Should I buy a used FAL for 1000 dollars...

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

Or should I wait to get the M1A new? I really want them both, and don't have the budget for them both now though. If anyone has an idea if this is a,"good deal", or not, I would appreciate it. The FAL is ,"inch", if that makes a difference. I have not seen one anywhere else in this area, and need to be talked down from this possible impulse buy before it's too late. Sorry guys, I don't have anymore imfo about make, model, or condition, but will update this soon as I get more imfo. Basically right now I am looking to find out imfo about new FALs' prices versus used. I really want a .308 rifle and it will be either the FAL, G3, or the M1A... Any pros and cons will be appreciated.

 

[MisterPX]

DO NOT BUY! If it was one of the high end DSA models, then that'd be fine, but since you mentioned it was an inch gun, it's not going to be a DSA. Most of the inch guns I can recall were CAI guns, for $1000 you should be getting 2-3 of them.

 

[jagdpanzer347]

I strongly agree with MrPX. Way to much money for what is probably a CAI kit built rifle.

-jagd

 

[Thefabulousfink]

Unless it is a factory made DSA in good condition, $1000 is a little steep. "Inch" means that it is patterned after the British or "Commonwealth" rifles used by the UK, Canada, and AUS/NZ. The other type is "metric" that was used by most everyone else (Austria, Belgium, South Africa, etc.). Israeli and Indian are their own animals. People who build FALs from kits often use what parts are available at the time, i.e. a metric receiver and barrel, Inch lower and FCG, and Israeli handgaurds. These are called "Frankenfals" and may shoot well, but aren't worth much.

Pop on over to the FAL Fileshttp://www.falfiles.com/forums/
You will find lost of info on what to look for. Also check out their marketplace, you should be able to find a nice used FAL for $600-$800 (be fast, they go quick).

Hope that helps.

 

[hso]

I agree that it's not a good deal. If it's a full inch gun then it's a FAL collector's gun. If it's an inch on metric it's a Franken Fal that's worth no more than $500-$700. That doesn't make it a bad gun it just means it's not work a k$.

 

[Roadwild17]

Maby try making a counter-offer.

 

[American By Blood]

To echo what other posters have said, stay away. "Inch" pattern FAL clones tend to be abominations cobbled out of anything the smith had on hand. Worse even is if it's a CAI frankenFAL. Then the smith jury-rigging the thing was a monkey. An angry monkey. An angry drunken monkey.

If you're saving money for a 7.62 NATO rifle and the SA M1A is in your price range you might want to think good and hard about a DSA FAL. DSA makes great rifles with longer lifespans than the M1A. A civilian shooter is unlikely to break either weapon, but if you're looking to pass the thing on to your kids or use it as a SHTF piece you may want to consider metallurgy. SA investment casts their receivers. DSA forges theirs. Properly forged steel will always be stronger than castings.

 

[FotoTomas]

I will differ a little with the consensus here BUT do agree that a "INCH" pattern rifle at $1000 is a bit much.

I had a Inch rifle made by "Entre'prise" and it was a wonderful weapon. Made in the post ban style with a bipod barrel and plastic furniture. Muzzle brake on the front end.



It looked great and shot better than any .308 I had ever owned. I traded it off when money was tight and rue the day. It was gone when I got the money up. I had about $600 in it all total and would drop that amount and more to get it back.

On the otherhand a lot of those CAI rifles were definatly NOT something I would spend more than 2 or 3 hundred dollars for.

I know that inch pattern magazines are a little harder to find. I have four waiting on another Entre'prise rifle to find its way home.

 

[Foxtrot427]

Id go with an M1. Then later put an EBR stock on it.

 

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

Thanx for the,"Talk Down", guys..

I will just keep on waiting, or possibly take a look at the G3 this guy has...Damn this BattleRifleitus, it is killing me:banghead: Still 2 Many Choices!?

 

[Eat Beef]

American by Blood,

LRB hammer forges M1A recievers, right here in the good ol USA. Of course, they cost a little more..........

Just don't want folks thinking that Springfield is the only place to get a M1A.

 

[American By Blood]

This is true, Eat Beef. But LRB calls their rifles M14s. When anyone talks about buying an M1A I assume they're referring to an SA weapon because M1A is a trademark of SA.

That said, LRB makes some sweeeet rifles. More expensive than a DSA FAL, but very nice. If I decide that I need another 7.62x51 semi-auto I'll start socking money away for one of those babies. Well worth the fiscal discipline.

 

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

DSA is lookin' better and better!

