Buying an FAL

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XD40Assassin

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Im going to buy a FAL sometime in the next couple of months. I want a brand new DSA but I need a tad bit of info first. My only question is what is the difference between the receiver types that DSA offers on their website. It allows you to choose a couple of them in a drop down box and since this thing is going to cost me over a grand Id like to know what the heck Im choosing before I buy it. I want whatever receiver is best basically. Thanks!
 
Practically speaking, there's no difference between the Type I and II receivers - it's all cosmetics. You may save 1-2 ounces of weight if you get the Type I with the lightening cuts, but that's all. They're meant to re-create the external contours of FAL receivers during early(Type I) and late(Type II) manufacturing periods. The Type II originally omitted the lightening cuts to speed up production, IIRC.

One thing to consider, though, is ordering your rifle built on a receiver WITHOUT the cut for the carrying handle - some FAL-shooters believe that this makes the receiver more rigid, and thus makes the gun more accurate. The only downside of losing the carrying handle will be that, if/when you ever have to hike several miles carrying your rifle, you'll either have to tote it in your hands or sling it on your shoulder, neither method being as comfy as the carry-handle after an extended march.
 
The reciever type really doensn't matter except for the enhanced looks and a little weight savings.Just get the one you think looks the best. You won't be firing full auto, so there aren't any issues on reciever strength.

As for the rifles, be aware that the STG 58 series are different from the SA 58 series. You pay a premium for the SA58 rifles because they are built from all new US components. The STG 58 series are built from surplus parts with the DSA reciever and required number of US parts.

Good Shooting
Red
 
You can't go wrong with a baseline STG-58A, fullsize or carbine. They're built on DSA receivers, with (usually) matching number STG-58 parts kits direct from Steyr in Austria. These STG-58s are beautiful.

If I had to go with the all-original SA-58's, I'd go for the gusto, and get the FAL Para Congo on a Type 2 rec'r. Retail is around $1700 (I'm sure you can find it cheaper), but it's the top of the line folding para, right out the gate.

Best,
John Bear Ross
 
Receiver types.... The extra cuts make the receiver lighter but the extra machining was also costly.

If it comes from DSA you can't go wrong.
 
When you get a chance, if you haven't found it, make your way over to the Fal Files to help with your research.

DSA FALs are very nice, but expensive too. Have you given any thought into assembling one from a parts kit and the required U.S. parts? Several places sell the kits, I got a G1 kit from DSA. The nice thing about building from a kit is that you can customize it to your likes. I put Israeli Light Barrel funiture on my metric kit with a Dan Coonan receiver. I gathered all the parts, assembled as much as I could and then sent everything to a reputable FAL gunsmith for refinishing, assembly, and test fire. Here's an example of a STG-58 kit from Gunthings:
stgkit.jpg

If the kits don't appeal to you, there are always FALs listed in the Marketplace.

Unfortunately, these to FALs have been sold, but the pics give you an idea of what's available:
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=138093
100_3377.jpg
100_3167.jpg

Edit:
There's a DSA FAL listed on THR:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=135616
 
FAL Kits

Roadrunner: What is the name of the gunsmith that you used to help assemble your FAL kit?
 
I bought an STG58 parts kit and a DSA type II receiver that I was going to put together as a little project to occupy my spare time. The only real issue with putting one together is the headspace. The FAL has a "locking shoulder" that can be easily replaced for the correct headspace IF you have a selection of them to choose from. Brownells sells a few of the most common sizes.
BUT.......
I went to the little THR get together during the SHOT show and ran into a guy named Earl Hickman who appearently is a gun smith in Colorado. He told me that he puts these kits together for $80.
For $80, I am not going to waste my time working on it.
I boxed it up and sent it to him. It was probably there before he got home from SHOT.
He did a great job. I have a super nice FAL that cost me around $600. Maybe $700 ???
Anyway, his e-mail address is: [email protected]
I think he is a member of this board, but I am not sure. I know he was with members of this board at the restraunt that night. I am sure that moderator Steve Smith knows the guy.
I had a little problem with my kit, but if I hadn't had that problem, he was going to have it together the same day he received it. :what:
 
This is my DSA STG58 with a Springfield 1st Gen Combat Scope and a DSA scope mount. I'm happy.


277263.JPG


rk
 
For $120-150 you can buy the tools to do the job. If you're only doing one send it to GunPlumber mentioned above. If you think this might be an addiction buy the tools.

And be forewarned, building FAL's IS and addiction... :evil:

mvc_397f.sized.jpg


Also, there may be a FAL'er in your area with the tools and build expertise to help.
 
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