FAL Experts?

[Jlr2267]

I came across a Century FAL built on an Imbel receiver and almost bought it, but a couple of things did not look right:

1) the gas knob was very sloppy, not much clicking, just kinda rolling around
2) the flash supp was held on by a spring clip and rattled a lot...very loose and does not look original

I'll add a couple pics shortly. Any input on the possible problems and the rifle's value is appreciated. He's asking $765. Looks like it's hardly been fired.

 

[Ash]

As far as I know, Century never installed flash hiders. They did install muzzle brakes - if this is a cylinder with holes that is what it is. The adjustment wheel should not be floppy. Both of those are generally not hard fixes. The thing you have to watch for with these rifles is the two-piece gas piston which is junk but not a hard replacement.

 

[Jlr2267]

receiver:


muzzle device:

 

[Ash]

That flash hider was not installed by Century. The receiver is generally regarded as one of the best.

 

[wideym]

The gas adjustment knob has a wire underneath it to give the knob tension, kinda like a U shape. It might be missing.

 

[Jlr2267]

Thanks Ash. Is it possible this was a parts build by an individual, not by Century? I understand they sold some receivers and kits separately.

As for the muzzle device...are there other devices readily available? I think this one would have to go immediately.

Does $750 sound like a reasonable price?

 

[Jlr2267]

Thanks wideym. Do you know of a good source for spare parts?

 

[Conelrad]

Flash hider

That one may not be installed properly. It twists on & off, locking onto the barrel by a large lug.

It is an early FN part however, used on many metric FALs.

DDG

 

[64Chevy]

Thanks wideym. Do you know of a good source for spare parts?

falfiles.com marketplace, Arizona Response Systems, DS Arms, gunthings.com & Ernst Armory are all excellent sources for parts. Anything you need is available. The FALfiles will tell you everything you need to know about the gun. If it's a solid runner, you can't go wrong at $750 as long as it hasn't been smithed by Bubba. Get & post a lot of pictures at "the files" for the answers you seek.

 

[Ash]

It could have been bubba-manufacturered, but usually what happened is bubba bought a Century gun and changed things out. If it head spaces fine, then it's probably okay. Undoing bubba on an FAL is usually not so hard.

 

[64Chevy]

It could have been bubba-manufacturered, but usually what happened is bubba bought a Century gun and changed things out. If it head spaces fine, then it's probably okay. Undoing bubba on an FAL is usually not so hard.

I agree. The smithing I meant wasn't normal basement assembly, rather the sometimes instances of "why the HECK did they do that?". Grinding the receiver down instead of lathing the barrel shoulder when it times shy, a locking shoulder that walks out after 50 rounds because bubba mauled it home and stretched the receiver LS hole etc. The gun is probably fine, and at $750 is a good buy especially with the gear logo receiver. I'm just extra cautious when it comes to laying out a good chunk of change.

 

[Robert]

I'd buy it if I had the money.

 

[Jlr2267]

I agree. The smithing I meant wasn't normal basement assembly, rather the sometimes instances of "why the HECK did they do that?". Grinding the receiver down instead of lathing the barrel shoulder when it times shy, a locking shoulder that walks out after 50 rounds because bubba mauled it home and stretched the receiver LS hole etc. The gun is probably fine, and at $750 is a good buy especially with the gear logo receiver. I'm just extra cautious when it comes to laying out a good chunk of change.

Now you got me worried. No way I can check that stuff out in the shop...those are problems I'd find down the road. I may just pass on this one and pay up for a PTR or maybe an FAL from Atlantic.

 

[64Chevy]

Now you got me worried. No way I can check that stuff out in the shop...those are problems I'd find down the road. I may just pass on this one and pay up for a PTR or maybe an FAL from Atlantic.

I definitely wouldn't pass it up automatically, it could very well be a well built rifle, and at that price would be a great buy. Just look for evidence of a bubba build. You should be able to spot damage to the nose of the receiver if it was ground on where the barrel is threaded in; would be abnormal finish over obvious home-grinding. Also, if the locking shoulder was mauled in, the holes (round on one side of the receiver, oval on the other side) would likely show evidence/stress from that. Other than that, if you're able to borrow go/no-go gauges to check the headspacing, you should be good to go. As Ash said, most typical bubba issues on riFALs can be addressed by you with relative ease and low cost. They're awesome guns, so don't run from it (especially with an Imbel gear logo receiver) just do a little close inspection before paying up. Right Arm of the Free World!!

 

[Hookeye]

I'd steer clear of Century.
Seen too many with issues, from them (not Bubba built).
Found a mint Argy for 1500. Twice the price, proly twice the rifle too.

 

[Ash]

Century FAL's on Imbel receivers are the exception to the rule.

 

[64Chevy]

Century FAL's on Imbel receivers are the exception to the rule.

^^ this^^