FAL Gas Settings?

[shoobe01]

When I first got my FAL (gear Imbel StG clone, actually) I messed with the gas a lot, and managed to make it not run much. Finally, sanity took over and I just stuck it at 5, and its run since then.

However, I've been wondering where everyone else runs their gas port. Has anyone had good results with turning it down a few notches? If so, does it seem to reduce the recoil to the point where it matters?

Also, does anyone have first-hand experience turning UP the gas on their FAL? I mean, it stopped due to dirt or something, and you had to run the port more open to keep it shooting.

 

[David Park]

I set mine when I first got it, gradually opening the port until the bolt was consistently held open on the last shot, then I cranked it open another notch or two and haven't touched it since. I think it's set on 4.

 

[Mikul]

The goal is to run it with as little gas as possible while maintaining reliability. Which gas setting depends a great deal on your ammunition and your barrel length... and sometimes temperature. Therefore, don't worry if you're running at 5 and someone else is running at 3. It isn't a fair comparison.

According to the manual, the way to set the gas setting is to start with the gas port open. Insert an empty magazine and load one round into the chamber. Fire. If the bolt stays open, close it one more notch and you're done. If not, close it one notch and repeat the whole procedure.

Unless you are shooting unusual ammunition, or are in very hot or cold conditions, you should not be on 1 or 7 (the extremes). Four is the theoretical ideal since you are in the middle, but it really matters not.

 

[Kaxter]

I have an 18" FAL and I stay on gas setting 4 at all times with all ammo. Not ever had a problem.

 

[DMK]

I adjusted mine according to the manual just as Mikul described and then ignored the fact that it was adjustable. I've fired about four or five different types of ammo and a large number of different magazines with no malfunctions. And my FAL has a shortened barrel (17" plus 1" brake) which should make it more sensitive.

I think it would have to be really, really, really dirty or you'd have to be shooting some real horrible ammo to require any closing of the gas adjuster to cycle the action reliably

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