Seriously need advice HK G3 or FAL L1A1

[lykoris]

I'm hoping my neighbours(Anglo spelling) across the pond can help...

The HK G3 I was planning to buy turned up in a lot of 10 rifles at my local armory this weekend.....unfortunately they are not 'HK' G3s but G3s make by Enfield in the UK on license from HK.....and I REALLY wanted a HK as I've the original mount/glass already bought from a Germany army surplus store across the border.

Alternative is a FAL (again not FN Belgium made but the English variant L1A1)

I've no idea which is 'better' in terms of accuracy, I want a semi-auto .308 for 200m competitions at my local club.

Any help, advice, opinions on the rifles above would be invaluable to me.

Thanks for taking the time to read my question

Cheers,
Paul

 

[Trebor]

Oh man, either one would be a good buy.

Pesonally, I like the FAL better. It has better handling characteristics and less felt recoil. The L1A1 has espeically nice controls.

As far as which is more accurate, I can't say. My feeling is that it would depend on the individual rifle more then any difference between the designs.

I'd check the availability of magazines and parts in your area and let that help you decide.

Personally, I'd go with the L1A1, but you wouldn't go far wrong with the HK either.

 

[lykoris]

Thanks for your input Trebor, appreciate you taking the time

so +1 for the FAL L1A1




over the Enfield G3

 

[Destructo6]

HK G3 made by Enfield? I wasn't aware that Enfield was a HK licensee. Can you get pictures of the G3's marking?

I, too, would have a difficult time choosing.

I'd probably leave with the G3, depending.

 

[JWarren]

From my experience, with both an HK-91 and CIA L1A1, I'd do the G3.

"Inch" pattern FAL magazines are harder to find and a bit more expensive-- at least in the USA.


-- John

 

[stubbicatt]

Which one fits you mo' bettah?

Can you test fire them for accuracy and "feel" before making a purchase?

If one outshines the other with its accuracy but you can't shoulder it or find it doesn't fit right, the decision will be a difficult one. If they are comparable in accuracy, get the one that "feels" best.

My $.02

 

[lykoris]

From what I've read and from what two separate gunsmiths told me here the 'enfield' G3 is the one that is sold all the time here locally...I was hoping the lot my local armory got was German MP stock being sold off.

from what I understand from reading and have been told by two gunsmiths here is that the Brits had three companies making G3A3 receivers, Royal Ordnance, BSA (if I remember right) and royal small arms (based in Enfield so the G3s they made are called, incorrectly as 'Enfield' G3s)...apologies for the confusion.

I'll do my best to put up photos and get more detailed information for you.

All the best,
Paul

 

[lykoris]

Stubbicat,

The FAL seems like a lightly better fit but I've always wanted a G3...I think I'll pass though as I've the original scope Hensoldt Wetzlar and mount and don't fancy putting it on a G3 that isn't HK - perhaps that is stupid but it's just me.

I think I'll go with the FAL....although by my logic above I should only buy an FN FAL lol

I'd buy a M1A SM but the waiting time is 1.5 years from Springfield to here...it's just too much for me, I'm already having to wait for 9 months on a sako 85:-(

Thanks for the help guys, I had to wait over 6 months to find a colt python in great condition so I think I can hold out to find an original HK G3 that isn't too badly beaten up.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[Robert]

FAL, though if you are not stuck on the "inch" model try and find a good metric as parts and mags are easier to find and less expensive. Most of the time... I only say FAL because I have never been a big fan of the G3 rifles. Nothing more concrete than I just love the FAL rifles.

 

[woodybrighton]

most Uk military G3s went to the SAS and other sneaky types so they may have some more collector value
perfer the SLR but you really need to try both

 

[lykoris]

I can't 'shoot' either of them at a range before buying (to answer Stubbicatt's question that I forgot to answer) and I'm guessing it is a pitch up in terms of accuracy as both are 2nd hand....although from the research on the net the G3 would appear to have a slight upper hand in the accuracy department.

I feel disappointed as I've been waiting for a while for these G3s to arrive and was told they were HK G3s....I honestly thought it was surplus stock the German military police were getting rid of to the civilian market here across the border.

and I'm now doubting my choice of a sig550 after talking with a guy that complained that his foregrip disintegrated and had to be replaced, this puts me off considering the cost and maybe I'm better off going with a HK MR223...but have not shot or handled one of them.

I just don't want to end up regretting something I buy considering the timeframe the paperwork takes to be done over here, two months on average :banghead:

Thanks to all of you for your input,

Cheers,
Paul

 

[alaskanativeson]

Both are fine rifles. Here are a few points as I see them:

FAL
Pros: extremely reliable, tough, accurate, well made, adjustable gas system which allows empty cases to be ejected close or thrown a considerable distance, inexpensive parts (especially including magazines) available in great quantity

Cons: Poor factory iron sights

G3/HK91
Pros: Reliable, tough, accurate, excellent iron sights, well made

Cons: Parts are more difficult to come by and considerably more expensive, the movement of the action within the gun is disconcerting, empty brass is ejected so forcefully that even with a buffer many cartridges are unable to be reloaded

Like I said, both are excellent guns. I sold my HK91 and I have 2 DSA FALs which I love. The only thing I miss from my 91 is the open sights, they're the best iron sights I've ever used on any weapon. If I were to have to depend on an HK91 as an MBR, I certainly wouldn't complain.

