teach me about FAL's

[guns'ahoy]

hey guys, ive been mostly a handgun guy for the 2 odd years ive been involved with firearms but the rifle bug has bit me and the FAL-style firearm seems attractive. ive searched through some old posts but i couldn't find an all-knowing FAL thread. generally, what are some good companies (DSA, FN, ect ?) and what are some specifics i should know about this type of rifle.. a good website link would also be appreciated.

 

[Tim Currie]

Me too!

I found this website.... http://www.falfiles.com/

 

[iamkris]

That's the bible. Search the archives for revceiver comparisons, history, etc. Search teh forums and FAQs and you will find everything you need.

 

[mercedesrules]

Must be a sign of the times; I feel the need for a battle rifle, too

I'll probably get a stainless DSA as soon as I decide on the barrel length.

MR

 

[vanfunk]

I didn't know much about FAL's before I decided that I needed to have one. I came across a like-new DSA SA58 in a local shop and drove it home in a car worth far less than the rifle . I enjoyed the discretion of being able to spend more for a sure thing. My FAL will shoot to the best of my ability with peep sights, and has not failed to function in over 1500 rounds of mixed commercial and milsurp .308 / 7.62x51. I have to admit that it shoots as well as my M1A. In fact, the only thing I can say to recommend the M1A over the DSA is the aesthetic appeal of that nice DoD walnut stock, lovingly tendered with 8 coats of hand-rubbed tung oil! . Even the trigger on my FAL breaks predictably and cleanly after that much lamented mush they refer to as "take-up".

Century build-up's can be hit-or-miss, so to speak, with some getting excellent performers out of the box. Others get tomato stakes:banghead: . A well built IMBEL-receivered kit gun can be had from an excellent firm like Arizona Response Systems for far less than a DSA will run you.

A man with luck and good timing can find a Century-built gun for $450 that'll run with a $1200 DSA. I consider myself neither lucky nor timely, so I paid the piper. It was worth it to me.

vanfunk

 

[asdaf]

The right arm of the free world. You won't be dissappointed. Spend a couple extra bucks and get one that has been put together properly or buy a cheap one used, and proven, from a trusted friend.

 

[Viking Warrior]

http://www.cruffler.com/trivia-April01.html
http://www.cruffler.com/trivia-April01-tools.html

Here are a couple good links on building your own FAL.

 

[Tim Currie]

Viking Warrior-

I am interested in the refinishing job they had done on their example rifle by www.cerberustactical.com. However, I can't seem to get to that website....like it doesn't exist anymore. Anyone know what is up with that?

 

[Open Carry]

Do lots of research. Don't expect quality from anything built by Century. Even guns built by Century with Imbel receivers. Be aware of the inch/metric issues. I did about 40 hours of online reading before I decided to buy an STG-58 from DSA. With the cooperation of a friendly FFL for a transfer, they can be had for under $900.

 

[IRONFIST]

I have a Century "FrankenFal" w/ an Imbel reciever and it is a GREAT rifle. Deadly accurate and no hiccups. I got it on Gunbroker.com for about $375 I would recomend letting a competent gunsmith check out whatever rifle you buy. I have heard more good things about Century FAL's than bad, but I HAVE heard some bad. Buyer beware, but it is possible to get a fine rifle from them, I am living proof. Good luck to you and make sure to load up on magazines for whatever beast you buy.

Michael in Sandy, OR