Here's my final choices for EBR

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Norton

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After much research and consternation I think that I've finally narrowed my choices for an EBR to the following:

DSA STG58A - Rifle

DSA 58A - Tactical Carbine

PTR91 HK Clone

While the 58A would be the obvious first choice (for me at least) it's quite pricey.

The STG58A is probably the best all around choice given the quality of DSA's guns combined with a relatively moderate price in the $1k range

The PTR91 is the least expensive and is certainly a reliable alternative to both of the FAL platforms.

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge to any of these guns that might help to narrow the decision down?
 
As far as ergonomics go (which varies greatly from person to person), I like the PTR/G3 setup. Mags are hilariously cheap, and they're aesthetically pleasing (also differs depending on the individual).

A lot of arguments can be made for the FAL, though. Lots of accessories, options, and companies are available. A FAL can be made to look like an M249, fer cryin' out loud! :)

Both use ammo which is widely available, thanks to milsurp. Mags aren't terribly hard to find either.

Summary: I like the PTR, but neither is a bad choice.
 
FAL

Well my vote would have to be FAL.

I own the DSA STG58A and love it. Keep in mind though, it is a heavy rifle, especially with the long compensator on it.

I bought mine from The Gun Rack in Beltsville for $1,100.00 (I believe).

In MD it is considered a regulated firearm, which means the required background check and waiting period aply.

The rifle itself is awsome, shoots anything I buy, is easy to take apart and clean, and has a multitude of accesories available.

Did I mention it's a tad on the heavy side?

The adjustable gas system allows the user to "dial in" the gas setting as the rifle gets dirtier (for reeaaaally long times between cleanings) or when major changes in ammo supply happen. (ever have a rifle that likes one type of ammo only?) Pluses also are that the SA and STG are both proofed for .308 and 7.62, so you have many bullet weights and styles available to you.

Milsurp ammo works fine, (I like the Australian stuff), though don't expect a tackdriver. It is after all a rebuilt milsurp rifle shooting milsurp ammo.

Mine is currently set up with a DSA freefloat handguard, Versa-pod bipod, KNS precision front sight, VOW windage adjustable rear, and an ergo pistol grip.

It dosn't need any of this stuff, I just like to tinker. If I had to do it again, I'd probably get the STG carbine with the 18" barrel and short compensator.

Expect 2-4" @ 100 yrds best accuracy with good ammo and a steady rest.

If you want a range session with it, let me know and maybe we can set up something at Hap's.

Once you shoot it, that may help you decide one way or the other.

I have no practical experience to offer with any other FAL or the HK's.

-LeadPumper
 
Thanks all for the replies.

I went out to the Howard County show today to pick up some ammo (bought some Aussie .308....does that mean my purchase is getting imminent:D ) and to see if anyone had anything interesting to look at.

No deals to speak of.....

Gun Rack still has the high end DSA 58 with wood furniture for $1500 used....more than I want to spend.

I talked to the guy from Accurate Pawn to see if he can work a deal ordering a DSA STG58A.....he's going to check Mon or Tues.

I talked to Clayton from Otto's and he'll do a transfer for $30 plus MD $10 fee for regulated firearm. So if Accurate can't do better than Gun Rack, I'll get it from Gun Rack. If Atlantic Firearms can do it for $900.00 online I can do it with them for cost of gun, $20 shipping and $40 for the complete transfer. Still end up being about $60 to the good......
 
Bozeman,

I'm most likely going to get the DSA STG58A....seems like the most bang for the buck.
 
That's what I've got, 16 inch barrel.
Very nice (little loud, but hey i've got ear muffs on. :D )
breaks down nice, easy to clean and trigger isn't bad.
get a lot of mags (they're cheap).
put the flattop reciver cover on it for rails and you got yourself a MBR. I put an aimpoint on mine. fun, quick to recover too.
I just bought another FAL (21inch), built with a DSA parts kit on an imbel receiver.
and LOTS of extra goodies from a guy on this board as a matter a fact. Haven't shot it yet, tomorrow hopefully.
 
You might want to surf over to Arizona Response Systems. The last time I checked Mark has a couple of prebuilt FAL's in stock. I have a DSA and a ARS FAL they are VERY comparable, at least to my eye, in qualitity.
Click to expand...

That's what I was going to say. I love the various flavors of FAL's. And I'm glad DSA is around. But I would never spend that kind of money for some factory gun. If you want high quality and have the money to pay for it, I would go for a custom build from one of the smiths he specialize in FAL's. They will build you just exactly what you want. They will let you pick the underlying kit "type" you want. They will actually take it to the range and test it before shipping it to you. And they will stand behind their product 100%. Lots of custom finishes available as well. Might as well start out where you want to end up.

ARS is a great shop. Lots of others. You could always go to the mountain and ask your question there: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/index.php?s=

http://www.azexarms.com/

http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/

http://www.mandmgunsmithing.com/

http://www.gunpartsguy.com/

Gregg
 
Go with Derick @ AZEX Arms, or "The GunPlumber"(?) @ ARS. You wont find a better FAL (other than FN).
 
My favorite is my 18" FAL carbine buily by Rich at CGW. 100% reliable, cheap mags, very accurate Austrian surplus barrel. It was expensive to build, but with the aluminum lower and other low-weight mods it weighs less than 8 pounds empty and the VOW sights are killer. Wouldn't change a thing on it. Haven't shot my new Dissy yet, but I liked it a lot when it was a M4gery and it feels a lot more solid now.

my evil black rifles compared
 
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