 

[Silk Man]

The South African Navy issued HK G3's to its Marines in the 80's and it was always regarded by the South African Defence Force ,especially Army, as inferior to the Fn Belgium 7.62mm.South Africa went on to produce the R 1 (copy of Fn ) with nylon stock and foregrip.The FN went on to distinguish itself in the Rhodesian Bush War and of course the South West Africa and Angolan campaigns.Slightly off your subject but i had to compare it to a battle -proven great like the FN which did duty in the Falklands too.

 

[SaxonPig]

Are these full auto? I have a standard response to the FAL v. 91 question but not sure if it's applicable in this case.

FAL vs. HK91

61. The question of which is better frequently comes up. IMO both are good designs and either will do what most shooters want to do with a military-style 7.62 rifle. I own both and like them both but there are some differences. To me the FAL feels sleeker and faster handling but this is subjective. The 91 seems sturdier but again this could just be my perception. The 91 is hard on cases, battering them during ejection. Also, for some reason the 91 is horrendously loud with a real sharp report. The FAL is a tad longer and to me the grip angle is not as natural as that on the 91. The bottom line is that all of the differences are relatively minor and I could happily live with either if limited to one. If I had to choose, I would likely pick the FAL but it would be very close. I have no experience with any of the various “clones” of these rifles as mine are genuine FN and HK products so I cannot comment on their quality.

 

[sinistr]

the fn is plenty accurate and dependable.the g3 is just more so(usually).so it really boils down to personal preference.

 

[woodybrighton]

royal ordinance made quality weapons so I wouldn't worry about the g3 quality.
it was only when they were sold off and the factory's demolished and sub contractors used to produce the sa80a1 that quality went to ****

 

[lykoris]

Full-auto isn't allowed here, we can buy full auto but it must be converted by a gunsmith and reviewed by the police before we can take possession of it e.g. Uzi or MP5.

I'm going to go with the FAL L1A1 and will hold out to find an original HK G3 however long that might take.

Thanks to all for contributing to my dilemma, you've helped me resolve something that has been bugging me for a while

 

[stubbicatt]

Beware the dreaded FAL forend burn!

Don't forget to purchase your "tactical plaid" oven mitt so that you can hold on to the FAL to actually shoot it! That forend gets smoking hot! Especially the steel ones... even the plastic forend gets uncomfortable to hold onto... not an issue with the G3.

 

[iamkris]

I was getting ready to type a long comparison but alaskanativeson wrapped it up perfectly for me.

The G3/HK91 is very robust and reliable but the ergonomics are abysmal. Theoretically, the HK will have better accuracy.

The FAL is a thoroughbred compared to the G3. Superb ergonomics, easy to maintain. Adequate accuracy. THe sights and trigger aren't great but can be improved easily.

My vote (and my go to gun) is the FAL.



I speak from some experience I own a PTR91, have owned a Century G3 and own a CETME. I also own a DSA StG58A and a DSA SA58 Para.

 

[stubbicatt]

I speak from some experience I own a PTR91, have owned a Century G3 and own a CETME. I also own a DSA StG58A and a DSA SA58 Para.

--As your experience directs you one way, mine directs me another. I owned a pre dealer sample G1. Burned the bewillikers out of my support hand with those steel handguards after only two mag dumps. Scraping that piston and trying to clean the regulator of carbon and soot quickly convinced me that there had to be a better way.

And there IS!

G3.

 

[lykoris]

ok, decided to buy two FAL/SLRs - L1A1

choice between 13, both BSA/Enfield (RSAF)

so do I buy two BSA or one of each


I'm also going to buy the Enfield G3, I couldn't resist despite it not being an original HK

 

[10-Ring]

I once owned a 91 & had access to the FAL. Liked both but enjoy the FAL more. The HK has more cool factor tho (my 2 cents re: cool factor)

 

[Andi SWAT]

HK G3 ore FN FAL

Enfield stamped G3 (EN) are HK made weapons, HK was for a couples of years brithisch owned. and all receivers was stamped EN and not HK anymore.
Who is more accurate HK G3 ore FN FAL? depence on the barrel, if you have a HK PSG1 barrel you will have best results, but a FAL with match barrel will be also very good. the standart trigger are both NATO standart and hart for tunning, but again a HK PSG1 trigger is fine and for the FAL you can get a nice JARD trigger. do so with both weapons and you will have the 2 best 7.62mm NATO assult weapons ever build. and if you do some gunsmithing on the sight on your FAL (HK G3 or SIG SG 500 sight are one of the best sight for assult weapons) and you will have fun for sure. How i know, i own a HK PSG1 a FN FAL G1 a FN L1A1 and a SIG SG 500.
Sorry my friends if my english is not so good i am just a ex german SWAT

 

[Andi SWAT]

Enfield stamped G3 (EN) are HK made weapons, HK was for a couples of years brithisch owned. and all receivers was stamped EN and not HK anymore.
A friend of mine was working by HK and i get a G3 receiver from HK stamped with EN.

 

[Reid73]

I have no personal experience with the HK91/G3; but with the sole exception that (as reported above) it can be very hard on brass, I've never heard anything bad about it. I don't think it would disappoint.

The FN L1A1 is a very fine rifle. I prefer the C1A1 rear sight, which can easily be substituted without gunsmithing.

As between an inch and a metric FN, I would choose the former since it allows you to use either type of magazine. The metric FN is limited to metric mags, which are not as sturdy.

Beware the dreaded FAL forend burn!

Don't forget to purchase your "tactical plaid" oven mitt so that you can hold on to the FAL to actually shoot it! That forend gets smoking hot! Especially the steel ones... even the plastic forend gets uncomfortable to hold onto... not an issue with the G3.

Using wooden furniture, I've never had, or witnessed, any problems of this type.