Good price on STG58 FAL and questions for the FAL users

[crimsoncomet]

Well, it was a toss up between an FAL and a M1A and i think the FAL is winning. For battle rifle plinking purposes anyway. I know nothing about these rifles except that the SA58's are all american made and the STG58's are Austrian milsurp parts. The one I am looking at is a DSA STG58 for $1150.

What should i look for when purchasing?

What is a good price?

What do you all think of the STG58 compared to the SA58?

Should I hold for the SA58?

As always, THANKS!

 

[Z-Michigan]

The one I am looking at is a DSA STG58 for $1150

If it's new, that's a very good to excellent price. If it's used (after DSA's assembly of it), it all depends on condition.

I own both an SA-58 and DSA-assembled STG-58. I actually like the STG-58 better. Yes, the parts are somewhat used from Austrian military service, but they're refinished like new, and just look and feel a bit nicer. The SA-58 has all new parts and they are quite obviously new, but the Austrian parts just have some character to them.

I also think that the steel lower on the STG helps balance, though it increases overall weight.

I believe that DSA is basically out of Austrian surplus parts and therefore the STG-58 is or soon will be discontinued. They are now offering the "IMBEL Rifle" which is the same in concept but uses IMBEL Brazilian parts instead of Austrian STG parts. I have one of those too and like it also. Those are readily available and are running around $1k dealer cost, somewhat more to your home after a yellow form and FFL costs.

Basically, all of DSA's FALs are quite nice, and I don't think you'll go wrong with any of them.

 

[crimsoncomet]

The gun is new after DSA's assembly. Thanks! The gun was quite nice nice. That is what confused me on what is new on the gun and what is not. As for the guns furiture, it was also very nice.

 

[crimsoncomet]

I actually like the STG-58 better.

Also, would you say it is just as reliable and accurate?

 

[Z-Michigan]

Also, would you say it is just as reliable and accurate?

I don't have nearly enough shooting with either one to say anything meaningful based on my own testing. However, if you're expecting groups smaller than 3 MOA with an FAL, you're probably going to be disappointed. It's not super-accurate and it tends to have vertical stringing due to magazine pressure on the tilting bolt. DSA does offer a free-float tube option on the SA58, but if you actually want that you'd be far better off getting a .308 AR which can easily be free-floated and is inherently more accurate. As an aside, original Austrian manufacture STG-58 barrels have a near legendary reputation for accuracy, but none are currently in use on DSA or anyone else's STG-58 builds that I know of.

As for reliability, a properly assembled FAL with quality parts should be about 100% reliable, well into the mythical AK reliability. DSA makes quality parts, although once in a while some of their new SA-58 parts have issues - not very commonly though. Surplus parts are used but were generally top quality to start with.

 

[crimsoncomet]

Thanks Michigan. Any other FAL guys have any input?

 

[ny32182]

Like Z-M, I have an SA58 and a DSA STG-58C.

Though, I will have to disagree and say that I like the SA58 more. Is it $500+ better, eh.... that would be a tough argument to make with objective facts, but side by side at the same price or within a couple hundred I'd personally take the SA58.

There is something cool about the STG using surplus military parts, but I actually like most of the DSA parts better. I've shot some pretty awesome groups with the SA58 (better than what you hear on the internet); not so much with the STG (pretty much on par with what you hear on the internet); so in my experience, the SA58 is more accurate (sample size of one each... I also have a hooded rear sight on the SA58 that could play a part here). The STG steel lower is just heavier to me; I don't see any beneficial amount of balance difference (I've got the mil-profile barrel on the SA58 as well). If anything I'd say the SA58 "feels" a little lighter overall to me even with ~4" more barrel, though I'd have to weigh them to be sure.

I don't think you'll go wrong either way though.

 

[atlanticfire]

I've seen a few on GB, prices on the STG dont look to bad.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=207098610

 

[crimsoncomet]

Well, I may go get the rifle. It seems like a good price for a new DSA assembled gun. I think. Seems to at least be in line with the others i see online.

 

[Mark1957]

Crimsoncomet
Hello,
I was noticing the receipt for my DSA STG.58 is written "STG85" and the box is labeled "STG85.The gun's reciever is stamped "DSA' and "SA58". I was at the same gun shop last month and a display model was tagged "STG58" and priced at about $1299. However, the box for the display model was marked "STG85".

I'm wondering what I actually purchased. I'm new and any help you could give me would be appreciated.

Thanks--
Mark1957