Teach me about FALs

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I've used the FAL a little and lately, two events have combined to get me interested in owning one.

The first event was that I used one in a carbine class and discovered that it was lighter than my existing AR and about as handy. The ergonomics weren't as nice; but they were good and sufficiently close to AR ergos that I could deal with it. In some respects they were even superior (location of charging handle for example).

I saw cameron's FAL post with a folding CTR stock on a FAL and a nice 1913 rail mount for the FAL. Right now one of my big problems with iron sights is that while I can still hit things with them just fine, I can't really see well enough to acquire the target to begin with if it is too small, too far or doesn't contrast well.

I've looked at the ballistics for .308 out of a 16" barrel and it will do for my needs. So I am not worried about that. I would prefer the accuracy and ergos of an AR-pattern .308; but don't like what I have seen with these rifles concerning reliability. So I have a few questions:

1) What does someone who is familiar primarily with AR15s need to know about an FAL so they aren't surprised by their assumptions based on AR15 experience?

2) On the AR platform, a rail system usually provides superior cooling and free floats the barrel. Is this also true of the FAL rail system or is it simply an attachment point for accessories?

3) How does a medium-profile fluted 16" FAL barrel hold up to heat? Any issues with wandering zeros? Will it do 800 rounds in eight hours of shooting without losing accuracy or having reliability issues?

4) Anybody worn out a FAL barrel yet? What was the round count?

5) What do I need to know about mounting optics on a FAL?

6) Ideally I'd like a combo that lets me use irons with optics still attached. Barring that, I'd like the same system as I have with my ARs where I can remove the optics easily and shoot irons without losing zero on the optics. Is this realistic with FALs?

7) How handy is the FAL with stock folded? I've fired MP5s, ARs, and AKs with no stock using a sling for tension (like the British do on occasion). Seems like it would be doable with a folded stock FAL as well.

8) How handy is the FAL in and out of vehicles? Do I need the folding stock to make it usable there? Shorter barrel?

9) I notice that DSA has two different length forearms for the 16" FAL. Any significance to the different lengths? I notice the "Tactical" length has a shorter sight radius and different gas system presumably. Can someone explain the differences here?

 

[HorseSoldier]

1) The main thing to me is the ergonomic issues -- different control placement and such. Also the adjustable gas system can take a little getting used to, but when you get it dialed in correctly it rarely requires tweaking unless you start shooting heavier or lighter bullets.

2) The DSA quad rail I have on my Para-FAL doesn't free float, just provides attachment for kit. There may be other options that do, however.

3) I have the barrel in question on my Para from DSA and have not had any issues with wandering zero from heat. I have not run 800 in 8 hours through it, but have done about 600 through it and my other FAL inside about 4 hours, and did not degradation in accuracy.

4) I haven't, but .308 ain't cheap . . .

5) The DSA Scope Mount works well on both my FALs. Very solid, etc. The only issue I have had with my Para is placement of my EOTech and shell ejection -- at certain positions on the scope rail the brass really rings the scope's bells (hard enough to knock out the reticle for a second on one hit). Running it further forward or back solved the problem, however.

6) I believe so. If you've got an ACOG or have the money for one, you can get the DSA scope cover that accomodates the ACOG shoot-through channel in the base. Otherwise, going with a quick detach scope mount on the rail should do what you need it to do. (DSA makes some sight options that can cowitness through a red dot as well, these days, I think.)

7) I guess you could shoot it that way, only issue I see would be recoil, but at point blank kind of CQB ranges should still work.

8) Personally, for vehicle ops and shooting with body armor I'd really prefer an adjustable LOP stock on my Para. It was not available as an option when I bought mine, but I'd say its something to consider essential for getting in and out of vehicles a lot.

9) Not sure on the differences there.

 

[cameron.personal]

Ahhh the FAL....

Doubles
http://www.youtube.com/v/oEvLQVnmeTs

Quads
http://www.youtube.com/v/hk3CuO61ACw

 

[cameron.personal]

I've used the FAL a little and lately, two events have combined to get me interested in owning one.

