DSA SA58 FAL anyone?
- Thread starter badman400
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Wesson Smith
Member
You'll love it. As you begin to break it in, make sure you understand the gas system, and experiment with it. In my experience, it interacts differently with different loads. I would also suggest using some half-way decent ammo for the initial break-in. I had a couple of FTEs in my first five magazines fired, and sort of bummed out for a brief moment, but after that I've not had one malfunction since. Just a break-in sort of thing, I suppose. I would also suggest a field strip and cleaning immediately after your first couple of sessions. At the very least, pull the rat tail, clean & lube the bolt carrier assembly and do the barrel. Finally, I would highly recommend a rail and scope. I'd stick with DSA's parts exclusively, if it were me. I have a variable Meopta Meostar mounted on mine for longer shots, but the rifle would be fine with a good fixed power scout-type scope as well. I think you'll find it to be a fine, dependable rifle and a hell of a lot of fun to shoot. Good luck!
Oh, and spring for a Specter 3-point sling system. Best addition ever, for the FAL.
And one more thing - some Greek surplus ammo has a red primer seal. It shoots just fine, but you'll be using a toothbrush for an hour or more
scraping red flecks out of the reciever and off of the bolt. A major pain in the arse.
Oh, and spring for a Specter 3-point sling system. Best addition ever, for the FAL.
And one more thing - some Greek surplus ammo has a red primer seal. It shoots just fine, but you'll be using a toothbrush for an hour or more
scraping red flecks out of the reciever and off of the bolt. A major pain in the arse.
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iamkris
Member
I have two DSAs -- a StG58A and a SA58 Para.
Advice
+ Follow the recommended procedure to set the gas system...will make sure you have enough energy to work the action without beating it up
+ If you want optics, get the DSA railed top cover. Rock solid mount. Don't waste your time with the TAPCO version...not even close in quality.
+ Unless you want to keep it in "original configuration", there are some ergonomic upgrades I'd recommend, namely:
- SAW grip - better, more hand-filling contour
- L1A1 style selector switch - makes it much easier to reach the safety
- Israeli extended bolt catch - makes it much easier to release the bolt
- Israeli extended mag release - makes it much easier to drop the mag
Other suggestions that some folks like include the L1A1 folding charging handle (I don't have one), Israeli sand-cut carrier / charging handle (allows CH to be a foward assist).
And go shoot it...is the best battle rifle ever made. I own most of the major ones and always come back to the FAL.
Advice
+ Follow the recommended procedure to set the gas system...will make sure you have enough energy to work the action without beating it up
+ If you want optics, get the DSA railed top cover. Rock solid mount. Don't waste your time with the TAPCO version...not even close in quality.
+ Unless you want to keep it in "original configuration", there are some ergonomic upgrades I'd recommend, namely:
- SAW grip - better, more hand-filling contour
- L1A1 style selector switch - makes it much easier to reach the safety
- Israeli extended bolt catch - makes it much easier to release the bolt
- Israeli extended mag release - makes it much easier to drop the mag
Other suggestions that some folks like include the L1A1 folding charging handle (I don't have one), Israeli sand-cut carrier / charging handle (allows CH to be a foward assist).
And go shoot it...is the best battle rifle ever made. I own most of the major ones and always come back to the FAL.
Thanks for all the good info and advise guys!
Dayum Kris!
I love that wood, that retractable stock, that Para! I love them all!!!
This is my first one. Not first gun by a long shot, but my first FAL.
I got tired of waiting for the XCR-M to start shipping, so I pulled the trigger on the FAL.
Now if I can just make some quality time to spend with her.
In the midst of building a new garage, and time is at a premium.
Please keep the info and advice, AND the pics coming!
Dayum Kris!
I love that wood, that retractable stock, that Para! I love them all!!!
This is my first one. Not first gun by a long shot, but my first FAL.
I got tired of waiting for the XCR-M to start shipping, so I pulled the trigger on the FAL.
Now if I can just make some quality time to spend with her.
In the midst of building a new garage, and time is at a premium.
Please keep the info and advice, AND the pics coming!
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DMK
Member
Nice FAL! Congratulations.
It is now your duty and obligation to report to http://www.falfiles.com/forums/index.php
Seriously, lots of good info there. Do a little searching. Whatever your question, it's been asked and answered there for sure.
It is now your duty and obligation to report to http://www.falfiles.com/forums/index.php
Seriously, lots of good info there. Do a little searching. Whatever your question, it's been asked and answered there for sure.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Good advice, so far. +1 on the SAW grip - made a difference for me.
