Century FAL buy or not

[tabealer]

I have a coworker that is offering a century FAL for $500 including a tri lux scope. The problem with the rifle is that the gas system doesn't work and he says a gunsmith told him it needed a new gas block. I have access to see the rifle before I buy. I don't know much about FALs.

Is this a possible smoking good deal or a money pit?

How hard is it to change the gas system out?

He has shot it and says it shoots but doesn't cycle the action.

He also says it only shoots NATO stuff and the. 308 doesn't chamber. Is that normal?

 

[Slamfire]

If it has an IMBEL receiver, go get it. You can fix the gas issue later.

 

[tabealer]

What is the significance of the imbel receiver? Is that the upper receiver? He said he has an extra lower and other parts that will be included.

 

[Slamfire]

IMBEL receivers are some of the best receivers to make a FAL around. The importation has been banned for a long time.

You might be able to get $500 for an IMBEL receiver by itself.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

If it has the Tri-Lux scope DEFINITELY get it. That alone sells for about 3-450, so that means that you're getting the FAL for around 200 bucks or less. Even if it is a century

The not-working problems can be solved later too.

 

[Telekinesis]

I wouldn't do it. Century anything is usually spotty at best as far as reliability and warranty go. And he's asking nearly full price for a used, non functioning rifle that is out of spec (can't chamber .308). I would definitely pass. If you really want the scope, offer to buy that, but don't try to take the gun on as a project.

If you still want a FAL around that price, see if you can find an Entreprise. I found one used for $650 a few weeks ago. FALs are great rifles if they are built properly.

 

[tabealer]

Well, it is no hidden jewel - has a century receiver. Everything is now a moot point since the wife says "you're not buying that" and I don't think it is worth the aggravation of going against her.

Thank you for your responses.

TAB

 

[hawkeye10]

If I were you I would go against your wife and buy it. Just think of the fun you will have making up. Don

 

[tabealer]

Thats funny hawkeye

 

[snakeman]

I like Hawkeye's logic! It'll be a great opportunity to FAL around a little... (Sorry for the bad joke)

 

[dgarvin1]

I knew someone that was selling a Century FAL with a Trilux, and they too claimed that the gas system no longer worked. I bought it and it turned out that they had the gas plug installed upside down.

After about a year, it stopped cycling again. I took it apart and saw that the piston was pretty fried. Spent 30 bucks, replaced the piston, and it worked great again.

I would grab it. Like someone else said, the Trilux alone is worth some cash.

 

[Got_Lead?]

+1 on the gas plug being upside down. This is for grenade launching. The correct position for ball ammo is with the line up.

However, beware of Century made stuff, quality so low, a caveman could do it.

Make him an offer of $300, and call it a day.