The first event was that I used one in a carbine class and discovered that it was lighter than my existing AR and about as handy. The ergonomics weren't as nice; but they were good and sufficiently close to AR ergos that I could deal with it. In some respects they were even superior (location of charging handle for example).

I saw cameron's FAL post with a folding CTR stock on a FAL and a nice 1913 rail mount for the FAL. Right now one of my big problems with iron sights is that while I can still hit things with them just fine, I can't really see well enough to acquire the target to begin with if it is too small, too far or doesn't contrast well.

I have an EOTech and a really good mid range illuminated optic for mine. This enables you to stretch the envelope of the ballistics of the .308

I've looked at the ballistics for .308 out of a 16" barrel and it will do for my needs. So I am not worried about that. I would prefer the accuracy and ergos of an AR-pattern .308; but don't like what I have seen with these rifles concerning reliability. So I have a few questions:

1) What does someone who is familiar primarily with AR15s need to know about an FAL so they aren't surprised by their assumptions based on AR15 experience?

Nothing just practice. Changing back and forward multiple times in a shoot session between AR and FAL never poses a problem as the ergos are close enough.

2) On the AR platform, a rail system usually provides superior cooling and free floats the barrel. Is this also true of the FAL rail system or is it simply an attachment point for accessories?

On a semi auto you really don't have to worry too much about cooling... There are FAL free float tubes available. Not really necessary for most applications. They sure look cool though... so I will probably have one soon.

3) How does a medium-profile fluted 16" FAL barrel hold up to heat? Any issues with wandering zeros? Will it do 800 rounds in eight hours of shooting without losing accuracy or having reliability issues?

My barrel is fluted and I have not seen any problems with heating. Although my barrel from DSA SA58s is a land lapped target crown Badger Custom Barrel... DSA makes awesome rifles....

4) Anybody worn out a FAL barrel yet? What was the round count?

I AM TRYING TOO!

5) What do I need to know about mounting optics on a FAL?

Nothing out of the ordinary, the sights sit lower to the bore than on an AR15 (think lower stock vs. straight line stock) and therefor the optics can sit lower too. Although for correct I eye relief I had to mount the thickest part of my IOR right about the A2 rear sight...

6) Ideally I'd like a combo that lets me use irons with optics still attached. Barring that, I'd like the same system as I have with my ARs where I can remove the optics easily and shoot irons without losing zero on the optics. Is this realistic with FALs?

YES. The lower sights mean see through rings or a see through mount could work with the standard irons. Watch out though anything above the height of the rail could block the front sight post. You need something that attaches to each side of the rail but leave the middle unobstructed, rather than having a bar across the top of the rail

7) How handy is the FAL with stock folded? I've fired MP5s, ARs, and AKs with no stock using a sling for tension (like the British do on occasion). Seems like it would be doable with a folded stock FAL as well.

It would work in a pinch (hell I have fired mine one handed like a pistol)

8) How handy is the FAL in and out of vehicles? Do I need the folding stock to make it usable there? Shorter barrel?

The FAL is only a tiny bit longer (receiver) than an AR of the same barrel length, practice will show you what works getting in and out of a vehicle. Fold the stock though and you see a .308 main battle rifle that fits in a tennis racket bag....

9) I notice that DSA has two different length forearms for the 16" FAL. Any significance to the different lengths? I notice the "Tactical" length has a shorter sight radius and different gas system presumably. Can someone explain the differences here?

The short gas system is the way to go. It cuts down weight while not taking anything away from reliability. I would not buy a shorty with the standard gas system, as I have seen three now that have a weird unexplained tendecy to shoot low......

 

[Coronach]

1. FAL rail systems do not free float. Free floating the FAR handguards can be done, but it is difficult. The system is not as modular and amenable to such tweaks as the AR system.

2. For a scope mount, you want the DSA Extreme Duty Scope Mount. Period.

Bart, if you're looking far an ACOG/FAL combo, consider doing the following: get a TA11 ACOG (not sure which others work), a Para FAL from DSA, CTR stock like Cameron.Personal, and the DSA Mount that is ACOG specific.

If you want to shoot using the ACOG, put the riser on the CTR stock. It looks like it allows a perfect, heads-up, AR-style cheek weld for using that optic.

