Should I trade? 1911 for FAL?

[leadcounsel]

I have a 99% stainless Springfield TRP with 2 mags and walnut checkered grips.

Other person has a DSA SA58 16.25" barrel, carry handle cut receiver, 3 mags, bipod, DSA weaver scope mount, and cheap scope. Seller says it's in very good condition, and the pics support that. I think it's a paratrooper. How can I tell? Are all the short ones paras? How is the recoil and flash on at 16" barrel? Forearm appears NON-ported triangular, with horizontal grooves that run the length. I've never seen these. Again, non-ported. Buttstock is non-humpback. Is that any good, or would it need replacing? Grip is similar to SAW, but not exactly.

I'll likely dump the bipod, and not use the scope (for this anyway). So those aren't worth much to me. More concerned really about the rifle, and I might put an EOTECH or similar retical on it.

I have several 1911s, and while I love this TRP and it's among my best 1911s, it's a safe queen and never gets out to the range.

I have a longer FAL, and it's among my top favorite battle rifles (tied with the M1A really). They were recently $1400 at AIM, and are $1400-1500 on Gunbroker at the moment.

I'm more of a practical guy anyway, and typically give the nod to a battle rifle over a less-than-practical handgun.

I think I'd place the value of the TRP around $1500, right around the same as the FAL. Can anyone chime in to tell me if they agree or disagree.

It comes down to what I prefer, I know. And I'd prefer the FAL. I just don't want to take a hit financially and make a dumb trade, rather than just selling the handgun and buying a DSA and coming out ahead money-wise.

Thanks!

 

[OARNGESI]

if the guns are even money go with the one you like more

 

[MistWolf]

What makes the FAL a Para is the folding stock. Barrel length doesn't matter
View attachment 682068

To get a better idea what you're trading for, head over to http://falfiles.com/forums/

If there is something to know about FALs, you'll find it there

 

[jobu07]

As Mistwolf states, falfiles is the place to get info on the FAL.

My observations on the rifle. It's a rifle, non-para due to the fixed stock and rifle rear sight. You'll note the difference in rear sights on the picture Mistwolf posted. Some folks like the non-hump back stock, others don't. The pistol grip appears to be an aftermarket metric copy with a trap door. Doesn't look like a saw style to me.

The aftermarket dust cover with rail is a solid one I've heard of some folks having success with. I'm not sure what scope is on there, but if you plan on pulling it off for an EoTech you'll probably get a few bucks back by selling it.

It looks like a standard STG carry handle along with standard STG forearm. I'd bet they are metal STG handguards as you can see where the bipod feet rubbed the Parkerizing off while closed. Might even be a surplus forearm, pretty standard stuff there.

The bipod is serviceable. If you don't mind the extra weight you can just fold it and leave it shut. I think most guys use it for posing for pictures.

The very front end looks like you have a standard metric front sight and you have a short STG muzzle device. I'm not sure any military used a 16" barrel, so he probably ordered the front end from DSA.

Looks like a great rifle and if you trade straight up for a 1911 you don't use as much you'll get plenty of great use out of it.

 

[claiborne]

No you should not trade unless you have another 1911 that you are keeping.

 

[bannockburn]

I would do it as an even-up trade. I have always wanted an FAL and have quite a few decent M1911's so trading one for that would be good to go with me.

 

[nastynatesfish]

I would trade. I had a imbel fal with the thumb hole stock and 18" barrel. I loved it. Hated the day I sold it but things happen. Bee looking for another one since. Be warry of the CAI fals parts rifles. And the double U feed ramp. They will jam. The recoil isn't bad at all, it's just a semi auto 308. The flash is awesome! Especially if you have a break on it. I been looking for someone to trade my260 to for one. Looking...

 

[Rio Laxas]

I wouldn't. I like the FAL a lot and have 2 of them, but in my experience it is cheaper to buy your own receiver and a parts kit and have it sent off to a FAL gunsmith for completion than to get a DSA. That way you can have the rifle built to your specs, and you can make sure you are happy with the parts that are going to be used.

 

[IBEWBULL]

FAL

There are a lot of built in the shop FAL's out there.
Is this a real one or CIA etc. I have seen the Century Arms go for $900 in WI
Plus if you have one why get the paratrooper?
I would Keep the 1911 and shoot the heck out of it. It would still be worth more than a FAL. Now an IMI Galil would be a horse of a different color.
Just my opinion.
I have been shooting the safe queens a bit at a time.
Just can not justify it any longer.
Happy choosing.
Steve

 

[MistWolf]

I would trade. I had a imbel fal with the thumb hole stock and 18" barrel. I loved it. Hated the day I sold it but things happen. Bee looking for another one since. Be warry of the CAI fals parts rifles. And the double U feed ramp. They will jam. The recoil isn't bad at all, it's just a semi auto 308. The flash is awesome! Especially if you have a break on it. I been looking for someone to trade my260 to for one. Looking...

Actually, the "widow's peak" (what you call the double U) type feed ramp is correct. The "unibrow" found on CAI made receivers is the problem child