+1 on the SAW grip - made a difference for me.Been a member over at Fal Files since '06, just not an "active" member.
I've been doing a lot of reading and searching lately. The more I can read from guys like you that own the FAL, and have experience with it, the more I can learn.
This thread has already been most informative, and you know what they say. Everybody loves pics!
Keep the cards and letters coming guys!
Thnx!
I've been doing a lot of reading and searching lately. The more I can read from guys like you that own the FAL, and have experience with it, the more I can learn.
This thread has already been most informative, and you know what they say. Everybody loves pics!
Keep the cards and letters coming guys!
Thnx!
ny32182
Member
Here is my SA58:
I also have an STG58C from DSA.
Like others have said, run the gas adjustment setup per the instructions. I then personally add an additional step: I insert a *full* magazine, fire to make sure I get a good cycle, remove mag and top it off, repeat a couple times: Experience has taught me that a full mag causes more drag on the bolt cycling than a near empty mag, so I like to make sure it will cycle with a full mag too. I've had my rifles pass the empty mag tests, then short stroke with a full mag. I know you are familiar with the XCR. The FAL has many more gas settings, and the gas system is more touchy when it comes to different loads as a result, since the FAL can be more finely tuned due to the range of adjustment. Any time you switch loads you should run a few rounds dedicated to verifying the gas setting.
One more thing that I don't think anyone has brought up yet: The inside bottom edge of the rails in the receiver can often stand some polishing in new units. I was getting some FTFeeds with my SA58 when brand new, and some vertical marks on the brass. Once I figured out this was coming from rough edges on those rails where they contact the brass on the way out of the magazine, I polished those edges with some 600 grit sandpaper, and that fixed it right up; it has been 100% since. With the STG, I did that before the first range trip, and never had the issue.
I also have an STG58C from DSA.
Like others have said, run the gas adjustment setup per the instructions. I then personally add an additional step: I insert a *full* magazine, fire to make sure I get a good cycle, remove mag and top it off, repeat a couple times: Experience has taught me that a full mag causes more drag on the bolt cycling than a near empty mag, so I like to make sure it will cycle with a full mag too. I've had my rifles pass the empty mag tests, then short stroke with a full mag. I know you are familiar with the XCR. The FAL has many more gas settings, and the gas system is more touchy when it comes to different loads as a result, since the FAL can be more finely tuned due to the range of adjustment. Any time you switch loads you should run a few rounds dedicated to verifying the gas setting.
One more thing that I don't think anyone has brought up yet: The inside bottom edge of the rails in the receiver can often stand some polishing in new units. I was getting some FTFeeds with my SA58 when brand new, and some vertical marks on the brass. Once I figured out this was coming from rough edges on those rails where they contact the brass on the way out of the magazine, I polished those edges with some 600 grit sandpaper, and that fixed it right up; it has been 100% since. With the STG, I did that before the first range trip, and never had the issue.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
That's rather interesting. Badman, if you are in the Low Country, then we have the state covered.
I've also grown to like Slip 2000 for lube. Oh, and get plenty of magazines before the price goes up.
I've also grown to like Slip 2000 for lube. Oh, and get plenty of magazines before the price goes up.
Bwana John
Member
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- Sep 10, 2004
- Messages
- 2,960
Now you need a SAW pistol grip, a Para rear sight, a FSE extended mag release, a folding charging handle, a carry handle slot filler (Its not a bloody purse!), 20 mags, a bunch of ammo, and a reduced trigger pull spring kit.
DMK
Member
All you really need are mags and ammo. Shoot it a while and you'll get a feel for whatever you might like to change... or not.
Uncle Mike
Member
I know you said you were new to the FAL, and just a word of caution...that ammo you display in your pictures will not work in your FAL! lol hehehehe
Enjoy it, probably the finest auto type rifle made, to some!
Enjoy it, probably the finest auto type rifle made, to some!
Al, I'm in the Upstate of SC, in Easley near Greenville. I have about 10 of the 20 round mags so far with 6 more IMI mags on the way from Sportsmans Guide.
ny32182, nice rifle! We're pretty close distance wise. How do you like your DSA? Ever done any shooting at the DNR range in Pickens off of Brazeale Rd.?
Yeah Uncle Mike lol, those are few .38 Spl rounds for the new Rossi M-92 lever gun that I picked up the same day.
ny32182, nice rifle! We're pretty close distance wise. How do you like your DSA? Ever done any shooting at the DNR range in Pickens off of Brazeale Rd.?
