Price Check on Quality FAL

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TheBlueRidge

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So I've set my sights on getting a FAL. I've done some research at www.falfiles.com but I really don't know terribly much about these guns. I've determined that I want a PARA model as this gun is going to be my dedicated just-in-case SHTF gun.

I've heard that DSA puts together good guns here in the USA and I've been eyeing a couple SA 58's that are going for ~$2,000 on gunbroker and the like. I've also seen non PARA used FALs that run much cheaper, how much cheaper quality are these guns usually?

I'd love to not pay out the ass for a $2,000 gun, but if they are worth it then I guess thats just how the cookie crumbles.

What's a good price for a quality PARA FAL?? Thanks!
 
You can find Para FALs on the FALfiles for ~$1500.

While Paras are great for hiding under your trenchcoats, have you actually shot a Para yet? :uhoh: You may change your mind. :(

ALSO- Para components come in many grades. A factory Imbel Para kit is MUCH nicer than some Rhodesian Para kits and parts.

DSA are ok, Falcon's are so-so but make new Para parts.


Id shoot one first before making up your mind.
 
You'll be well served by an FAL built by Arizona Responce Systems in Arizona. The gunsmith Mark Graham is known as the Gunplumber and is often on the Falfiles.
 
DSA has their Paras listed at $1960. Not much better than $2000. I would hunt around for a better deal. And though I have not shot a para I do have a standard FAL built on a DSA Type 1 upper that I love. If you get a kit built see if you can have a smith take a look at it before you settle on it. Some are hit or miss.
 
DSA has their Paras listed at $1960. Not much better than $2000.
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If you order direct from DSA, you get dealer pricing, which is about $300 or so less than MSRP, if I remember correctly from when I ordered mine. Mine was 2 grand even with a bipod, trigger job, and aftermarket grip and brake. I think they've raised their price $100 since then.
While Paras are great for hiding under your trenchcoats, have you actually shot a Para yet? You may change your mind.
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The balance and pointability of my Para carbine is phenomenal. It was a fairly comfortable shooter when I first got it, and with the addition of a JP brake, its now even softer than an AK. I suppose that all aluminum skeleton stock would be a love it or hate it sort of thing, though.

The one thing I'd say to look out for on the DSA paras (maybe all paras, but I haven't inspected another brand up close) is the recoil spring guide on the dust cover. I've had it break off twice. The rifle still functions just fine, it just makes takedown and reassembly a little more challenging. DSA is good to deal with, and they've promptly sent me a new one each time mine broke.

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How much is entailed in building a gun from kit? I think it would be a good idea to learn the in and outs, but I wouldn't want to get in over my head either. Here's a Imbel kit minus receiver for $540. Seems like a good price.

Anyone know of good Para kits? I really like the idea of a folding stock and 18" barrel for overall storage, transportation, concealability:rolleyes: , utility.
 
I picked up a NIB DSA SA58 PARA last week (16.25" barrel) along with a DSA PARA extreme duty scope mount. The rifle came with one 20 round magazine, a sling and a cheap case. Total price out the door for everything including sales tax was $1950. The scope mount is about $100 so call it $1850 for the rifle.

:)
 
Dravur - Good looking out, do you have experience with Florida Gun Works or is the kit itself shady?

1858 - Nice! That's a little cheaper that what I can find on their website for a PARA with the optics rail, did you order direct from DSA and undercut MSRP abit? I'd like to be able mount optics on the gun. I probably wouldn't add any til I shoot .308 accurately and quickly with irons though.
 
TheBlueRidge, I bought the PARA from my local gun shop. If I ordered online I'd have to pay shipping plus a 7% FFL fee (max $100) so that'd add at least $160 to the online price. My local dealer seems to get at least one PARA every month and has an 18" barrel model arriving next week. I don't even want to see it or else it'll be in my gun safe!

I have the opposite plan to you ... I'm going to mount a Mark 4 scope for load development (and to get an idea of maximum potential accuracy) and then I'll remove the optics and shoot it exclusively using the iron sights. I hope the trigger improves or else I'll have to do something about it. It's not good at present.

:)
 
What's the practical difference between a short gas system/hand guards and regular on a PARA carbine? Any?
 
What's the practical difference between a short gas system/hand guards and regular on a PARA carbine? Any?
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The short gas/handguard system works with a normal sized gas tap, the regular sized gas/handguard with a short barrel needs the gas hole enlarged quite a bit.
 
do you have experience with Florida Gun Works
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Everything I have heard or read about them says they are a scam.

Building from a kit yourself can be done but you must have the right tools. The hardest part is fixing the barrel to the upper and head spacing it. Head space kits for a FAL usually have a GO, NO GO, and FIELD gauge as well as various size locking shoulder "pins" so you know what size locking shoulder to use. Again it can be done but the price of all the tools for what for me was a one time thing is what kept me from doing it myself. A barrel vice and receiver wrench, both FAL specific, will also be needed. If I remember correctly my DSA upper came with the ejector block already installed. Once the barrel is properly attached and head spaced the rest is just pins and springs. If your barrel, like mine, does not time to the receiver at the correct 11 o' clock position then you are hosed. My barrel was fitted to the receiver and a new chamber reamed due to timing issues... again if I remember correctly. A FAL build is not as easy as an AR lower build, since most AR uppers are already barreled and all you have to do is build the lower and snap them together.
 
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Building A FAL is not that hard. Kits can be found at reasonable prices. It's the recievers that have gone up to crazy prices. You can find everything you need to know at www.falfiles.com I built 6 of them several years ago when kits were $150 and recievers were $200. Ahh the good ol days.
 
I've shot four Paras, two of which had the 16-inch barrel and short handguard combo which some people say is problematic. Not so in my experience. They're shorter, lighter and look extra wicked. What's not to like?

Some people knock Paras in general, with special attention to cheek weld, but I have no problems in that regard. And I think the Para rear sight is a big improvement over the original. It's much better protected for one thing. And not so wobbly either.

One upgrade I recommend is the Falcon Arms replacement spring set. Swapping those three springs will reduce your trigger pull about two and a half pounds. Roughly $20 including shipping.

I've seen many good Paras in the Marketplace forum of the FAL Files over the last 90 days or so. Look for guns put together by Sledgehammer, Moses or Gunplumber (ARS). I can personally vouch for their work. I've read good things about Glenn Riddle (Magnum Gunsmithing) too.

Look to spend probably $1,500 to $1,900.
 
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