What's Recoil Like w/ a FAL?

[D-Man]

I know I need to get out there and shoot a FAL (think I can rent one at a range nearby), but was just wondering what the recoil is like shooting one of these. Does the weight of the gun do a good job at reducing it?

Eventually I plan on getting a rifle, and would like to get a basic millitary styled one. So the usual AR and AK suspects are current choices. The FAL in .308 is intriguing to me, and want to get some opinions as to what I could expect out of one.

If the local range doesn't have a FAL, would most any other .308 rifle do for comparison purposes?

 

[solvability]

The FAL is one of the softer shooting MBRs - I would say softer than my M1 Garand in 308 - way softer than a Cetme or HK - I have not tried an Ar10, but bet it is pretty soft too. The FAL is fairly heavy, but surprisingly nimble - it is my favorite MBR.

 

[Drakejake]

You will get many different answers on this because of people's range of experience and subjective judgments. 308 is a major calibre, makes a big noise, recoils with some force. I have a recoil pad on all my .308s because I don't like recoil that much. With the pad, the recoil is not at all uncomfortable. My worst experiences with long gun recoil were with a Mauser carbine in 7 by 57 and a twelve gauge shotgun. No fun for me. I think that the K-31 has a bit more recoil than a FAL. Both the AR and the AK have noticeably less recoil than .308 semis, depending on the size and weight of the rifle, ammo, etc.

Just my opinion.

Drakejake

 

[kfranz]

It is simply devine. A gentle nudge from the right arm of the free world...

 

[Plink]

A lot of it depends on how you have the gas valve adjusted. Properly adjusted, the FAL is a very gentle shooting gun. You can shoot all day long without being sore afterwards.

 

[Slamfire]

A FAL is a heavier rifle than a M1a and does have the benefit of a higher stock line. So the recoil does feel lighter. There is a recoil spring in the stock so when the gas system is properly adjusted you really feel a clip-clop as the action cycles.

It is a great rifle.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Recoil is not too bad as full-power cartridges go, but is extremely noticable if you're more accustomed to 5.56mm or 7.62x39. I prefer the FAL to the Garand or G3 or .308 bolt guns in terms of recoil, personally.

A FAL set up for 260 Remington (DSA makes them, but apparently only in their hunting models) would probably be about the best of all worlds in terms of recoil versus short range handling versus long range accuracy.