Yeah Uncle Mike lol, those are few .38 Spl rounds for the new Rossi M-92 lever gun that I picked up the same day.
ny32182
Member
Badman, yes, I am actually in Easley as well, and shoot rifles at the Pickens range regularly. I wish they would open up the ~250 yard berm and rebuild the pistol range...
Anyway... yeah I really like the DSA's. The 21" standard rifle pictured is one that I don't think I will ever sell.
Anyway... yeah I really like the DSA's. The 21" standard rifle pictured is one that I don't think I will ever sell.
Though not a factory DSA my parts rifle was built on and out of all DSA parts. I know it has been said before but the SAW grip and the extended selector switch are a must have. I want to replace the rear sights with a para style or maybe even go to the Hampton lower and be done with it. Sorry for the huge pic, but I look so damn good shooting my FAL
ny32182
Member
That location is stamped on every DSA receiver I have seen.
Thanks again for all the tips, ideas and info guys! I've been shooting and collecting for many years, but for some reason only recently started getting into the FAL.
The extended selector; is that a DSA product? And about the handle, can I put one on my DSA? And can anyone tell me by my pics if I have type I or II receiver? Bipod? only on the barrel, or is there a better way to attach to the handguard? thanks in advance for any advise.
Not sure if I want to scope yet. May go with the DSA railed cover and mount an EOTech. I'm not looking for long, long, range shooting. More of a close range, up to 200 yds battle rifle.
ny, I'm with you on the DNR range. they started the renovations and then just bowed up and stopped all of a sudden. Last time I was there Steve told me he had no idea when they would resume work and/or finish.
The extended selector; is that a DSA product? And about the handle, can I put one on my DSA? And can anyone tell me by my pics if I have type I or II receiver? Bipod? only on the barrel, or is there a better way to attach to the handguard? thanks in advance for any advise.
Not sure if I want to scope yet. May go with the DSA railed cover and mount an EOTech. I'm not looking for long, long, range shooting. More of a close range, up to 200 yds battle rifle.
ny, I'm with you on the DNR range. they started the renovations and then just bowed up and stopped all of a sudden. Last time I was there Steve told me he had no idea when they would resume work and/or finish.
Bwana John
Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2004
- Messages
- 2,960
Yes
Its not a bloody purse! Your receiver is not cut for one anyway.
T-1
Mil-spec bipod attaches to barrel. Attaching bi-pod opened up my groups 2X
The FAL was NOT designed for a scope, and is not precise enough to warrant one.
Id also replace that strait StG stock with a "hump-back" style
I have hit steel plates at 400 yards with my irons. If I can do it anyone can. Though if I had the money I'd put an ACOG on top and call it done. I need all the help I can get.
Extended selector:
http://www.dsarms.com/Semi-Auto-Extended-Selector-Switch-US-Made----US076E/productinfo/US076E/
SAW Grip:
http://www.dsarms.com/FN-Manufacture-M249-SAW-Pistol-Grip-Black---FN087/productinfo/FN087/
It comes in green as well.
Extended selector:
http://www.dsarms.com/Semi-Auto-Extended-Selector-Switch-US-Made----US076E/productinfo/US076E/
SAW Grip:
http://www.dsarms.com/FN-Manufacture-M249-SAW-Pistol-Grip-Black---FN087/productinfo/FN087/
It comes in green as well.
franconialocal
Member
See...here's the problem....Just when I think I'm over my FAL itch then you 
's have to come along and get me all worked up again.
Savin' my pennies I guess.....
Nice pics and awesome rifles....
's have to come along and get me all worked up again.Savin' my pennies I guess.....
Nice pics and awesome rifles....
I bought a DSA FAL PARA last year with the PARA extreme duty scope mount. I haven't got around to working up loads for it yet but will use the rail to mount a scope for load development. Once I've found "the load", I'm going to revert to the iron sights. If you install a DSA mount, be careful when torquing the screws. 40 in-lb is WAY too much torque. I would suggest that 20 in-lb is more than enough. I followed DSA's installation procedure and had torqued the back 8 screws to 30 in-lb and then one of the plates fractured at 35 in-lb!! I had to ask DSA to send me more mounting plates.
MHBushmaster
Member
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2006
- Messages
- 175
Newish Fal owner here, checking in!
My STG-58 after I've done some personalization to it with the DSA mount, DSA handguards (kept the steel oven mitt ones), and the Eotech 552
Does anyone have a lead on a folding charging handle to replace what I've got on this Metric STG-58?
TIA
My STG-58 after I've done some personalization to it with the DSA mount, DSA handguards (kept the steel oven mitt ones), and the Eotech 552
Does anyone have a lead on a folding charging handle to replace what I've got on this Metric STG-58?
TIA
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