DSA SA58(FAL) and JLD PTR-91(G3), which should I go for? Suggestions?

[ShootAndHunt]

I began to think about getting a semi-auto rifle chambed in .308 Win. After some research, I have my eyes on two rifles: SA58 made by DSA, and PTR-91 made by JDL. Both of them seem to me high quality. I test handled both in the gunstore, but still cannot decide which one to go, so I think I might need you guys suggestions, and especially experiences about these two rifles. I know some of you might suggest me to buy both, but my fund currently is really limited, so I want to get a "better toy" choice for the Christmas.

The SA58 (FAL) has forged receiver, very nicely built and feel good in the hands.

The PTR-91 (G-3) is also very nice, and it has a target barrel and is said very accurate.

I will mainly use this rifle as for plinking and range shooting, I want it to be fun, reliable and resonablely accurate, I will feed surplus ammos to this baby.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[meathammer]

My buddy has a DSA FAL carbine, I don't remember the model. I've shot it, very nice rifle. They seem pretty rugged. He did have some extraction issues with some surplus ammo. (Forget which kind, sorry.) DSA rifles have tight chambers is what I have heard. I can't comment on the G3.

Another plus is that FAL magazines are very inexpensive. I am no expert on either, but the DSA rifles seem to be pretty highly regarded.


--meathammer

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I have an StG58. I prefer it to the HK types from an ergonomic perspective; it's easier for me to shoot and more comfortable. It also doesn't mangle my brass.

I prefer the sights on the FAL over the HK. I like the trigger on my FAL. It's easy to clean. It's adjustable for ammo pressures.

There are almost as many goodies for the HK as the FAL, and FALs are a little easier to put optics on...and you can find a Trilux easier than a Hensoldt...but you're not limited to either.

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[itgoesboom]

I am opposite of SA above....I actually prefer the ergos of the G3 style rifles. I love my CETME, and I really would love to get a PTR or even better, a real HK91.

That said, if I had the money, and the choice was between the PTR or the DSA, I have to admit that I would go for the DSA, as long as it is a SA 58, not the StG.

I.G.B.

 

[georgeg]

That said, if I had the money, and the choice was between the PTR or the DSA, I have to admit that I would go for the DSA, as long as it is a SA 58, not the StG.

I.G.B.

Pardon my ignorance but what is the difference?

 

[natedog]

The G-3 is somewhat akward and cumbersome to me. While the FAL is heavier in some versions, it still handles better. The G-3's charging handle is way to far forward, and it folds down, making it hard to work. Also, the bolt doesn't lock back on the last round. And, if the G-3 isn't equipped with a paddle release, it makes reloads a lot slower and harder. I'd say go with a SA58 with an aluminum reciever, either a rifle or carbine, your preference. Both weigh in the 8 pound range, and are very high quality.

 

[Black Snowman]

Local store has the PTR and it's solid and well built. I can't tell the differance between it and the HKs. Collapsing stock models are said to be on the way soon and I might pick one up to replace the Centrury FAL I blew up. Once I've got my 1st AR project out of the way.

 

[itgoesboom]

Pardon my ignorance but what is the difference?

Other than looks, which I prefer the SA to the StG, the StG also uses a used (but very good quality) barell.

Honestly, I like the StG as well, I would just prefer the SA instead.

Can't afford either unfortunatly.

I.G.B.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

The charging handle on the G3 is a problem for me too, G3 also seems bigger than FAL when handled, but the quality of PTR-91 is good.

I am really kind of stucked between these two, a little toward the DSA SA.

 

[georgeg]

I'm curious. What do you all think of the Springfield SAR-8? Is it a decent copy of the HK original?

 

[wasrjoe]

As far as FAL versus G3 - have you shot them both? IMO that is the only way to know. I thought for sure that I wanted an FAL over a G3 - until I shot both. The ergonomics of the G3 just suited me a lot better and I liked the sites more. (Of course, the G3 does have that horrible charging handle position - but I'm only using it for plinking anyhow.) Shoot both, and ye shall know. Either one will serve you well.

 

[wardog]

I've got a DSA SA-58 Medium Contour and it's a dream to shoot. Very low recoil for a .308.

I will probably pick up a nice HK 91 copy, like the PTR91, at some point. A buddy of mine just got one. He said the quality was very good, but the trigger was the worst trigger he's ever had on any gun. He's confident that it'll clean up though with some work.

If I were buying my first semi-308 right now, I'd take a serious look at the Bushmaster BAR-10. Lots of great features, and it takes FAL mags. Cost should be a little less than the DSA SA-58.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

As far as FAL versus G3 - have you shot them both? IMO that is the only way to know. I thought for sure that I wanted an FAL over a G3 - until I shot both. The ergonomics of the G3 just suited me a lot better and I liked the sites more. (Of course, the G3 does have that horrible charging handle position - but I'm only using it for plinking anyhow.) Shoot both, and ye shall know. Either one will serve you well.

wasrjoe, that is the problem, I could handle them in the gun store, but it is hard for me to get a chance to shoot them. I think if I get a chance, the problem would be much easier for me That is why I want you guys' opinions, especially experience of these two rifles.

 

[NMshooter]

Brand new SA-58 without a doubt.

Lighter, with more ergonomic controls.

Magazines, accessories, and parts are cheaper and easier to get.

And much easier to work on.

 

[Feanaro]

The only real way to find out, and I'm sure you don't want to hear it, is to shoot both. I prefer the G3 but it does have weak areas. The charging handle is in an odd place and it is slower(though not by much, I think) than, say, the FAL's. But I don't find it awkward, just different. At least it's on the right(left) side. The magazine release IS awkward. You can add a paddle release by either doing some work yourself(depending on the receiver you may need to remove some metal) or paying someone else to. The ergonomics are the normal areas of complaint. Reaching the selector lever is one of those. I have no trouble reaching it and for those who do, you can remove a little of the plastic grip with a file. It's also harder to work on in some ways than the FAL. The trigger also isn't exactly the cream of the crop.

If you plan to do some trigger work and add a paddle release, you can always get a CAI G3 clone. The price of all that will come up to around $700-800.

Magazines... are cheaper and easier to get.

Aluminum G3 mags are almost disposable. Cheaper Than Dirt has them for $1.97.