i have heard from a lot of people that their barrels heat up fast. how accurate are they, do they have feeding problems, annything i should know about wich mags to buy ect. i am also intrigued by the DSA heavy barrel models. i am open to suggestions an comments.
what do you guys think about the FAL
- Thread starter colt.45
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DMK
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Yea, the barrel heats up fast. It's a pretty powerful cartridge. Dump a 20 round mag of .308 and your barrel is going to be hot. It shouldn't get any hotter than your Garand though.
I love the FAL. I have two of them. They are a tough, reliable and fun rifle. I built both of mine from parts and both are 100% reliable. However, I don't think the FAL is suitable for high power competition, even those fine quality DSAs. It's not accurate enough with open sights. The front sight is mounted on the barrel which is permanently attached to the upper receiver. The rear sight is attached to the lower receiver. There can be play between the two halves of the receiver and they may shift slightly when firing. It's enough to open your groups up.
If you want to be competitive, an AR15 is the best rifle for you. It's easier to shoot and a lot more accurate out of the box. Plus all the big names sell ARs built especially for high power competition right off the shelf. If you want to compete with a 30 caliber, get a National Match M1A/M14 or even use your M1 Garand. You can tweak any of those rifles for accuracy a lot easier than a FAL.
Edit: Colt.45, I could have sworn you said something in your post about wanting to shoot High Power competition. But since either I'm mistaken, or you changed you mind, let me say that I do highly recommend the FAL for a general purpose "Battle Rifle". They really are great rifles.
I love the FAL. I have two of them. They are a tough, reliable and fun rifle. I built both of mine from parts and both are 100% reliable. However, I don't think the FAL is suitable for high power competition, even those fine quality DSAs. It's not accurate enough with open sights. The front sight is mounted on the barrel which is permanently attached to the upper receiver. The rear sight is attached to the lower receiver. There can be play between the two halves of the receiver and they may shift slightly when firing. It's enough to open your groups up.
If you want to be competitive, an AR15 is the best rifle for you. It's easier to shoot and a lot more accurate out of the box. Plus all the big names sell ARs built especially for high power competition right off the shelf. If you want to compete with a 30 caliber, get a National Match M1A/M14 or even use your M1 Garand. You can tweak any of those rifles for accuracy a lot easier than a FAL.
Edit: Colt.45, I could have sworn you said something in your post about wanting to shoot High Power competition. But since either I'm mistaken, or you changed you mind, let me say that I do highly recommend the FAL for a general purpose "Battle Rifle". They really are great rifles.
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Deer Hunter
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I'm getting a DSA FAL this spring, and I have heard that these guns are pretty accurate out of the box. If you're worried about the sites, just put a scope on it. I've heard many, many good things about the FAL, such as the AK-like durability and dependability, coupled with good power and good accuracy.
Personally, I can't wait to get mine. This waiting bit is going to kill me one of these days.
Here's a link illustrating the dependability of the gun. "The Tale of Ol' Dirty: A Texas Legend.
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=68486&perpage=30&pagenumber=1
Personally, I can't wait to get mine. This waiting bit is going to kill me one of these days.
Here's a link illustrating the dependability of the gun. "The Tale of Ol' Dirty: A Texas Legend.
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=68486&perpage=30&pagenumber=1
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
I am not anti .223 at all but gotta say - the FAL is for me (being an oldie) probably my definitive MBR. I have a Century L1A1 which is fine but this other (built on an Imbel) is a superb gun - the scope enhances it considerably for me.
Mike (Jaeger) had this before me - not sure when it got the camo but if I was so inclined might re-camo to a more blended pattern.
Mike (Jaeger) had this before me - not sure when it got the camo but if I was so inclined might re-camo to a more blended pattern.
IMO the FAL is the greatest rifle ever made. Ever.
I just had one of mine out yesterday and put about 140 rounds through it. I was shooting mostly SA surplus but some handloads too and the only problems I had were two misfires. Old handloads (from one of my early batches before I had the priming procedure down) and SA ammo (which some others have had misfires with) are the culprits I am sure. The rifle ran great and maintained minute-of-clay-pigeon accuracy at 100 yards even when it was hot.
I am partial to them because I shoot them better than any other rifle I have ever owned or fired, including my M-39.
If you buy one and don't like it, hit me up. I might buy it from you if I can afford it.
I just had one of mine out yesterday and put about 140 rounds through it. I was shooting mostly SA surplus but some handloads too and the only problems I had were two misfires. Old handloads (from one of my early batches before I had the priming procedure down) and SA ammo (which some others have had misfires with) are the culprits I am sure. The rifle ran great and maintained minute-of-clay-pigeon accuracy at 100 yards even when it was hot.
I am partial to them because I shoot them better than any other rifle I have ever owned or fired, including my M-39.
