticed.

How well does that scope mount work?

Mike

[4v50 Gary]

Your paracord wrap looks great. Almost like a ghillie suit if you were to leave some pieces dangling.

[DMK]

Thanks for the compliments. :)

The scope mount works very well. It clamps into the rails on the reciever and is very solid, like it's part of the receiver. I did upgrade the slotted screws on it for button head hex screws though. One does need a very short scope or red dot like I used in order to take advantage of the stripper clip guides. I tried out the clip guides with a couple clips of the Australian surplus available now and it seems to work great.

[ShaiVong]

Tremendous job DMK, I'm very impressed. :o

[BusMaster007]

Real good! :cool:

[Gordon]

You know, after using scout scopes for years, and regular scopes on battle rifles I think an Aim point comp 2X mounted like that should be about right.I think I will get a top cover like that for my '58 FAL

[B27]

Here's four of mine...

http://www.fototime.com/AA4D90FA085EC9E/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/B2364DC18D98C80/standard.jpg

That Garand was taken to the Nationals at Camp Perry twice, but not by me.:)

[DMK]

http://www.fototime.com/AA4D90FA085EC9E/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/B2364DC18D98C80/standard.jpg


I like them all, especially the M1A. What type of FALs are those?

[B27]

Dave-
Thanks!
They are both DSA's.
The carbine is an STG-58A and the rifle is the standard SA58 with an Eotech sight on it. Both came with the Steyr steel front hanguards that I replaced with Belgian slotted plastic.

[XxAR10xX]

Probably not the best photo, but here's a shot taken at the range. If you can't tell, those are: Ar10, Bushy, and SLR95. Currently working on my Paratrooper FAL build...
http://www.maxyum.com/lytlecreek/IMAGES/IMAG0040.JPG

[boing]

Pretty trick rod, Dave. :D Lot better paracord job than I managed to pull off.

Mmmm....battle rifles...

[DMK]

We need a CETME and a G3 in this thread! :p

Lessee, what other battle rifles are we missing...

[B27]

Here's a very nice CETME that's for sale currently at www.sigforum.com ...

http://home.midsouth.rr.com/jimmyjoebob/pictures/Cetme/mar11_17.jpg

[Gewehr98]

Just like that! For launching grenades, no less! Now I gotta dig a wire-wrapped SMLE out of one of the safes, durnit.

Hmm. Battle rifle? Lessee.

http://mauser98.com/m1garandbench.jpg

[DMK]

Hey, they used to wire-wrap the other British battle rifle...
Just like that! For launching grenades, no less!
Shhh, don't let the gun grabbers hear you say that. They'll outlaw wrapped handguards. :uhoh:

Beautiful Rifle, 30 caliber, M1 BTW.

[B27]

This is one of the new Garands being produced by SA. I got it back before they raised the prices outrageously when they realized how much of a demand there would be...

http://www.fototime.com/A7821046D2C119B/standard.jpg

I was using it to illustrate how big a CZ 550 in .375 H&H is.

[Blain]

Nice rifles.....HERE'S MINE!!




http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UADcAgQY0L2NecTd!BntOI6ufHkW*gWUL5dAeHBfnmq*DremRZzf1rxTIv9m2dUwUtkwJqmntorjIK5FE7Is55VhGcglmRCfa0IW*gVeMPPgDQxv0dsEjnSCqxcAcKsX/M14SGandM14G.JPG?dc=4675431422454034072

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UQDKAigZURB8XcLypzMcG*KxGcLZnu3RHI5CoISexqMB9tOUuRCAmFCCQ3WP!LJg4tJOjJ!t5NWqiw9i4!csl9xbUWm4foA4zCPPGZfUwFVxbb8ttEBWGdRr!mvCCWIW/M14SGleftside.JPG?dc=4675431422482640144

