FAL "standard" to Para conversion

[Coronach]

What is involved in transforming a standard metric FAL to a Para configuration?

I assume...

1. Para lower
2. Para bolt carrier
3. Para recoil assembly
4. Stock of your choice

but...what else? Cameron.personal's FAL with a magpul stock (adjustable cheek riser! without being a PSG-1 clone! OMGZ!) has inspired me.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[DMK]

Also need a Para top cover(includes an integral recoil spring guide) and the receiver needs to have a recess machined around the gas piston hole to hold the top cover and recoil spring at the front.

I got around this on my conversion by using a DSA railed top cover. This unit is much stiffer than a regular Para cover and clamps firmly to the receiver, It also has a nifty removable guide rod assembly that allows you to remove the bolt/carrier and recoil spring without having to remove the top cover (the best feature of this item IMO).

 

[AndyC]

Rear sight would need to be swapped-out as well, unless you do it South African style and grind away some of the block.

To add to DMK's post about the para top-cover - some come with a "nose" and some don't. If you buy one with a nose, you'll have to get someone to cut a recess in your receiver (this is the more "correct" style).

 

[Bwana John]

but...what else?

You forgot the $$$$$$$$$$$...

 

[BigSoundRacing]

Here is the SPR Stock for your para conversion:



be safe, BSR

 

[Coronach]

Hey, DMK:

I'm eventually looking to use the DSA Scope mount, but I'm looking for the ACOG-specific one. Questions:

1. Do they make a Para DSA scope mount with the ACOG cutout?

2. The ACOG-specifc mount is the one that allows one to use the irons through the "tunnel" in the TA11 body, and will the para's irons still do this?

3. Am I correct in saying that IF you use a Para topcover, you do NOT need to machine the upper receiver?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[AndyC]

1. Yes - http://www.dsarms.com/prodinfo.asp?number=TA620A

2. Don't know - PM Grayrider here on THR, he's DSA's rep.

3. I asked the same question over at falfiles a while ago and got this answer:

By having the nose on the front of the para top cover it allows you to completely assemble your para bolt carrier, bolt and para springs into your para top cover before ever putting them into your receiver, as opposed to trying to put them together piece by piece without the nose on the top cover - it just makes things so much easier with the nose on the top cover

In short, you can choose to buy a top-cover without the "nose" and no cutout in the receiver, but it just makes things easier to reassemble if you do. Pic below is from GunPlumber of Arizona Response Systems:

 

[Coronach]

1. How much machining is required to accommodate a para topcover with nose?

2. AndyC, looking at the link, that is not Para specific, is it? It's just an ACOG version of the standard Extreme Duty Scope Mount, no?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[AndyC]

1. Haven't done it myself yet, so I don't know, although there are some details on the procedure over at falfiles.

2. Darn it, you're right - I hadn't noticed it was a non-Para TC. Drop Grayrider a PM and see if he can advise you on the DSA stuff - he's a nice feller

 

[Coronach]

will do. Thanks

Mike

 

[DMK]

AndyC, thanks for covering Mike's questions for me.

However, this:

By having the nose on the front of the para top cover it allows you to completely assemble your para bolt carrier, bolt and para springs into your para top cover before ever putting them into your receiver, as opposed to trying to put them together piece by piece without the nose on the top cover - it just makes things so much easier with the nose on the top cover

Is not telling the complete story with regards to the aftermarket.

The reason I chose that particular top cover is because it has a removable guide rod (it's captured in a slot). You can push the guide rod forward, pull it down out of the slot, remove guide rod, spring, bolt carrier, bolt, etc. The top cover is semi-permanently mounted to the upper receiver and is never removed for routine maintenance. I say that's a good thing, since your optics are mounted to it. Reassembly is simple. No harder than reinserting an AK bolt carrier/recoil assembly.

3. Am I correct in saying that IF you use a Para topcover, you do NOT need to machine the upper receiver?

Yes. During the AWB, I built my rifle on a Dan Coonan receiver, full, fixed stock. Last year, I added a DSA folder kit, with the optional Alloy 'Hampton' Para lower (the one with the M16A2 type sight), the above top cover (another option) and swapped all the parts over. No modifications were required to any parts at all. It was truly a simple, "bolt on" conversion.

(I actually ordered that kit, then emailed them later asking them to add the upgrades. They were very accommodating)

BTW: Aside from the lightweight materials, and custom rear sight, there is nothing special about that lower or folding stock. A standard surplus Para lower could be substituted. I believe the carrier is standard Para spec as well (except that DSA's is a US made part). I can't see any differences between it and pics of surplus Para carriers (I actually used to have one, but sold it before comparing them side by side). I also see nothing in the text indicating that the top cover requires a DSA carrier. However, you might want to ask DSA or Grayrider to be sure.