Newbie Question about 3 FN FAL Rifles

I will let the mods decide if it is appropriate. Welcome to the high road.

LNK said:

I will let the mods decide if it is appropriate. Welcome to the high road.

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Belatedly I see.

FALfiles would be a good place too.

I have a STG58 that I built from a parts kit many moons ago.The BATFE regulated that the Upper half of the receiver is the registered part. That may be marked differently than the lower half. A lot of companies and private individuals have built these. Look for any markings from Century or DSA and check the Upper for markings ( imbel).
A quick glance at Armslist showed three STG 58 from $1300-$1500 and these all had Imbel receivers.

The above rifle is not a FAL at all. It's a clone of the HK91. If built by Century (CAI), it's an early version of what they call the CETME. You can tell by the drum rear sight. I cannot read the markings, so I cannot tell if it's built by CAI or not. It doesn't have the typical ban era muzzle brake CAI was so fond of.



The above FAL looks to be a clean StG58 parts kit assembled on an IMBEL receiver. I cannot get a clear look at the markings, but judging from the muzzle device, it to was built by CAI. The Steyr parts and IMBEL receiver are desirable parts but unfortunately (unless the market has recently changed) you'll get more for it if it's disassembled and sold as a kit. Last time I checked, a Steyr parts kit alone sold quickly for $1200 over on falfiles.com. The IMBEL receiver by itself would probably go quickly if offered for $600.


This rifle is an SLR clone, what is often called an L1A1. It's what is called an "Inch Pattern" or "Common Wealth Pattern" of the FAL family of weapons. The photo isn't clear, but it looks to have nice wood. Not sure if the wood is original or after market. It too might be worth more if disassembled. The SLR kit would probably bring an easy $1200. If the receiver is an IMBEL, it should go for $600. However, if it's a DSA receiver with the inch pattern lightening cuts, it should be a quick sell over at fal.files if offered for $1200. In this case, you might be able to sell it fast if offered complete for $1800 (IMBEL receiver) and a bit more if it has the DSA inch pattern receiver.

None of the last six photos you posted has a working link. It would be helpful if you could post clearer photos of all three rifles, particularly their markings. For the best info on all three, sign up for an account at https://www.falfiles.com/forums/

You'll need to wait till your account is approved before you can post there.

Be aware that the quality of CAI built rifles is very hit & miss. You'll have to shoot them to see if they're functioning the way they're supposed to. The good news is, if there's a problem, once a FAL or 91/CETME is dialed in, they stay dialed in.

The L1A1 is made on a desirable receiver made in Canada. I forget the details, but they were imported by CAI. It appears to be a kit rifle, not a complete rifle from the factory. The dust cover has the the scope mount and is a highly sought after piece. It looks like a good rifle. If it were me, I'd keep it




The StG is also interesting. We would need to see all of the markings of the receiver (the upper half is the receiver) to see who actually made it. If it's made by Steyr or FN, it's worth significantly more. If it's a complete import, it's value is greater and is worth more as a complete rifle rather than as parts. Clearer photos are needed. On the phone, the muzzle device appears to be a Century Arms brake. Even on a larger screen, I can't be certain if it is or not. If this is an original FAL, it should be appraised by someone with more knowledge than I. If that's the case, I urge you to sign up up the FalFiles.

StG clone has aftermarket markings, they were never stamped as such. I can not tell who made the receiver. I think it is not Century built.

L1a1 may have an Imbel (Brazilian) receiver which is desirable, (only assembled in Canada)

The G3 is made with G3 parts, not HK91.

These are clones, not original rifles. Century is known for hiring the best drunken monkeys money can buy.

You need to go to the FalFiles.

I'm interested in the L1A1 if you want to sell it.