If you want to shoot irons (or need to, BUIS-style), you remove the riser and use the irons through the tunnel in the base of the ACOG. AFAIK, removing the riser is quick, simple and tool-less (Cameron?). That should make it a pretty good BUIS system.

Mike

 

[W.E.G.]

The advantage of the FAL over the AR15/M16 is BIG BULLET DELIVERY SYSTEM.

Don't get all wound-up over the accuracy issue. I'll readily admit that the vast majority of FAL's are not nearly as "accurate" as the AR15/M16. But how much accuracy do you NEED?

Is 3" at 100 yards unacceptable? If that sort of "inaccuracy" offends you, find a different weapon. If that is acceptable, then we are back to the BIG BULLET advantage.

As far as size of the weapon goes, you can have either type in whatever size you want. Just a matter of how you configure it.

The whole notion of simutaneously sighting with iron sights and an optical sight sounds simply escapes me. If you really must switch to iron sights, and you have a picatinny rail-mount on a rifle, and a QD optics attachment device, you can dismount an optic in seconds. Although, you would only do this in the very unlikely event that some sort of mechanical emergency dictated such action. This just seems to me like a solution looking for a problem. Frankly, if I were in a dismount-the-optic situtation, I'd more likely switch from a telescopic sight to an EOTECH.

I cannot recommend a free-float tube on a FAL that might be used in a defensive situation. Unless you install a float-tube the size of a landscaping drain, your gas tube will be exposed. A tube of manageable diameter leaves the gas-tube vulnerable to damage, and unnecessarily exposes the operator to an area of the rifle that can burn the bejeezus out of you if your bare skin makes contact. Moreover, none of the free-float designs I have handled impressed me as being sufficiently robust to withstand rough use.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Mike, I had considered using a TA11 ACOG on the FAL but I was leaning towards variable scope because I've found it a tiny bit faster in close and I would appreciate some more magnification than 3.5x at range. On the other hand, the ACOG FAL mount looks pretty slick and having a bombproof scope that I am already familiar with and irons that I can use just by dropping my head a bit would be a nice rig.

cameron, what all did you need to purchase to add the CTR stock to the FAL?

W.E.G. - I am am not talking about an AR15 v. FAL conversation here and am really not interested in that conversation. I am more concerned with things that I may take for granted as an AR15 user that don't exist on the FAL. A lot of times you don't appreciate tiny differences between systems until you get a lot of rounds downrange with both.

 

[cameron.personal]

cameron, what all did you need to purchase to add the CTR stock to the FAL?

Mine came with the ACE SOCOM LOP stock...



Which had the Para Hinge Block and the ACE AR15 stock adapter. Unfortunately the stupid ACE stock would collapse under recoil and I returned it. I kept the hinge block and stock adapter and installed a mil sized tube and Magpul CTR.

 

[cameron.personal]

Oh another point.

If you have the see through mounts on you FAL your biggest problem would be removing the cheek piece riser on the Magpul CTR not removing the optic.

If I dumped my optic in an emergency I would not be able to use my irons until I got the cheek piece riser off the stock and they are a PITA to remove.

You need a screw driver and a pry bar and several swear words as you realize you are marking up you freshly painted stock

 

[Coronach]

Hmmm. That's less than ideal, then. How does it attach?

Bart, you can also go the other route, and add a JP red dot over the ACOG. My main concern with that is the jaw weld required to operate it...though dots are less finicky in that regard than othersights.

Mike

 

[FN/form]

3) How does a medium-profile fluted 16" FAL barrel hold up to heat? Any issues with wandering zeros? Will it do 800 rounds in eight hours of shooting without losing accuracy or having reliability issues?
800 rds in eight hours is common for an FAL at an advanced training class. I have never heard of FAL wandering zero that would adversely affect real-world use. As for reliability... if the rifle is properly built, there will be no issues. There's a rifle ("Ol' Dirty", IIRC) on FALfiles that's somewhere near 12k rds without any meaningful cleaning.

4) Anybody worn out a FAL barrel yet? What was the round count?
I would think and FAL barrel life would be similar to or longer than a 5.56 barrel. Firing schedule has a lot to do with any barrel's usable life, of course.