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0VADYAo4aw4BNvQjXoHwfAhKp2gxCh8lFDk8yE7Z2Q13rHGZeKDmQ56oRXWig8hUAXqUg8AcuLc4caBWxs*QegDJJu0s4g5HkEn9pjWMW2AYEjr5gpIcNy6FMM2JO!kfY/M14chromechamber.JPG?dc=4675431422342460366

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0VgC2FJkbb9WkwbeGQaao7PtYjlnJie0pOV7Qo63p5MuObtrMBdbvd85Nh0h1i7FryScRGuFMFPlrHAIIeI7!iqEabAaKN1d6DXscf!FQmnmhmQgc47OyAvljWp2zaov7/M14frontendcloseup.JPG?dc=4675431422395697281

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TgDYArEYWOXaEmP76Au4wJYl6P5nCCx7wp5Ku0*elxLYA!Z9C8xr1q!4oC8AqxEMkJEkAl3HCmwXELg682oZ8y5gDqPocVrCCVwKnZ6Od3zF*Jvh4IwROw/m14bayolug.jpg?dc=4675431422288720780

[Ekie]

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0603/Ekie12091941/ad23d77d.jpg

[SelfProclaimedExpert]

DMK,

I'll bet you get your pizza with everything, as well.:D


Instead of me buying a camera and figuring out how to download pictures, please look up stock photos of HK91 and Robinson M96 (unless that's not a battle rifle).

[DMK]

Everything except anchonies. :p

How do you like that M96? I was thinking about maybe getting one of them someday.

[SelfProclaimedExpert]

So far, works as advertised. I don't know if my bulk reloaded ammo and shooting skills are up to making a judgement on the guns accuracy, but it seems to do well for itself. The construction is pretty nice, and the design is interesting.

I spent $1000, and can't understand why someone would buy an SL8 for that much instead. At $1000 to $1300, I don't really see what would be a better .223 rifle (ARs should cost much less). All the other good choices are .308.

[Jaeger]

Here's my FAL. Stock M444 with a camo job and a modified brake.

http://www.hunt101.com/showphoto.php?photo=55064&sort=7&thecat=548&password=

I give up! I can't make these pics work!

[boing]

Jaeger's FAL, in Buttercup Camo. :cool:

http://www.hunt101.com/img/055064.JPG

[Moparmike]

I dont get it, why dont I like FAL's or CETME's? They just dont seem to be asthetically pleasing to me. Oh well.

[Jaeger]

Ok. What am I doing wrong?! How did you post my pic?

[TODD3465]

Here's my N.M. M1-A.

[JShirley]

Dave,

The wrap looks pretty nifty. How much ammo have you run through it? Are you concerned about the 550 holding in the heat?

John

[DMK]

Thanks John, I put around 200 rounds through it all in one day but not with the paracord on there yet. As a matter of fact, it was those hot metal handguards that prompted me to do it.

I'm not too concerned about it holding too much heat in there. I didn't block any holes. Plus the British and Aussies put wood handguards on some of the inch guns. Some metric FALs have them from the aftermarket furniture makers. They probably hold in just as much heat, if not more.

[boing]

Check your private messages, Jaeger. :)

[iamkris]

moparmike -- Aaaacck! Did you really say FALs and CETMEs aren't good looking? Aaacck! Blasphemy!!

<bestsouthernsherriffaccenton> Son, what we got here is a failure of communication. Those there things is works of art. They *define* beauty. Add a M14 and Gaaaa-rand to the mix and you got yourselves a veritable Miss Cold War Universe pageant. <bestsouthernsherriffaccentoff>

[DMK]

Moparmike, does this help at all?

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971Imbel-r_30-med.JPG

[Moparmike]

I guess my problem is that they look painfully drab, boring, and plain.


DMK, that one does look, umm, better, I guess. Its not plain anyway. Are you a mall ninja?

[iamkris]

I guess my problem is that they look painfully drab, boring, and plain.

