FAL vs. M1A - if you could only pick one?

[geojap]

The M1a is an outstanding rifle but I love the functionality of the FAL. It's so easy to clean, disassemble and so utterly reliable. Mags are cheap and so are good parts!

FAL.

Top: early DSA SA-58. Bottom: All Imbel Para (DSA handguard and FSE internals).

 

[spartacus2002]

I've owned one of each and would be perfectly happy with either.

I prefer the sights of the M14. The M14 can go longer between full-breakdown cleanings, and has fewer parts.

 

[atek3]

Thats a toughy, for accuracy, trigger, and sights, I'd give the M1a an edge. For reliablility, mag cost, overall cost, and ergonomics, I'd side with the FAL. Pick which is most important to you.

atek3

 

[thumbtack]

I love my M1A and I would vote that way. I have not shot a FAL enough to really recommend one.

 

[Fatelvis]

I would take the M14. I think the only advantages the FAL has over it is the ability to clean the barrel from the breech, and magazine price.

 

[geojap]

The M14 can go longer between full-breakdown cleanings, and has fewer parts.

I don't know how long an M-14 can go between cleanings, but someone at the FAL Files ran the FAL "old dirty" 6,000+ rounds without cleaning it and it had no failures. Now, the rifle did look like some had pooped inside it, but it cycled just fine. There are pics over at the FAL Files. Just search "old dirty" or "legend old dirty".

Edit: I went and found it. Here it is: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68486&highlight=legend+dirty

 

[spartacus2002]

Well, that is true about Ol' Dirty, and it is a good point. I should have elaborated: every time I come home from the range, I like to clean my weapon thoroughly to minimize the chance of corrosion.

With my M14, I scrub the barrel and flash suppressor, use a toothbrush on the bolt face, and wipe off the old lubricating grease before replacing the grease. The trigger assembly and gas system only require cleaning every 2-300 rounds.

With the FAL, to get it good and clean required cleaning the barrel/MB AND the gas system, and wiping down the bolt/boltcarrier. Cleaning the lower receiver was as-needed. That gas system took a good long while -- BUT, at the end, you knew it was cleaner than an AR upper receiver would be

So, they both will function even if it is a LONG time between cleanings; however, it takes me 30 mins to clean the M1A after each trip to the range, compared to 1.5 hours with the FAL.

YMMV. Having owned one of both, I would go to war with either and be perfectly happy.

 

[atek3]

Spartacus these are Battle Rifles, not pansy safe queens
When I get home.
Bore snake w/ hoppes. Spray light teflon spray over internals. Run silicone cloth over exterior, put away. Total time? 5 minutes. Once in a blue moon, I'll degrease clean and relube with tetra gun grease. Perfect reliablility so far. Oh, once every few blue moons, I'll clean the gas tube.

atek3

 

[shoobe01]

1-1/2 hours to clean a FAL!?!? What do you do to it?

If I ignore the bore (usually known good ammo, so its okay for quite a while) it takes /maybe/ 10 minutes to clean the rest of the gun. I can handily (ie: not showing off) take down the gun basically in like 30 seconds, and get to unscrewing the handguards stage in under 2 minutes.

Add maybe 10 minutes for my periodic bore cleaning. It never gets that dirty.

 

[DMK]

My Imbel FAL is super reliable, has a chrome bore, is super easy to break down and clean, has cheap mags (I have more mags for it than any other rifle I own), and is loads of fun to shoot. IMO, it's the AK of battle rifles.

However, It's heavy and having the front and rear sights fixed to opposite sides of the pivot hinge does not make for exceptional accuracy. It's not nearly as accurate as my M1 Garand which is considerably lighter as well. If I could find an M1A that was as accurate and reliable as my M1 Garand, and I could trade my FAL for it, I'd do it.

 

[hube1236]

This is the first compare thread where the respondants have not decended into attacking one another for their stupid FAL choices.

Really though it is satisfying seeing the civility in this group as opposed to others that I have lurking lately.

 

[TODD3465]

Either have owned both. M1-A or FAL.

M1-A is easier to shoot accurately at 300yds+ but that's probably just me.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I've owned a fine M1A in years past and I currently own an equally fine STG58. It's a tossup for me. Both do just fine at any distance I regularly shoot them to; they each have their eccentricities and high points. At this time, with the vast availability of FAL parts on the market and the current pricing structure, the FAL gets the nod simply on affordability.

Having said that, I most assuredly feel comfortable with either one.

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[JShirley]

I've had both. I'll take the FAL, though I wouldn't feel unarmed with either.

A half-heared "light cleaning" after yesterday's range session took about 90 seconds...

John

 

[G1FAL]

Never owned an M1A. After shooting a buddy of mine's, I dont feel the urge to get one, either.

OTOH, I've got 3 FALs right now, and will be getting more.

My choice should be obvious.

 

[Atlas Shrug]

shoobe01 asked about spartacus2002:

1-1/2 hours to clean a FAL!?!? What do you do to it?

I think that falls under the same kind of discussions as do men and their personal relationships with wives/girlfriends. To wit, here is my contribution:


The Axiom of personal behavior

Gentlemen don't ask what other gentlemen do in the privacy of their own homes with their female companions, or their guns. Also, Gentlemen don't volunteer such information.



As to the question - I cheat:

1. Garand (not a choice)
2. M14 platform
3. FAL

Any will do if you will, of course.

 

[spartacus2002]

Call me particular, but I just want to avoid corrosion. I want to make my rifles last 100 years.

My dad was USMC, so I do it the hard way