Imbel FAL's - value and issues?

[Damn the Man]

I've been offered to purchase an Imbel FAL from a friend for around $1K. First, is that high for an Imbel? Are there any particular issues with Imbel recievers that one should know about. I almost bought a CE R1A1 before and learned that they suck. Imbel's have better quality controls, right?

I was reading in Boston T. Party's Gun Dictionary that 'for a $550 parts gun it will suffice'. Seems harsh when all I read are rave revues about FAL's. He says unless you can hand pick them you risk getting a dud. These are not exact quotes, but that was the sentiment. I wonder what the issues are? I've been wanting to get a FAL, and now I have a chance to get one at what seems a good price. Are there any issues I should look and or ask about?

 

[Seven High]

I would ask to shoot the rifle before buying it. Approximately 100 rounds should tell the tale. For $1000.00, I would look at the DS Arms STg-58 if your friends rifle does not work out.

 

[db_tanker]

+1 on asking to take the girl out on a test drive.


I own an Imbel kit on Imbel reciever and it makes for a top notch combo...almost MADE for each other. But regardless of what you may see or hear, every rifle will have its negatives. Even the vaunted DSA FAL's will have an issue now and then. Mind you, they ARE few and far between...

Good luck!
D

 

[Bwana John]

Imbel receivers are some of the best, but.....

Who built the rifle?
What is the headspace?
What condition was the donor kit?
Is it 922 complient?

Imbel receivers are selling for > $400 alone. Match that with a perfect StG kit and all top grade compliant parts, a good refinish, built by a respectable armorer and its worth 1k easliy.

Now if its built by bubba with a hammer, chisel, and blowtorch on a worn out South African kit its worth about half as much.

 

[Damn the Man]

OHH. I thought Imbel was the ones putting it together also; like CAI. Is it stamped somewhere who the putter-together is?

 

[stellarpod]

I currently own a Century-imported R1A1 Sporter that is built on an Imbel receiver with Australian parts (AD- serial number). Feed ramps are properly double (no "unibrow"). I know that CAI has a spotty reputation, but this rifle has never ever hiccuped. However, I do believe there is a slight timing issue on the barrel, as I have to have the rear sight almost all the way right in order to hit POA. It is achievable nonetheless. I have since mounted a DSA railed cover and a 1.5-5x20 Leupold Vari-X 3 on the rifle.

I guess I was more fortunate than most.

stellarpod

 

[AndyC]

Imbels are very good quality - typically carried a lot and shot a little. Follow what Bwana John suggested, yup. Price is fair - not great, but not a rip-off, either - unless the rifle itself sucks or needs extra US-made parts for 922r-compliance.

 

[DMK]

I thought Imbel was the ones putting it together also; like CAI. Is it stamped somewhere who the putter-together is?

Most Imbel FALs came in as "parts kits" and were basically Brazillian military surplus rifles that were demilled by having their receivers chopped up. Most of these were rebuilt by hobbyists using commercial receivers. Some were rebuilt by professional gunsmiths.

Imbel (still in business) also imported stripped commercial receivers. I don't know of any complete non-NFA Imbel rifles that were imported. If there are any, they are rare and worth more than 1K if they could be validated.

A rifle described as an Imbel could be any combination of these parts or others. It is very hard to reliably determine exactly what you might be looking at unless you know all the variations of FAL parts very well.

I have a FAL that was an Imbel parts kit. I rebuilt it myself on a Dan Coonan receiver. It also has a lot of DSA parts (mostly US made parts for 9.22R legal reasons so it qualifies as a US made rifle and not an illegal "imported Assault Weapon").

I'd have your rifle checked out by a trustworthy and knowledgeable gunsmith before laying down the money. It doesn't really matter who made it. What matters is how well was it made and how good are the parts. If your friend has receipts for the parts and/or gunsmithing, that would be helpful.

Even some of DSA's FALs are "parts guns". However, they are highly reputable builders with years and years of experience.

 

[gunnie]

imbel questions

imbel mfgd (under liscense from FN) the springfield armory SAR48, and SAR4800 (ban compliant variation). i have owned FN, L1A1, israeli, and heese. liked the imbel best for accuracy. should have springfield armory name and mdl # on reciever if same was of that origin.

i have, however heard GOOD things in accuracy dept from DSA, esp heavy bbl'd full length units. [gray wolf etc]

the imbels DO use investment cast internals, but have not experienced any breakage from same. rugers, colts, kimber... etc all use investment cast parts now to lower machining costs. if you are concerned about this, replace internals with imported billet mfgd parts.

if you decide NOT to purchase this, pls send me a PM advising why, and general area of availibility.

gunnie