5) What do I need to know about mounting optics on a FAL?
A few companies make the mounts. I have DSA rail mounts on mine, no problems as long as I torque the receiver mount from the middle-to-outside ends. Surprisingly repeatable with an Armalite one-piece base. Armalite base isn't meant to be a QD item, but it works.

6) Ideally I'd like a combo that lets me use irons with optics still attached. Barring that, I'd like the same system as I have with my ARs where I can remove the optics easily and shoot irons without losing zero on the optics. Is this realistic with FALs?
You mean co-witnessed irons? It's been done, but I don't remember the details. I hate see-thru mounts, as they usually put scope way too high. I believe the DSA dedicated ACOG mount allows use of irons thru the ACOG's see-thru. If you're not already aware, DSA mfrs a few alternatives to stock sights. There's an AR-style rear sight and also a short rail version where you can mount your own BUIS.

7) How handy is the FAL with stock folded? I've fired MP5s, ARs, and AKs with no stock using a sling for tension (like the British do on occasion). Seems like it would be doable with a folded stock FAL as well.
No problems. Mag change is affected, tho same with other folders.

8) How handy is the FAL in and out of vehicles? Do I need the folding stock to make it usable there? Shorter barrel?
Para folder DEFINITELY for vehicle and indoors. A collapsed M4-style in my patrol vehicle is bad enough. A 16" non-para FAL would be a major PITA.

9) I notice that DSA has two different length forearms for the 16" FAL. Any significance to the different lengths? I notice the "Tactical" length has a shorter sight radius and different gas system presumably. Can someone explain the differences here?
I can't explain the differences, but my full-length 16-inchers have never had problems. It's in the build details; open up the barrel gas port if you need to, but be very very careful. I like the longer handguard, and I don't give a rat's arse about appearance details.

The only FAL caveats are high cost of ammo, right now. Yeesh.

FSE makes a VERY nice HTS set. Buy the one direct from them--it's tweaked to perfection. I can't name another mil rifle I've fired that features such a reliable, awesome trigger setup. HIGHLY recommended. I have installed one on every single FAL I've owned. No, I don't work for them...


-josh

 

[DMK]

What does someone who is familiar primarily with AR15s need to know about an FAL so they aren't surprised by their assumptions based on AR15 experience?

The bolt hold open is completely different. It's under the receiver and pulls straight down. Try to smack the side of the receiver to drop the bolt and... whoops, nothing there.

The mags operate like the AK. The release is a paddle in front of the trigger guard and the mags tilt in. No drop free with a button at your index finger.

The mag release and bolt hold open were obviously designed to be operated by the left thumb.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Yes, I finally got in some decent time with the ACOG/red dot combo. I thought it was going to be pretty slick and thought the comments about the different cheek weld were a bit overblown. After using it more, I'd say not. It is a definite change in the cheek weld and it does take some getting used to. I definitely came away from that preferring the TA11 or a variable scope as a "one size fits all" solution.

On the other hand, if you are even toying with the idea of using a folding stock FAL as a giant MP5K, then a red dot would probably be handy for that kind of shooting

With the ACOG mount cover, I think the ACOG might sit low enough you could use a traditional stock without much problem - or maybe use a lower riser on the CTR that would let you smash your cheek down on the stock to use irons?

cameron, does DSA sell the para hinge and AR stock adapter separately? I tried finding it on their website and could only find the complete AR telestock packages.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Thanks to everyone who has weighed in so far. DMK, thanks for the comments. That is exactly the type of stuff I was thinking about.

Para folder DEFINITELY for vehicle and indoors. A collapsed M4-style in my patrol vehicle is bad enough. A 16" non-para FAL would be a major PITA.

DSA shows the 16" Para as 27" & change with the stock folded which would put it close to a 10.5" AR w/telestock in terms of overall length (or about 7" longer than an AR pistol). I'm curious if the FAL can be made short enough for a driver to sling it in the front with a VCAS or VTAC style two-point sling.

One of the things that has tweaked my interest in more compact rifles is some of the vehicle drills we did at my last carbine class. Bailing out of a vehicle with a 16" AR carbine is difficult to do in a timely, graceful manner. You can go to the 10" ARs; but you lose a lot of the velocity that makes ARs effective and you still have a round that isn't ideal for working around other vehicles.

