FAL receivers - is it really as bad as it seems?

[White Horseradish]

I was poking through junk in my basement the other day and happened upon a FAL parts kit I all but forgot about. This prompted me to do a brief search on FAL receivers, here and elsewhere. The results are disappointing.

Apparently, I have a choice of DSA or Entreprise. DSA is expensive. Entreprise is only marginally less expensive, and has sketchy quality.

So, is there some other source I don't know about, or is that pretty much it?

 

[W.E.G.]

That's it.

IMBEL's are out there on the second-hand market, at prices higher than DSA.

 

[MiddleAgedKen]

That is correct. Ohio Rapid Fire is working on producing an FAL receiver, but it is not yet available.

 

[nalioth]

That is correct. Ohio Rapid Fire is working on producing an FAL receiver, but it is not yet available.

... and they've been working on it since you were YoungManKen....

 

[Thefabulousfink]

Go with DSA.

I've built two rifles on DSA receivers and had no trouble. good fit, finish, and function. I don't have any experience with Enterprise but I have read about lots of guns built on them over at FALFiles... you just might have to remove a little metal on some receivers. As for price, I am afraid that is just the sad reality, and with the cost of metal and machining it you will not find anyone making them for cheaper. Unfortunately surplus receivers are all but gone and command a high price when found. You could prowl the auction and market sites waiting for someone desperate or stupid enough to sell a non-Century receiver for under $300 but you'd better jump on it the instant that it is posted.

PS: Ask around and you can probably find an FFL gunsmith who is willing to order you a DSA receiver at Dealer Price (which is a good deal less), especially if you throw some work his way like cut and thread the barrel or parkerizing.

 

[silverlance]

Our 3rd Generartion receivers, revised Fall 2007, are $329 MSRP and if you or your FFL references me we can include shipping as well. Workmanship is guaranteed for life. If you have a problem, though, we ask that you contact us for support before filing - receivers should not require much fitting if at all. Bear in mind that there are variations between parts kits. We have notes for each particular type, so just let us know.

DSA receivers are $449 MSRP. These are also steel, but made from forgings which some users prefer over modern machined castings (MMC) which both Ruger and EAI uses. That said, neither EAI or DSA (that I am aware of) have ever had a KB or catastrophic failure in their FAL rifles.

IMBEL receivers are about $450-550 if you can find them online. There are currently no IMBEL receivers on Gunbroker (there is one, but if you read closely it is actually a CAI made receiver that is "like" an IMBEL). That CAI is going for $350 BIN. The GL type is military; non-GL (gear logo) is commercial. No KB that I am aware of.

CAI/HESSE/VULCAN receivers a cheaper, as low as $250. There have been reports of KB, with photos on the forums, but have not be verified.

Alternatively, if you would like you can also send us your kit and we will build your rifle for you, then send it back completed and parkerized.

Kev