If you buy one and don't like it, hit me up. I might buy it from you if I can afford it.
Deer Hunter
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Is your FAL a DSA, Goon?
Deer Hunter - one of them is a DSA STG-58. The only problem I had is that the charging handle wasn't fitted properly and it would bind. I complained to DSA and they sent me another one. Works perfect now and it shoots great. With the standard sights I have gotten 2" 100 yard groups with Portugese surplus with 4 shots in an area the size of a quarter. Some of it was luck but there is no arguing that the damn thing just shoots. The other is an Imbel build that I had a lot of trouble with at first but I eventually peiced it together and got it running right too. I am planning to have the barrel on the Imbel shortened to about 17" so that it will break down and fit into a pack. I love the FAL and I would want to take one with me if I ever had to evacuate...
I think you will enjoy your DSA. If I could afford it I would buy two more of their FALs. Or maybe one more and $1K worth of ammo...
I think you will enjoy your DSA. If I could afford it I would buy two more of their FALs. Or maybe one more and $1K worth of ammo...
Stevie-Ray
Member
+1 Mine is a Springfield Armory heavy barrel match version. Never a misfire or failure of any kind, including failure to consistently amaze me with it's accuracy. I'm just getting around to scoping mine this year as my eyes aren't what they used to be. It should near single-hole at 100 yds.goon said:
LeadPumper
Member
2FAL or not 2FAL... that's the question...
The FNFAL (STG-58A flavor) is a big heavy pig. The handguards get really hot (especially with the stock metal stocks), with even moderate use. The sights (as noted above) are less than ideal for accuracy, and with milsurp ammo generally run 4-6" at 100 yards.
That being said, I love the FAL. It's built like a tank and can withstand any amount of abuse I can dish out. It's also versatile enough to allow for a fair amount of add on parts and accesories (nothing like an AR-15, but not bad). Recoil is also pretty well soaked up by all that weight. The FAL comes in many versions from highly accurate match grade ($$$) to short carbine folding stock full auto versions.
I opted to go with a DSA STG-58A and have made a few modifications along the way.
This is the SA-58 type 2 (made in america) receiver (cut for carry handle), surplus Steyr full length barrel with DSA muzzle brake, DSA freefloat handguard with Versa-pod bipod, VOW para rear sight, Arms dust cover scope mount and Falcon ergo G3 grips.
I like my FAL just fine and don't plan on parting with it anytime soon.
-LeadPumper
The FNFAL (STG-58A flavor) is a big heavy pig. The handguards get really hot (especially with the stock metal stocks), with even moderate use. The sights (as noted above) are less than ideal for accuracy, and with milsurp ammo generally run 4-6" at 100 yards.
That being said, I love the FAL. It's built like a tank and can withstand any amount of abuse I can dish out. It's also versatile enough to allow for a fair amount of add on parts and accesories (nothing like an AR-15, but not bad). Recoil is also pretty well soaked up by all that weight. The FAL comes in many versions from highly accurate match grade ($$$) to short carbine folding stock full auto versions.
I opted to go with a DSA STG-58A and have made a few modifications along the way.
This is the SA-58 type 2 (made in america) receiver (cut for carry handle), surplus Steyr full length barrel with DSA muzzle brake, DSA freefloat handguard with Versa-pod bipod, VOW para rear sight, Arms dust cover scope mount and Falcon ergo G3 grips.
I like my FAL just fine and don't plan on parting with it anytime soon.
-LeadPumper
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
I'm a big fan of the FAL too, but I am always surprised at how many people seem to have DSAs. I've been trying to buy one from them for close to a year now and they never have any in stock.
How the heck are you getting the things? I'm about to give up on the whole thing.
How the heck are you getting the things? I'm about to give up on the whole thing.
armoredman
Member
If I was offerred one MBR to have for the rest of my days, the DSA FAL would be it....still waiting for the offer, though....
Chuck R.
Member
I bought a DSA SA-58 last year, after having a M1A1, and an AR15. After playing with it for a day, all I could think was “WOW, how could we have ever adopted the M14?” It really is a and well designed rifle.
The FAL is really an awesome MBR, you’ve just got to keep in mind that it is a MBR, not a match rifle, and not a sniper weapon. It’s robust and fairly simple, cleaning it is a breeze, breaks apart like an M16, but its action stays clean. The adjustable gas system lets you tailor the gas to your ammo thereby reducing recoil and wear, or you can screw it down to around “3” and forget about it. The ergonomics are IMHO superior to most everything else available in a MBR; it feels like a big hefty M16 with the charging handle in the right place. Parts and Mags are CHEAP. It is acceptably accurate for what it’s meant to do; 2-4 MOA with surplus ammo. Mine gets around 1.5-2 MOA with handloads. It does have some limitations such as:
1. The trigger is “OK”
2. The sights are “OK”, but the rear and front sight are on different receivers, so upper/lower lockup has an effect.
3. The front sling swivel location puts downward tension on the barrel if you sling up.
4. They can string shots when the barrel heats up.
5. It can be heavy with the steel lower and full length barrel, but have you checked the weight of the SA Socom II lately?
