How to tell between DSA STG58C and SA58C?

[Stinkyshoe]

How can a guy tell the difference between these two rifles? Is it clearly marked which one is which? My question comes from considering a second hand rifle, and being sure that I am not paying for a STG58C(carbine) with the SA58C(carbine) price.
Thanks
Ss

 

[FALna45]

first off, i think all the DSA upper receivers are marked SA58.
checking the lower receiver's your best. the SA58 should have an unserialed alloy lower like this:

the STG lower is steel and would have a serial# and different selector markings

 

[Thin Black Line]

Those both look like Israeli....

 

[Chuck R.]

I agree with FALna45, the easiest fastest way to tell is the SA58 comes with an alloy lower, STGs are surplus steel.

To be positive though, I'd call DSA with the SN. They should be able to tell you if it was sold as a receiver, or a completed rifle.

Chuck

 

[FALna45]

the first pic is a DCI type 1 w/ DSA alloy lower, triggerguard & topcover. DSA HTS, US PG & GP. whew. STG barrel threaded @18" w/ 'short Stolle'.
Aussie B/BC. the only Israeli parts are mag release lever, rear sight, buttstock & handguards. my first build

the second pic is a Steyr STG58 kit i bought from Gunthings.com in January. pure Austrian.
my latest build

 

[Stinkyshoe]

Thanks a bunch...that helps a lot.

FalN45
Do you think there is any advantage/disadvantage to the Carine FAL? Reliability? I want this to replace the M4. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Ss

 

[FALna45]

imvho the only disad. to an 18" carbine is the reduction in velocity (about 70fps probably from 21 to 18") and the attendant decline in energy. how much is enough for you?
if you can live with that then g'ahead.
i really like my 18" FAL clone. it feels alot handier than my rifles, tho to be fair it has other weight-savers beside the short tube and i've never found the rifles partiularly unwieldy anyhow except my SA58 which has alotta doodads added to it.
AFA reliability....c'mon......it's still an FAL!
you may have to open the gas port a bit, but i'd suggest trying it after the barrel is cut first. my 18" is a standard port and i'm running fine right about the midpoint of the regulator's range. my 16.5 is opened to 7/64 or about .109 with the factory # being .096 IIRC.

an aside to enlarging the gas port....a cleaning rod or dowel should be in the bore to protect it from the bit coming down &nicking it as you increase the size GRADUALLY & test for function.