Just the same way Marilyn Monroe, Raquel Welch, Greta Garbo are painfully drab, boring and plain compared to Brittany, Christina, etc...:rolleyes:

[/preachingon]
Sometimes the classics are way better than the onehitwonders
[/preachingoff]

[DMK]

Are you a mall ninja? LOL I don't own any tactical clothing or gear other than guns and very rarely go to the mall. :neener:

The next one I'm building will be an STG-58 finished in park grey, will have wood furniture and no muzzle brake, probably with a leather sling. Maybe you'll like that one better.

[Moparmike]

Ok. Its probably because I have never held one before, or seen one live. Hell, I had never heard of these battle rifles until I came here. Didnt know what they were.

I never said that I prefer the current women of the age. However, if I had one in my arms, they would most certainly not be turned away.


Greta Garbo who?:confused: Lets try in the past 6 decades. My knowledge of famous actresses only goes back so far.

[bmwguy]

okay, I'll bite..

http://home.att.net/~john.t.hsu/hk91.jpg

[iamkris]

Just funnin' ya, Mike. :D Heck, I'm not that old either (38). I just *appreciate* classics.

[DMK]

Its probably because I have never held one before, or seen one live. Hell, I had never heard of these battle rifles until I came here. Didnt know what they were. I understand. I didn't know anything about them either until I read about them on TFL. Then somebody linked over to www.Falfiles.com After I spent some time over there learning about them, I was addicted.

[Kaylee]

Gotta admit.. I tend to agree that most of the modern fighting rifles seem rather... soulless.. Sure, they're great tools... but not something I'd hang over the mantlepiece, ya know?

I don't know whether it's the design (all the plastic instead of nice purty wood), or just the historical mystique something takes on after a century of use. I'm guessing the latter, as I'd not turn down an M16A1 with little bits of VietNamese grass and soil hanging out inside the handguards or som'n... :)


-K

[Keith]

FAL's are hardly modern fighting rifles. They are from the same general era as the Garand and M14 - designed in the 40's.

For some reason, FAL owners and builders aren't interested in the aesthetic appeal of the original rifle. They like to dude them up with plastic and black paint in ways that people would never do with an old Garand or M14 variant.

Here's a pic of my G1 FAL restored to its original walnut and parkerized loveliness. I think you'll find it just as aesthetically appealing (in a businesslike way) as any rifle of the era.

[DMK]

For some reason, FAL owners and builders aren't interested in the aesthetic appeal of the original rifle. They like to dude them up with plastic and black paint in ways that people would never do with an old Garand or M14 variant. Um, Keith. Imbels came out of the factory with plastic furniture and black paint. The STG I'm building now was parked, but also had plastic furniture.

Not all FALs look like G1s

Nice looking rifle BTW!

[Keith]

You make a valid point! There are dozens of variants and some were (still are) being made with plastic furniture, etc.

Still, for the most part even those who bought the L1A1 and G1 kits seem to prefer the "tactical" look over the original configuration. Nothing wrong with that, it's just a very different ethic than you find around people who collect or re-build American military arms.

Keith

[bmwguy]

I will be building 4 fals, I plan on keeping 3 of them to original as much as possible. G1, Aussie L1a1 and a STG-58, on the 4th Imbel that I have, that's where I will be chopping the barrel to 16.25" and all the other stuff.

[DMK]

Still, for the most part even those who bought the L1A1 and G1 kits seem to prefer the "tactical" look over the original configuration. Nothing wrong with that, it's just a very different ethic than you find around people who collect or re-build American military arms. I'd have to agree with you.

I think builders, like DSA and Vandenberg among others, may have had a significant part in whetting appetites to a more modern look for these old warhorses. Springfield Armory did the same with the M1A. Scouts and black synthetic furniture were not M-14 standard issue.