It seems like with a folding stock FAL, you can get a more compact firearm without sacrificing the ballistics.

 

[W.E.G.]

1) What does someone who is familiar primarily with AR15s need to know about an FAL so they aren't surprised by their assumptions based on AR15 experience?

I am “reasonably familiar” with both systems. I’ll reply to your question by emphasizing that 95% of recreational shooting is about marksmanship and physical conditioning. If you are a strong marksman, and you are in good physical condition, you will have no problem operating the FAL. Your question seems to assume that there might be some sort of “gotcha” involved with the FAL. Listen, if 100 countries adopted it as their main battle rifle, how many gotcha’s can there be?
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2) On the AR platform, a rail system usually provides superior cooling and free floats the barrel. Is this also true of the FAL rail system or is it simply an attachment point for accessories?

Bigger bullet, more hot gas, more friction, more heat. There is no FAL handguard in existence that will not be uncomfortably hot after two or three magazines. On the AR, the fancy rail systems are very impressive (and in some cases, massively-expensive) items. I have yet to see a FAL handguard rail system that compares to the complexity and functionality of some of the high-end rail systems available for the AR. The rotating front swivel attachment on the FAL allows carry options that would be more awkward with the fixed AR swivel.
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3) How does a medium-profile fluted 16" FAL barrel hold up to heat? Any issues with wandering zeros? Will it do 800 rounds in eight hours of shooting without losing accuracy or having reliability issues?

800 rounds in 8 hours is NOT a high rate of fire as it pertains to the mechanism of the rifle. Fluted or not-fluted, I am certain that a FAL will easily tolerate a much greater rate of fire than that. I can assure you, the heat will bother the shooter a lot more than it will bother the rifle. Moreover, any weekend-warrior course that requires firing that many shots is not going to be the sort of event where a slight change in zero over the course of the day is going to make any difference in your training. I’ve participated in those courses. The main thing is that the rifle not break during the course (again the 100-countries reference); and – most importantly - that the shooter not break during the course.
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4) Anybody worn out a FAL barrel yet? What was the round count?

I forget where I read it, but I seem to recall that some armorer’s manual specifies the service life of a Belgian FAL barrel at 40,000 rounds. I’d venture to say that bullets would still be coming out of it hot and heavy even at round number 40,0001. After all, it IS a FAL.

FAL barrels certainly come in different flavors for sure. There are some that have turned out to be poor-quality, or at least peculiar. I have seen Belgian barrels, Argentine barrels, Brazilian barrels, and American barrels that were bored off-center. If you buy a new barrel (or a new rifle) don’t just assume that the barrel will be “right.” Some barrels are very much NOT right. Check it and be sure.

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5) What do I need to know about mounting optics on a FAL?

DSA or ARMS.
They are both excellent. DSA for absolute rock-solid attachment (5 locking plates secured with 10 screws – don’t forget the Loctite!), or ARMS for ease of removal and reinstallation (no tools).

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6) Ideally I'd like a combo that lets me use irons with optics still attached. Barring that, I'd like the same system as I have with my ARs where I can remove the optics easily and shoot irons without losing zero on the optics. Is this realistic with FALs?

See my earlier comments. Obviously, I have a strong dislike of the whole idea of “co-witnessing” iron sights with optic sights – both from a practical and conceptual perspective.

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7) How handy is the FAL with stock folded? I've fired MP5s, ARs, and AKs with no stock using a sling for tension (like the British do on occasion). Seems like it would be doable with a folded stock FAL as well.

Firing a .308 carbine with the stock folded is about as accurate and controlled as firing a .454 Casull one-handed with your weak hand. It can be done, but there is almost no situation where such a technique would be required or appropriate.

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8) How handy is the FAL in and out of vehicles? Do I need the folding stock to make it usable there? Shorter barrel?

That depends entirely on what sort of vehicle you are operating, and the conditions of operation. I don’t meant to sound like a smart-aleck, but compact guns are obviously more “handy” in confined spaces. You can build a compact FAL that is every bit as compact as any other SBR. Heaven help your hearing if you ever have to fire it inside a vehicle.

