Several FAL questions...

[porterdog]

I'm considering the purchase of a DSA FAL in the near future and have some questions.

Regarding the barrel treatments available, I read things in this and other forums that seem to imply that flash hiders are better than muzzle breaks but I like the look of nothing best. I don't have enough long gun experience to know what I'm giving up in going that route. What's the difference, and is there a problem with bare barrels?

Also, the DSA site doesn't give barrel lenghts for the STG rifles and carbines; anyone know?

TIA,
Robert

 

[FALna45]

IMO brakes increase the report and aren't needed on an easy recoiler like an FAL. some localities may not allow them, i dunno....but they're ok here in MI.
unless you really need to conceal your firing position hiders aren't NEEDED either but they look the business and protect the muzzle. also some (not the STG's tho) hiders are the mounting point for your bayo/ bfa /grenade launcher.
not sure but the DSA carbine pic looks like 18" the standard would be just <21" (533mm)

 

[Coronach]

Flash hiders don't conceal your position. Well, I suppose you can make the argument that any reduction in flash helps with that, but believe me, there is plenty of flash left for others to see once the FH has done its work. Rather, they're used to prevent overwhelming flash from blinding the shooter.

Mike

 

[50 Freak]

Plenty of people like their FAL without a Flash hider or brake. It's all up to you. The rifle itslef is like 10 pounds loaded so it's not if you don't brake it, it's not going to destroy your shoulder.

 

[DMK]

Going by the overall lengths, it's 21" for the rifle, 17" or 18" for the carbine. Both the STG carbine and rifle come with a flash hider, it doesn't look like you have an option. However, the SA58 gives you a lot more options and a 16" barrel length if you prefer.

BTW, you can download some cool magazine articles about their FALs here:
http://www.dsarms.com/magazine_articles.cfm

IMO, It don't need no stinkin' brake or flash suppressor

 

[Bwana John]

IMO All FALs need a Flash Supressor, Granade Launcher, Blank Firing Attachment, and the ability to mount a Bayonet.
I dont think they need any stinkin scopes or bipods!
Green Furniture is way cool though

 

[DMK]

I dont think they need any stinkin scopes or bipods!

Hey! I resemble that remark! I like your FAL Bwana John.

At least we agree that green is cool.

 

[Hobie]

DSA make a good gun? There's one at a local shop with a scope rail. Is $880 a fair price for a used gun in good to excellent condition?

 

[Father Knows Best]

DSA make a good gun? There's one at a local shop with a scope rail. Is $880 a fair price for a used gun in good to excellent condition?

DSA makes a fine gun. The price you list is probably about right for a used SA58 standard model with the rail top cover. If it's an STG58, however, that price is probably a little steep. New STG58's sell for right about that price.

 

[USSR]

If looking at a used DSA FAL, how would you tell the SA-58 from the Stg-58?

Don

 

[Father Knows Best]

I stand corrected....

 

[Hellion Productions]

Actually, my STG-58A is marked on the receiver as SA-58, since the receiver is the US-made part by DS Arms.

Easiest way to tell you have an STG-58A is the muzzle device. The "Stoll" brake will have 4 tines, like a vortex, only straight. It's also about 3 inches long, and ribbed all the way down. If it was made during the Assault Ban, the forks will actually be 4 pairs of ports at 90 degree increments.

Another way is to take off the handguards. Most DSA STG-58As have the original Steyr barrel on them, with serial number and Steyr proof mark on the barrel. This serial number will usually correspond to matching numbers on the bolt, bolt carrier, and lower receiver. These numbers will match to each other, but not the replacement Upper Receiver.

STG-58As are looked down on by the uninformed as parts-guns, but they're beautiful parts-guns. Those Steyr donor kits were never abused, made on precision Euro machinery, and make for one heck of a durable and accurate battle rifle when fitted to a primo American-made receiver.

Best,
John Bear Ross

 

[Father Knows Best]

I stand corrected....

 

[Coronach]

STG-58As are looked down on by the uninformed as parts-guns, but they're beautiful parts-guns. Those Steyr donor kits were never abused, made on precision Euro machinery, and make for one heck of a durable and accurate battle rifle when fitted to a primo American-made receiver.

Concur. Plus, even if they were scuffed up, DSA refinishes everything. The fit and finish of their STG-58s is on par with their SA-58s. Seriously.

The only thing you're not getting is the ability to select barrel and furniture. Furniture you can change yourself, later. The barrel could be changed, too, but if you had your heart set on something other than an STG bbl, you might be money ahead to go with the SA-58.

Mike

 

[FALna45]

[Quote:]Coronach
Flash hiders don't conceal your position...there is plenty of flash left for others to see once the FH has done its work. Rather, they're used to prevent overwhelming flash from blinding the shooter.[/Quote]

so there ya go, you DO need a FH after all!

i've never seen or even heard of a DSA receiver marked STG58. interesting. i'd really like to find me one like that....
my SA58 has (&i think all except the SS SA58s have) the DSA alloy lower which is unnumbered.

i believe most all STG lowers are steel and serialed between the selector and takedown lever.

that's 1 quick check.

AFA STG vs SA58 goes i agree with the others. if i knew how they multiplied when i bought my SA58 i would've bought an STG. actually, no; i would've bought my kits / rcvrs / compliance & tools THEN and had a running start. but it's not the same market now for that stuff.
IMHO the STG is a great buy considering street price is about $800 i think.
a nice matching STG kit is $300+ &the DSA receiver is $325+
try to find 6 more good compliance parts, assembly (or tools) and finishing for the other $175 or so. not real likely.

 

[Hobie]

It is still there, I'll have to go look again. Thanks.