[Texas Gunman]

I just taking this picture, Bushy A2 Shorty and Romanian AK-47.

http://www.metrophotohost.com/gallery_0010/gallery_albums/TMO-Member-Favorite-Battle-Rifles/BushyandAK_47.jpg

TG

[Moparmike]

They're so eeevviiilllll looking....:evil:

[Mr. Burns]
Exxxxxxxcceelllllennnttt.
[/Mr. Burns]

[gretak911]

For my first post:
http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/56f16a84/bc/Toys/Toy+Collection.jpg?bcS49P_Al4VVln8_

[natedog]

Heres' my (ahem) M-14 (ahem). Yeah, it's small, I accidently washed it in cold water.

[Mr. Chitlin]

MAN!! I whish you guys would quit posting pics of those FAL's. I want one SOOOOO bad. I got a kid starting college next week and all the extra gun money is going that way. I do have about $800 stashed back that the CFO doesn't know about. What can I get for 8 bills, or maybe a little more.

How hard is it to buy a kit and build a FAL. Or go with a factory built one for my first one.

I want a FAL sooooo bad!!!

[Gewehr98]

Another battle rifle of pedigree:

http://mauser98.com/schmidt.jpg

[DMK]

Gretak911, welcome to THR! Unfortunately, it looks like your host for your picture isn't allowing the link.

Mr. Chitlin, I didn't think that building the FAL was too especially difficult, but I'm pretty mechanically inclined and it does require a couple special tools. If you are considering it, do visit the forums at www.falfiles.com Use the search engine and browse through all the old posts. I learned how to do it there. The nice thing about building one yourself is that you don't have to lay all the money out at once. But after all the tools and parts, it's really not much cheaper, if at all.

Gewehr98, your beautiful Schmidt Rubin is certainly welcome to join us!

[Maddogkiller]

Mr Chitlin:
Where in Arkansas are you located? I have all of the tools for building an F A L including reparkerizing.

[OEF_VET]

While technically, it's an assault rifle, and not a 'battle rifle', here's my SAR-1 with a few of his favorite play toys.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=440702

Between mags, strippers, and the drum, there's 700 rounds of ammo ready to go sitting there. All the makings for about half an hour of fun at the range.

[DMK]

While technically, it's an assault rifle Um, technically it's not. Not unless it's select fire, full auto. What you have there is a semi-auto carbine. :) Sorry, not picking on you, just a pet peave of mine. I hate how the gun grabbers have convinced everybody that military looking semi-autos are machine guns. :fire:

Gotta love a SAR though! :cool:

[Keith]

I'm a mechanical moron and still managed to build a perfect FAL rifle! A friend helped with a few things like putting on the barrel, etc, but the rest was a snap since the FAL is designed to be torn down and reassembled in a matter of minutes.

If in doubt, your best option would be to assemble it yourself (thousands of how-to tips on falfiles.com) and then have a gunsmith put the barrel on and headspace it - a 20 minute job that shouldn't cost much.


Keith

[uglygun]

DMK, not sure what your handguards look like under the paracord wrapping but once I show you this you may be tempted to take it off and try a little experiment to see if you like it.


Long time ago I got fed up with the freefloat tube on my AR15, tried cloth wrapping with that camo tape but that stuff was junk. Then one day I saw Bishop of AR15.com's forums post a picture of his "Micro Car" that had it's freefloat tube wrapped in paracord, I instantly loved it and knew what I was gonna do. I would wrap my handguards in paracord as well but I'd do it in the style of the wrapping that custom knife makers use, 1/2 twists lining either side of the handguard.


