EBR: FN-FAL or G3 Clone?

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nordaim

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I am looking to make my first "Evil Black Rifle" purchase and have narrowed the field to either an FN-FAL or G3 clone.

I would like to limit this thread to just these two rifles and am looking forward to any information, thoughts, and insite you might have into these such as:

Manufacturers to recommend or avoid.
Issues that a buyer/owner should be aware of with either of these rifle.
Your general impressions.

Thanks.
 
Nordaim,

Couple of different things to find out here.

First, what is your budget? Have you checked out either style of rifle already?

The second point is really important, since both are excellent rifles, it may come down to which feels better to you.

I personally love the feel of the G3 style rifles, they just feel right to me, and I like the position of the safety. I would also love a DSA FAL, the medium contour carbine or the para congo, either would be great, but the G3 fits me a little better.

There are plenty of different companies making both of them right now.

DSA probably is the best company for a FAL, and Ohio Rapid Fire is supposed to be great too.

ORF also makes G3 clones as well, for a reasonable price. JLD also makes a PTR-91 which is made to HK specs, and you can get for $700-$750, and it is supposed to be a very good rifle. Its one that I would love to get. Ofcourse, you could spend $2500+ on a real HK (used).

Century also makes their own, intresting versions of the FAL, the G3 and the CETME (predecessor to the HK G3), but they have a very spotty reputation. Thats why they are intresting. You will always be finding out little things that the drunken monkeys at Century have done. I have a Century CETME, and it runs well, and is more accurate than it deserves to be, but many others haven't had nearly as good of luck.


I.G.B.
 
Having had both

I'm not a big fan of the G3 or it's cost.
A good FAL can be had for $600-$800. if the receiver says "Hesse" avoid it, Century Arms can be okay (if you buy from someone you know who says it runs fine go ahead).
Imbel receivers are fine as are Coonan but find who built them if possible as FALs take some skill and can't be slapped together.
Read the info at www.falfiles.com as there is a great deal of info to help you decide.
I shoot my FALs more than my AR's as they are great shooters and far easier to clean!
CT
 
I do not really have a budget set at this time because if I find a firearm that I really want, I make a sacrifice somewhere else (that new set of dies, trade something I have not shot in a while, skip picking up a kimber this year, et cetera) in order to satisfy one of my shooting desires.

I have gotten to handle both styles of rifles, but only one of each.

The FAL was a Century Arms, which I had already heard about the spotty reputation.
Also, the fit and finish on it was rather rough and alittle loose for my tastes.

The G3 clone was used one by Springfield Armory. Really liked it but from the bore/finish it had been roughly handled and shot to hell and the trigger was sloppy.

Do not get me wrong, I intend to shoot whichever one I get, but *I* want to be the one to rough it up.

These are some of the reasons that lead me to ask here on THR. I respect the views of those who diem it necessary to respond to a post and generally the information is very knowledgeable. With the few of these rifles that come through I want to collect additional information and continue to hunt my local gun shops. I do not want to walk in to the shop and order something when I have not had an opportunity to collect enough data.
 
Both great rifles

but I like the FAL somewhat better because of the adjustable gas system, and the gun can be broken open (like an AR15) and cleaned from breach.

Seems to be more after-market parts for the FAL as well.

If you're fickle and like to trade guns after a bit, get the FAL from DSA - it will hold it's value better.
 
TooTech,

You can clean a G3 type rifle from the breach as well.

Nordaim,

They are both great rifles, if you get a good one. Both rifles are very reliable, accurate, and have workable sights. And mags are cheap for both too.

For me, I really want a JLD PTR-91, and a DSA FAL.

I.G.B.
 
Avoid a Hesse with either. The aluminium G3 clones are not so hot in regard to accessories, sight misalignment, and cocking problems.

A JLD PTR would be an inexpensive G3 choice.

Otherwise, it's easier to build a good FAL than it is to build a G3 clone, so the FAL might be the odds on choice.
 
I'd go for the FAL, but I'm biased because I built one and love it. I put a millet multi-reticle red dot on it and the SAW style stock from Tapco. It shoots great. If I were to do it again, I'd just buy one of the DSA STG58 types.

You can also get 9mm uppers that take 71rd Suomi drums :evil: That's definitely on my list of purchases. Unfortunately, unlike an AR, the upper is the part that's considered a "gun" by ATF. At least you can save a few bucks by not buying a whole new lower though.

Magazines from DSA are $5. The DSA dust cover scope mount is very stable, I would recommend that one if you plan on putting optics on it.
 
I have a smith built FAL and a Century CETME. I did get lucky and my CETME works fine.

Of the two, I prefer the FAL. I hardly ever shoot the CETME.
 
Based solely on playing with (and in) other people's rifles... I'd go FAL, without hesitation. It might not have the coolness factor HK does, but for me the ergos are far superior (if not quite in AR territory), and the mechanics are nice, rugged, and simple. All the extras, new ideas, and support from DSA for the FAL platform is a really sweet kicker to.


-K
 
I say FAL.

If you were to ever have to reload you could not do it with the HK clones because of the fluted chambers.

The FAL has an adjustable gas system that really reduces recoil unlike the delayed blow back of the HK's.

The FAL has a much better trigger system than the HK clones.

The FAL is probably made from MIL-SPEC parts (ie parts kits) where the HK clone is hard to tell.

Remember that the G3 was designed by people who were not allowed to build G1's or STG-58's because of their bad behavior. ;)
 
I think if you went with the FAL, you won't be sorry. It was quite a learning experience building mine from a DSA G-1 parts kit and gathering the other parts and receiver.
 
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