6. The recoil spring in the stock can be a PITA, buy the tool and it’s easy to get at and maintain.
Even with the above, it is a superb MBR, and the trigger and sights can be fixed some. I’ve stoned my trigger over time and it’s gone from awful to “not too bad” even with the factory springs in it. Mine has a Type II receiver, 19” barrel, short Belgian FH, aluminum lower receiver, Para Rear Sight, SAW pistol grip, and a rail dust cover mount with a Trijicon Tri-Power on it. At 9.5lbs it’s not light, but it balances well, and the recoil is tamed a lot.
It has been 100% reliable for close to 3K rounds, and there’s not much more I could ask for. Except for maybe a folding stock lower and 20 more magazines.
Chuck
Hey LeadPumper,
How’s the ARMS mount holding up? I’m looking at upgrading.
The FAL is really an awesome MBR, you’ve just got to keep in mind that it is a MBR, not a match rifle, and not a sniper weapon. It’s robust and fairly simple, cleaning it is a breeze, breaks apart like an M16, but its action stays clean. The adjustable gas system lets you tailor the gas to your ammo thereby reducing recoil and wear, or you can screw it down to around “3” and forget about it. The ergonomics are IMHO superior to most everything else available in a MBR; it feels like a big hefty M16 with the charging handle in the right place. Parts and Mags are CHEAP. It is acceptably accurate for what it’s meant to do; 2-4 MOA with surplus ammo. Mine gets around 1.5-2 MOA with handloads. It does have some limitations such as:
1. The trigger is “OK”
2. The sights are “OK”, but the rear and front sight are on different receivers, so upper/lower lockup has an effect.
3. The front sling swivel location puts downward tension on the barrel if you sling up.
4. They can string shots when the barrel heats up.
5. It can be heavy with the steel lower and full length barrel, but have you checked the weight of the SA Socom II lately?
6. The recoil spring in the stock can be a PITA, buy the tool and it’s easy to get at and maintain.
Even with the above, it is a superb MBR, and the trigger and sights can be fixed some. I’ve stoned my trigger over time and it’s gone from awful to “not too bad” even with the factory springs in it. Mine has a Type II receiver, 19” barrel, short Belgian FH, aluminum lower receiver, Para Rear Sight, SAW pistol grip, and a rail dust cover mount with a Trijicon Tri-Power on it. At 9.5lbs it’s not light, but it balances well, and the recoil is tamed a lot.
It has been 100% reliable for close to 3K rounds, and there’s not much more I could ask for. Except for maybe a folding stock lower and 20 more magazines.
Chuck
Hey LeadPumper,
How’s the ARMS mount holding up? I’m looking at upgrading.
Deer Hunter
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- Dec 26, 2005
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As soon as I can get some money, I'm getting a DSA FAL. I consider them better than any G3 clone out on the market, and at their price better than the AR-10. The AR-10 is nice, with all the parts availbile for it, but price wise it's a killer. I'd still choose an FAL over an AR-10, just for the feel of them. I'm pretty sure the DSA FALs come with a built in bi-pod and are cut for carry handles already, so that's always nice. You really can't go wrong with this rifle.
jobu07
Contributing Member
I only own one. A century L1A1 that I rescued at a gunshow. It had been neglected and beaten. Even slightly corroded! But the price was right. I took it home and cleaned it up. Very suprising rifle, especially in the accuracy department. Even though it's a century, it's a rugged, robust, accurate rifle that I know I could depend on if the need be. I love it!
DMK
Member
mndfusion said:Why the hell does it have to vent under the handguard and cover the barrel and everything in black smelly crud!!!
The vent is on top right behind the front sight. Yours must have a leak somewhere.Edit: Front sight, not rear sight.
DMK
Member
colt.45 said:i guess i took that part out. so i guess when i get into it ill be using my M-1garand for competition
No problem. It just had me more confused than usual.1 old 0311
member
Isn't there some FAL's that use inch, and some that use metric mags?
Kevin
Kevin
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
My L1A1 is inch - this was the FAL platform used by Brit military prior to SA80 being adopted.
The ''true'' Belgian FN FAL is metric. Assuming I have remembered this right ways around!
The ''true'' Belgian FN FAL is metric. Assuming I have remembered this right ways around!
Chuck R.
Member
mndfusion said:
My DSA has the short gas tube and only vents through the gas block port under the gas regulator. I get no gas or fouling under my hand guards. The other FALs I’ve handled both short and long gas tubes operated the same way.
Chuck
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