Andrew Leigh
Member
Love the bagpipes, can be especially moving during military organized events.
Did some special ops in Rhodesia, a wonderful place and wonderful people. I have very fond memories of my time there. Still do business in the now Zimbabwe."the ravages of time..."
Boy howdy, I know EXACTLY what you mean. I was first issued an FAL in the Canadian Army in 1961 which is a few moons ago. I still keep a very nice DSA SA58 for old times' sake, and always enjoy using it. This one has lovely semi-fancy walnut in butt, pistol grip and hand-guards; much prettier than most issue rifles.
The British South Africa Police were recruiting me pretty hard when I left the Canadian Army in the '60s, but I don't do very well in heat so declined the invitation. Could have had some interesting times in Rhodesia (or gotten my young *** killed .....).
I've wanted an FAL for years... Seems everyone wants $1200+ for them though, and that's out of my budget.
It was really well made, but it was HEAVY!
Wow that is funny. Your beloved M1A uses a cast receiver that is made in Australia. DSA makes thier rifles in the United States on a forged steel receiver made in the USA, actually in Illinois. Their barrels are 4150 OG steel and also made in the USA. They make 100 percent rifles over here and some that use surplus parts on their receivers and barrels. The AR-10 is the old Eagle Arms company and will sell firearms to New York LEO's that civilians can't own. That means I don't buy their product anymore. It also uses a magazine that is specific only to the AR10 and is VERY expensive. If you had said something more constructive like an M1A that is match tuned or the AR10 are more accurate, I could stand behind that. Please educate yourself sir.maybe you should have bought American, I love AR10s and the M1A Springfield stands out.
This. Or rather, none of the things you list seem like real show-stoppers to me. You will be able to accomodate those variances from other rifles in short order.maybe you should have bought American, I love AR10s and the M1A Springfield stands out.
the heavy recoil, the damaged cases landing in far-flung places
Most combat rifles do not have adjustable gas systems for a reason.The idea of an adjustable gas port/system has positives and negatives. It means you can adjust your rifle to suit different ammo, true, but it also means that if it gets adjusted the wrong direction or gets worn, it can turn the rifle into a bolt-action only. They also can, with wear, begin to leak causing problems with cycling. In addition, many can be installed upside down turning the rifle into a bolt-action only again. Lastly, they add complication to the design - one more thing to break.
There are pro's and con's with adjustable gas systems. Ever notice that most combat rifles in use today do not have them?
Otherwise, I liked the other features of the FAL. I consider it to be a fine combat rifle - obviously most free nations felt the same. I prefer the M14 type rifle because of the traditional stock. However, should I wish to go with a pistol grip, I would prefer the FAL - though I like the L1A1 flavor variety over the metric.
Most combat rifles do not have adjustable gas systems for a reason.
The ammunition and rifles are built to spec. to compliment each other.
Update: I love this thing!
Thanks for all the positive feedback! Had a great time @ the range!
Good to hear! They're nice rifles, second only to the AR-10 for me, and not by a big margin.
Get an optic on it, you'll find it even more agreeable. DSA's mounts are really nice, but if you don't want to spend that much, the Aim Sports mount ($40 on Amazon) is also well made. Just got one for my para. I had to do extensive modification due to the para's bolt & spring arrangement, but it should be a drop-in part for you with your fixed stock.
Oh, and most people seem to prefer the SAW grip to the stock one. I certainly do.