Fal accessories?

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kentucky_smith

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So I've somehow ended up with an L1A1 sporter, a Century product. :uhoh:


Fine rifle has been setting in the layaway section of the gunstore I peruse frequently and guy never came to pay for it or pick it up, forfeiting the 10% down payment. Anyway, I've been eying it for awhile and asked owner about it. It's been there for well over a year. I trade a 1986 94 30-30 for it and away I go. :neener: ( I got a pre-64 94 last week from same guy)


Anyway, took it out behind the house, set gas setting to 7, and it fed and shot 20 rounds of m2 ball without a hitch. Step 1 is over. Probably should have aimed at something. :D

Step 2. It needs to have the thumbhole stock thrown away. Anywhere I can find a cheap used furniture set?

Step 3. Being a complete Fal-noob, how do you go about scoping these things? peep sights are okay, don't know where it's set, and how it's shooting yet, happen to have a couple of scopes lying about though.
 
Furniture and FAL scope-mounts - yup, GunPartsGuy (James).

Excellent service, happy to answer questions, great prices which include shipping - one of falfiles's top-rated vendors.
 
You'll need a tool to remove the buttstock. It's handy because it also removes the pistol grip.

If it's an L1A1 rifle, one has to wonder how much of it is inch-pattern and how much of it is Metric pattern. As long as it takes Metric magazines, you should be okay. Inch magazines are scarace these days.

If you could post a picture, it'd help a bunch.
 
With the gas system, dial it down and test each setting until you start getting FTE problems. Then, dial it back up a notch or two and it should be set. I think mine's around 5.5 but I don't have it in front of me.
 
mine's got the lower numbers being the more forcefull ejection. I usually operate between 4 and 5.

+1 to gun parts guy.
 
which mags are bigger, have a bigger notch? Anyway, it takes the small mags.
It's definitely a frankenfal. L1A1 sporter, sand cuts, bolt hold open, folding charging handle.

Pics in a minute.
 
Metric mags have just a little lip in the front of the mag - Inch mags have a solid great lug welded onto it.
 
Very nice pics Andy. If you're still there keep your neck down and head held high.
 

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"...m2 ball..." That'd be .30-06. FAL's use .308/7.62NATO.
The gas setting should be at 5 for normal, clean rifle, shooting. It's a battle rifle. They don't take scopes well. Nor were they ever intended to have a scope. Although you might find a scope mount dust cover if you look long enough.
 
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If you want a VERY highly regarded dust cover/scope mount, start looking for something called a WAC QD-PRO. The company itself is out of business, but they made excellent scope mounts before going under. What is nice about it is that there is no need for locking screws or plates, just slide it onto the dust cover rails. Very tight fit because of the quality of the machining. I have one on my short gas Century FrankenFal, and it is wonderful. Of course, I bought mine for less than 40 bucks, but now they are going for double that. Worthwhile investment if you can find one.
 
I figured since I have about $275 in it, I'd splurge and bought one of the DSA scope mounts.

For some reason I now have an urge to sell the AR.
 
They don't take scopes well. Nor were they ever intended to have a scope.
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I agree.
Although you might find a scope mount dust cover if you look long enough.
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Dont waste your time, enjoy the open sights. I do change out the rear sights with a windage adjustable para type.

If you HAVE to have a scope because of eyesight problems, get a Austrian plastic buttstock, they raise your cheek a little compaired to the humpback type.
 
The DSA scope mounts have a good rep, I have a Gun Parts Guy 5th Gen mount in the mail and it should be here today or tomorow.
Good FAL parts dealers:
http://www.dsarms.com
http://www.gunpartsguy.com
http://www.gunthings.com
http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/
http://www.fseusa.com/ (great for springs and trigger pull reduction)
http://www.tapco.com

And of course the FALFiles marketplace.http://www.falfiles.com/forums/index.php

I have bought from all these vendors and haven't had any problems.
 
shot it more today. Minute of hedgeapple from a right-far piece, shoots anywhere from a 4-9 gas setting. 10 shortstroked, 3 somehow didnt' feed well. Otherwise feeds and works great on Indian l2a2 and SA ball.

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Did I mention I got $250 in this thing!?!?! :D
 

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They don't take scopes well. Nor were they ever intended to have a scope.
Click to expand...

The British issued Trilux scopes for the L1A1 rifle for years. It's why the rifle has a fold-down rear sight.

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Iron sights are fine until it gets dark out; then they're all but useless. Magnifying optics help a lot in low light, and collimating (red dot) sights are usable in total darkness (though they don't help you see the target, obviously).

If it's just a range gun, it doesn't matter, obviously.

I'd consider changing out the furniture. That flat-faced grip on the thumbhole stock looks awfully uncomfortable.

If you want a "correct" optic, consider picking up an old Trilux scope and dust cover mount. They can be had for decent prices these days. DSA sells the scope and mount together for $250.00.

Why not? It's not uncommon for hunters to spend as much on glass as the rifle. :D
 
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