Even at around 1600 bucks. I really would like to have a ,"battle class" rifle, just to start stretching my shooting ability past 200 yards. I want one with the added rail, and atleast the 21" barrel. Later might get it cut down to 18" or so. 16" just seems abnormally short for a .308 as far as velocity loss for accuracy at range, and bringing that big,"BOOM!!!", that much closer to my ears !

So I guess this thread has changed to now talking me out of saving up for the next 3 months to pick up this beast ! How much can I expect to pay for 20 round mags? Accuracy of a new DSA FAL? Should I go red dot or scope(leaning towards low power scope)? Last, is it worth it to buy new or just buy used with this type of weapon? The only weapon I still have that I bought used is my WASR AK(it was cheaper than my Glock ). Thanx in advance guys.

Still 2 Many Choices!?

 

[Deer Hunter]

I just bought a DSA STG58 for $860. This includes an 18 inch barrel and bipod. I am thoroughly excited about the gun. Cutting down the barrel to 18" does not dramatically reduce velocity. Three inches difference between a 21" barrel and an 18" barrel is not much for the .308. Magazines run about 5 dollars each. Accuracy is, from what I have researched, is pretty good with these FALs.

 

[Eat Beef]

Deer hunter, I've been seeing your posts about your new FAL, and they have my mouth watering. It does have a forged reciever, not aluminum, right? How long is the wait?

 

[AndyC]

DSA receivers are forged then machined, not cast - correct. Only aluminium receivers I know of are Williams aka "Alumibombs".

 

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

Deer Hunter...

Did you buy new or used for that price? I would really like an FAL, but I may go get a 10/22 instead(just for the time being), to have a new firearm and cheap ammo. A "brick" for 9 bucks sure don't hurt the bank account like stocking .308 would... Still 2 Many Choices!?(and not enough money:banghead: )

PS: I know it's sacreligious to not have a .22 around here but I learn quick, lol !

 

[Vic303]

THe only way I'd consider spending $1000 was if it was an AZEX built FAL.

(Now I'd pay DSA's prices for NIB, but he's asking about a FAL of unknown origins.)

 

[Deer Hunter]

Bought new, forged steel....

...definantly steel, it will weigh 10 pounds!

That's the one I bought, with 18 inch barrel. Purchased straighth from DSA, without dura-coat, cost me $860. Tack on about a 20 dollar transfer fee with my local dealer, and you've got yourself a FAL.

 

[CCWMAN]

FOTOTOMAS-BEEN WANTING TO TALK WITH YOU......

FOTO would you do me a favor and email me at [email protected]. I'd like to talk with you if that's all right.

 

[CCWMAN]

I like the Original FN-Para 18" or the DSA Version.

I'd get the original folding stock FN-PARA 18" barrel gun or the excellent DSA PARA-CONGO 18" rifle! But either gun is way above $1000!!

 

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

Deer Hunter,

Thnx for the reply. I guess I will start saving my change, and maybe by Christmas I will have that FAL in the configuration that I want! Oh well, good things come to those who wait!!

Still 2 Many Choices!?

 

[Scottso]

Have a few of both FAL's and M1A's pro's and cons for both, but not a fan of inch models. Mags are cheaper for the FAL $10-15, M1A mags are $25-45. I love both have a Belgian Para, Izzy Heavy Barrel, and SAR 48 just sold Izzy LB. Metric mags wiil work in Izzy's the differnce with Israelis is threading and other parts that will not work on metric's. My M1A's ase great an all GI one will run $1250+ depending on other factors NM,Rear lugged receivers etc. LRB's are great but you are going to have a long wait, Larry is back logged bigtime. Smith Enterprises is another option but have plenty of cash. Check out m-14forums. Fal's from kits range from $600 to 1800 depending on parts and other factors, Belgians paras from $2500 to 4000. Try the Falfiles great site. Whichever you choose enjoy and look before you leap, impulse buys can be bad. Pics are my M1A's Israeli LB and SAR 48 Springfield Armory FAL made in Brazil

 

[AndyC]

FAL kits are currently selling for $150 from Dan or Wolfsburg Bob on falfiles.com - you'd still need to get 7 US-made parts to make them 922r-compliant, though.

Pity there's such a shortage of receivers...

 

[MechAg94]

How is the FAL receiver built? Is it sheet metal like the G3 or is it a solid steel piece like the M14? Just wondering what "forged" means in relation to an FAL reciever's construction. I have never owned or shot one so I don't know what the internals look like.

Technically, the G3 has a forged receiver also, but I am not sure that means a whole lot.