Cool thing about my JP Enterprises rifle is that it's slotted handguards allowed for perfect alignment of the 1/2 twists, not only that but they seat part way down into the slots making them not sit so high. When I was done, I not only got the improved insulated handguards but I also got an improved textured pattern that allows for a bit more comfortable grip. The raised portion of the forward section of my handguard makes for a "pinch point" where on one side it acts as a thumb rest and on the other side is where my index finger falls, makes for a perfect repeatable hold every time.

http://home.bak.rr.com/varmintcong/jpar/paracord.jpg


Here are the directions I gave in an old thread on AR15.com that the Maryland AR15 site saved away...
http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/wrapyourhandguardswithparacord.msnw



So long as people are posting pictures of their 308s, here's my AR10
http://home.bak.rr.com/varmintcong/ar10/AR10A4od.jpg

[Dave Markowitz]

http://www.building-tux.com/images/Century_G3.jpg

[DMK]

Uglygun: Thanks for the tip and instructions. I think I'll try that. Ironically, I was looking at a wrapped knife the other day and considered it then. The handguards do have grooves for a folded bibod, running down the length at about 4:00 and 8:00.

frodo527: Thanks for bring this thread back up. I missed uglygun's post first time around. Nice G3!:cool:

[Marko Kloos]

Hey, now I can play, too!

http://www.frontiernet.net/~lendringser/images/scopedcetme_l.JPG

[DMK]

New G3 for you too Marko Kloos? :)

[Nightcrawler]

Nah. Marko got himself a particularly nice example of a Century CETME.

[Marko Kloos]

Yeah, I guess I got lucky. The angry drunken monkeys at Century had a good day when they cranked out mine.

[Marko Kloos]

Here's an even better one...the CETME with all its ammo and accessories.

I replaced the scope with the BSA red dot that used to sit on top of my DPMS AR-15. I think I prefer red dots over scopes...the difference in acquisition speeds is amazing. Scopes are good for long-range paper punching, but for social work it's hard to beat even a mediocre red dot. It makes a world of difference when you can aim your rifle with both eyes open, and no required eye relief.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=468026

[Dave Markowitz]

frodo527: Thanks for bring this thread back up. I missed uglygun's post first time around. Nice G3!

No problem. I wanted to play, too. Now all I need to do is get some better photos of my G3 like Marko is taking of his CETME. :) I hope my rifle works as well as his.

Marko: That CETME keeps getting better looking with each new pic that you post. How bad did you find the muzzle blast with the brake on the end of that thing?

[Marko Kloos]

Marko: That CETME keeps getting better looking with each new pic that you post. How bad did you find the muzzle blast with the brake on the end of that thing?

Behind the rifle, it's really not that bad. Recoil is amazingly soft, and I suspect that the muzzle brake has a lot to do with that.

I've stood next to someone else shooting the CETME, and it's definitely LOUD.

[natedog]

Just a quick question, how much velocity do you loose going from a 20 or 22 inch .308 barrel to a 16 or 17 inch?

[admar2]

my battle rifles, + my "tactical" 10/22

http://amarino01.homestead.com/files/scaryblackstuff1.jpg

[DMK]

Just a quick question, how much velocity do you loose going from a 20 or 22 inch .308 barrel to a 16 or 17 inch? The general rule of thumb is around 50fps per inch. So you lose somewhere around 200 or 300 fps. But you make up for it in noise and muzzle flash. :cool: :D

Nice rifles admar2!

[Freightman]

Sorry I had to show this off:

[DMK]

Freightman, one never has to apologize for showing off their rifle here. :)

[Sven]

http://www.imageseek.com/sven/m1a/left_.jpg (http://www.imageseek.com/sven/m1a/left.jpg)

Springfield M1A Receiver, Rear Lugged
Krieger 1-10 Stainless Heavy barrel
McMillan Stock
USGI (TRW) Parts
Brookfield Op Rod Guide
NM Front and Rear Sights
Unitized Gas System
Smith Enterprise Brake
Hardware from Fred's M14 Stocks
Bedded in DevCon

[M60]

My Colt. Taken today. Great shot huh???

Yes. I know I'm fat and ugly. Thanks for asking...





http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0PgD6Ah8Qo8Vi5b7OQ!kmEJ*8W*MKxvYGffLUF7UYmj*ptzxpTH47RsRBryHRxLsRPTpPK!ewVVoxmnSuXimSljbAkkwYKzbp/140_4017.JPG?dc=4675449835214334625

[M60]

removed pic. Cuzz I double posted...

