Finish FN-FAL Stg58 kit, or dump and buy AR-10?

[emc]

Several months ago, I purchased an Stg58 kit which appeared to be in near new condition. Other than some handling wear, no indication of any real use. My intention was to have a competent FAL gunsmith assemble this into what the rifle was originally, using a DSA Type I receiver. I wanted to go with the DSA since that would be the closest to how the rifle was originally configured. My understanding is that the Imbel receivers are Type III only.

Well, there have been some serious delays on the part of DSA in supplying receivers. I had originally dropped the rifle off in late January. About ten days ago, I spoke with DSA and they commented that it would be at least seven weeks before any would become available. In communicating with the gunsmith, he was most recently told that DSA was now looking at sometime in August before these would become available.

At this point, I am worried that this deadline would slip once again, since my understanding is that DSA is manufacturing complete rifles for sale.

First, has anyone seen anything that would indicate that DSA will keep to this stated delivery date? The FAL would be nice, but not if I have to wait indefinitely for it.

Second, I'm getting dang tired of waiting, and am kicking around the idea of just ditching the entire FAL idea and buying an AR-10 instead. A local shop has an Armalite AR-10A4 standard available for about $1100, and I'm pretty sure that they would take less for it. FWIW, the cost to finish the Stg58 would be around $700, which includes all of the necessary parts, the DSA receiver, complete refinishing, etc.

Any opinions on this?

Thanks,

emc

 

[Sachse]

Have you looked in the a dc indrustries reciver? You can get those in a TYPE I. Plus they are 100 bucks cheaper. You should really ask this question on falfiles.com to get the best answer.

 

[emc]

I've not heard of DC industries. I'll do some follow up on that.

Thanks!

emc



Edited to add that I didn't know that DC Industries is the source of the Coonan receiver.

 

[Beav]

Chances are it will be a while. I put an STG58A on order a couple of weeks ago and I've been told it will take 2 to 3 months.

 

[JShirley]

EMC- you should definitely go for the AR-10. How much will you be selling that worthless kit for?

John

 

[emc]

Now, now, John! Bargain hunting, are we????

At this point, I'm waiting to hear back from DSA on what they can do towards providing some sort of commitment in supplying a receiver in August.

In the meantime, my gunsmith has indicated that he is in the process of setting up his CNC equipment to machine the Imbel Type III receivers to look just like the Type I that would be appropriate for the Stg58. When this would happen, and what the cost would be is yet to be determined. He did say though, that he would not recommend the Coonan over the Imbel.

FWIW,

emc

 

[JShirley]

In all seriousness, I have one FrankeNFAL (made from G1 kit) that I am VERY happy with. Am in the process of selling off enough weapons to get a match FAL...

John

 

[emc]

Interesting comment, John! What sort of modifications and tweaks are you planning on to get the greater accuracy from your FAL that you're talking about?

Thanks,

Ed

 

[iamkris]

emc

I have a DSA STG58A that I bought as a completed rifle straight from DSA. VERY happy with it. I made similar decisions as you, wanting a rifle that was as near stock as I could (of course since then I've replaced trigger springs, added a match sight, SAW grip, Israeli mag release and an L1A1 selector...oh well, so much for stock)

Are you saying that it will cost $700 IN ADDITION to the kit price to finish the rifle? If so, that isn't a very good deal. Even if this includes the kit, you can spend about $100 more and get a completed rifle straight from DSA in about 2 weeks. Just have your transfer dealer order direct and pay his transfer cost. That sounds like a better deal to me than waiting until August.

My advice is to go ahead and get the FAL...assuming you bought it because it was an FAL and not "just to have a 308". Keep on stock (sort of) like I did, then go for a tricked out one. My next FAL will be a lightweight carbine...maybe a para model.

As for a "match FAL", I'm assuming the first places to start are a match barrel, free-floated handguard, better sights and trigger job.

Here's a pic of mine (3rd from top) mixed in with the "battle rifle" section of the safe

Here's what this rifle will do if I do my part

 

[emc]

Kris, the quoted price of $700 from the gunsmith is indeed in addition to the cost of the kit. This price also includes the price of a DSA receiver, as well.

Ed

 

[iamkris]

In that case, I'd recommend selling the kit and buying a STG58A direct from DSA. Mine was a Type I with carry handle, delivered in 2 weeks. Assuming your kit cost $250 (what are these going for these days?), you'll end up spending about $100 LESS for a completed rifle and you'll be shooting it inside of a month.

My completed rifle looks unissued. Either it was or DSA did a FABULOUS job cleaning it up.

 

[JShirley]

Ed,

As Kris said, a match heavy barrel, sights and trigger job are basic. This rifle also has a custom, shorter LOP stock with adjustable cheekpiece...

John

 

[Treylis]

Israeli mag release

What's that?

 

[iamkris]

Magazine Release Lever, ergonomically contoured, Israeli

http://www.dsarms.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=059A&storeid=1&image=magreleaseisraeli.jpg

 

[Dollar Bill]

I would finish the FAL. The AR-10 is a nice rifle but expensive and the magazines are expensive. The FAL is a battle proven design and while not a target rifle it is capable of good accuracy, just not one hole accuracy. The StG58 is recognized as one of the best parts kits out there and if yours shows little use then all the better. The Coonan receiver is a good receiver, in my opinion, and I have one rifle built with a Coonan. It is investment cast then machined so the outer surface may not be quite as smooth as the DSA but the receivers are in spec and easy to build on with few problems. They have the type 1 lightening cuts so it would match up with your type 1 StG lower. I think the Coonan is available from FAC but you may check with them. Look around over on www.falfiles.com/forums as there is lots of discussion on the merits of the Coonan receiver from 'smiths who build on them regularly.

 

[Pointman]

Check out Dan Coonan's type 1 receivers. No they're not quite as polished as DSA's but they're 1/2 the cost and last I spoke with them the wait is only 3-6 weeks.

I admire DSA's work but I do not believe they're worth more than twice the cost of a Coonan or Imbel.... unless you want a Type2 and/or just have to have the very best no matter the cost.

And definately the Stg58 over the AR10. Those Steyr kits are cherry.