Black rifle collection

[Father Knows Best]

I was cleaning my babies today, and decided it was time for a photo op. Here they are:


That's a JLD Enterprises PTR-91, DSA SA58 and Arsenal SA-M7S. The PTR-91 is wearing a G3 buttstock and wide forearm with folding bipod, Tac-Latch paddle mag release, Tapco claw mount with picatinny rail adapter, Cherokee cheekpiece, E&L recoil pad, and Burris Signature Select 4-16x 44mm lighted reticle scope in Burris Zee rings.

The SA58 is the Para Congo model with folding stock, 16.25" barrel, Belgian short flash hider, Extreme Duty scope mount and rail forearm. I'm saving up to get an ACOG for it.

The SA-M7S is stock except for the genuine Russian Kobra EKP-8-02 holographic sight.

All three rifles are wearing Rooster's tactical slings.

I think I'm gonna go give them all a workout tomorrow morning....

 

[GunGoBoom]

Beyond sweetness! Barrel length on PTR91? How sturdy is the dust cover on the SA M7S, for the optic? And how is the kobra attached?

 

[Father Knows Best]

My PTR-91 is one of the early ones (SN 10xx) made before expiration of the Clinton gun ban, so it doesn't have a threaded muzzle. I think the barrel length is 18", which is standard.

The SA M-7 is the "S" model, which means it has the side-mounted optics rail on the left side of the receiver. The Kobra is actually mounted using that rail, though you can't tell in the picture because the right side is up. The mount is rock solid. I can remove and replace the Kobra in seconds without losing zero. I don't think the dust cover is anywhere near sturdy enough to mount optics, so your options are basically the side rail or an Ultimak rail.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Damn that's a nice collection! I am working on finishing up my AK clone and then will be looking into a FAL like yours. One question...

Do you think the compactness of the 16 inch barrel is worth the velocity loss? I want a Para but was thinking about an 18 or 19 inch barrel. Wanted to know if you think 2 or 3 inches of velocity loss was worth the added "handiness."

 

[Father Knows Best]

Damn that's a nice collection! I am working on finishing up my AK clone and then will be looking into a FAL like yours. One question...

Do you think the compactness of the 16 inch barrel is worth the velocity loss? I want a Para but was thinking about an 18 or 19 inch barrel. Wanted to know if you think 2 or 3 inches of velocity loss was worth the added "handiness."

I don't. I'd buy the 18" barrel if I had a choice. I almost always favor longer barrels, and the FAL is never going to be "handy" due to its weight no matter how short the barrel.

I never buy new guns, though (too expensive), and I stumbled on the SA58 Para Congo at a good price in almost new condition. The standard Para Congo has the 18" barrel, by the way, but the gentleman I bought this one from had custom ordered it with the 16.25" barrel.

It sure does look cool, though, doesn't it? Especially with that 30 round mag in it....

 

[Texfire]

Really could use a M4gery to finish out the bunch. But a very nice collection.

I'm looking to end up with something similar, though I like wood furniture on my rifles. Maybe a CETME, a G1 and my AK-47 with it's Romanian furniture.

Anyone else seen wood furniture for ARs? You can get a wooden buttstock, handle and wood-sheathed forearm. Kinda startling at first, but intriguing.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Very nice!

How is that Tapco claw mount working out for you? I have a G3 clone that I'm considering scoping.

 

[Father Knows Best]

I've never been a fan of the AR platform, but I am starting to think about getting one. It probably won't be an M4gery, though. With everything I've heard about what the shorty barrel does to 5.56 ballistics, I think I may instead go for a flattop configuration with a long, free floated barrel.

On the Tapco claw mount, the answer is that it works very well. It seems to return very close to zero when removed and remounted. For precision work, you'll still want to re-zero it, but it won't be off by much. It sits high enough that you can still sight the excellent iron sights under the scope. You will want a cheek piece like mine or one of the expensive stocks with an adjustable cheek rest (MSG90 or PSG-1), or you won't be able to get a cheek weld when using the scope. The snap on cheekpiece from Cherokee that I have works great, looks good, and was only $40. A MSG90 or PSG-1 buttstock will set you back anywhere from $250 to $750, so the choice was easy for me.

Here's another pic of the PTR-91 that shows the claw mount and scope better. The Tac-Latch is also clearly visible, and my G3 .22LR conversion kit is also in the picture:

 

[Texfire]

Might want to consider one of the DSA Gas trap ARs. They don't have that direct gas impingment that some hate about the AR.