[Knife_Sniper]

http://www.dsarms.com/images/et48ca.jpg

I happen to find this to be one of the most beautiful rifles in existance.
It has that perfect blend of beauty, yet maintains an overall demenur of seriousness. Wood and steel have never looked so good together.
I love the fal, and I have never touched one in my entire life! Goes to show you how cherished they are.

[*8*]

sweet pics :D

[outdoorman63]

all i have to say guys is those are some sweet guns..i have a link to my collection in my signature but i know i have a long way to go...gonna have to do some saving.i need a fal,m1,and and and and :)

[DMK]

I agree Knife_Sniper. FALs do look sweet in wood. My next build is getting Ironwood furniture. My only dilema is whether to finish it in grey like a real T-48 or semi-gloss black like the one in the pic above.

[Nightcrawler]

MAN!! I whish you guys would quit posting pics of those FAL's. I want one SOOOOO bad.

Sorry....:neener:

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=481345

[Crownvicman]

Ok, This is my "battle rifle." I'm not very good at the photography thing. I hope everyone likes my shoes;)

[iamkris]

To heck with the shoes, its that CARPET I want!;)

[natedog]

Another K-31 fan! How does yours shoot?

[Limey-]

http://www.parkcitiestactical.com/album/00000694/falHKs.jpg


:D

[Badger Arms]

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0603/Ekie12091941/ad23d77d.jpg

Somebody forgot a label... I'll try to label them from top to bottom:

What Was...
What Could Have Been...
& What Should Have Been!

[Blain]

What Was...
What Could Have Been...
& What Should Have Been!

................................................:uhoh:


:rolleyes:

[Crownvicman]

Natedog, it shoots very well. Under an inch at 100 yards with swiss surplus ammo. A round 2-3 inches with the FNM rounds. The gun may be more accurate than that, but I can't shoot better with any rifle. The best $120 I ever spent.

How about your K-31?

[natedog]

Don't know, I'm going to the range in the first time in months today :D

[Gewehr98]

http://mauser98.com/ljungmanbench.jpg

(In other words, it's not a .223 or 7.62x39, if one really understands the definition of battle rifles...) ;)

[Absolut]

here's an older pic..
http://www.hunt101.com/img/066249.jpg

[Roadkill]

Extremely impressive, I hope folks who don't "appreciate" our way of life are able to understand the implied message in theses pictures.

rk

[Texas Gunman]

M60, what are you shooter in your AR? looks like Black Powder? :D sure is alot of smoke.:eek:

TG:what:

[Willard]

1993 Century L1A1, only pic I have electronically......

Knife Sniper, you gotta get one, man....or build one.

Badger Arms, good labelling, two thumbs up!

Jaeger, I finished my "Scoutfield", can't wait to shoot it.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/059578-big.jpg

[CleverNickname]

Here's my DSA STG58. It's got an ARMS #3 rail and an IOR M2 4x scope that I just put on it this week. Took it out for the first time today and once I zeroed it was getting around 2-3MOA.

[DMK]

Hey Willard, where did you get the cool "Peace though superior firepower" sticker? That is just perfect for a battle rifle!

[CleverNickname]

DMK, try here. (http://www.lifelibertyetc.com/product.aspx?pid=3)

[M60]

M60, what are you shooter in your AR? looks like Black Powder? sure is alot of smoke.


The ammo I was using was standard UMC fodder.

I have a Y-comp Muzzle brake on the bbl. I don't know if that is the cause of the smoke. You think it could be water vapor from the blast?


The Pig.

[artherd]

Not one with any kind of 'battle history' but 10 round .30-06 semi-auto, and it's sure not messing around...

http://www.dreamns.com/7400/IMG_0396.JPG