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9) I notice that DSA has two different length forearms for the 16" FAL. Any significance to the different lengths? I notice the "Tactical" length has a shorter sight radius and different gas system presumably. Can someone explain the differences here?

The short handguards require a short gas system. DSA will sell you a barrel with a gas block properly-located for the short handguards. The short gas system does not require the grossly-enlarged gas port that is typically required in 16” FAL’s with a full length gas system.

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hth

16" FAL vs. 10.5 mouser with Gemtech HALO suppressor.

 

[Coronach]

With the ACOG mount cover, I think the ACOG might sit low enough you could use a traditional stock without much problem - or maybe use a lower riser on the CTR that would let you smash your cheek down on the stock to use irons?

It will sit lower, but I dunno if it will be low enough. A cheek piece will work, even if the CTR stock idea won't.

Mike

 

[W.E.G.]

You can install an ACE receiver block on a FAL, then you can take your pick
of any stock ACE sells. Keep in mind that this device requires that you use
the para-style carrier/spring mechanism.

http://riflestocks.com/new.htm

http://riflestocks.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=69

 

[AndyC]

I have very little trigger-time with the AR, so I'll stay out of that part of it; I also have no experience using modern optics on an FAL, so I'll defer to W.E.G.

1) What does someone who is familiar primarily with AR15s need to know about an FAL so they aren't surprised by their assumptions based on AR15 experience?

Know what you're getting ie. Inch vs Metric - not all the parts are interchangeable, unlike AR's. Metric pattern rifles and parts are much easier to find - cheaper, too.

7) How handy is the FAL with stock folded? I've fired MP5s, ARs, and AKs with no stock using a sling for tension (like the British do on occasion). Seems like it would be doable with a folded stock FAL as well.

I was taught to always deploy the stock immediately upon debussing. I've shot plenty of rifles and SMGs using a sling and, while it's doable and with decent tension on the sling is better than no stock at all, it's emergency-use only eg. when the stock is broken or a threat is so immediate that you dare not take the time to deploy the stock. There's obviously no repeatable cheek-weld, which plays hell with accuracy.

8) How handy is the FAL in and out of vehicles? Do I need the folding stock to make it usable there? Shorter barrel?

Depends on the type of vehicle, the threat-arena and whether you're permitted to point the barrel out the window while the vehicle is moving ie. overt

For overt use in a regular sedan in a place like the ME, I'd take a folder with an 18" tube for the times when you want a show of force or the need to shoot out of the vehicle while moving (this is where a sling is actually useful - not so much for shooting as for holding on to the beast while your driver is ramming vehicles, going over potholes, etc). For covert use where the guns have to be ready (but out of casual sight) inside the vehicle, my choice there would be a folder with a 16" barrel or less.

 

[Titan6]

The FAL is a fine weapon however several things drove me away from it and into the AR-10.

I have seen worn out barrels on FALs. I don't know how much they were shot but the answer looks like a lot. Heat will effect the barrel also. The ones I have shot seem to start getting loose after about 60 rounds in under a minute. Groups open up to about 6-8 inches at 100 yards. Maybe someone knows a trick to keep that from happening.

But I have never seen a barrel cooked from over use. It could probably happen in full auto mode but I imagine any CFR round would do that.

Add- I do know of one FAL/ AR gothca. After shooting the FAL all day you will reach for the FAL handle at least once the next time you are shooting your AR all day. This can not be avoided.

 

[iamkris]

The mag release and bolt hold open were obviously designed to be operated by the left thumb.

The BHO, yes, but I use my right hand trigger finger to push forward on the mag release (you can see it in the second pic below right in front of the trigger guard) as my left hand yanks the mag forward and down.

The co-witnessing thing is an issue...I "solved" mine by putting a GG&G Accucam system on the EoTech...wipe that arm back and the optic is gone if I need to use the irons.

Also, I highly recommend the extended safety selector, BHO and mag release...they make those controls much easier to manipulate.

YMMV.

 

[AndyC]

I have seen worn out barrels on FALs. I don't know how much they were shot but the answer looks like a lot. Heat will effect the barrel also.

That's hardly unique to FALs. If the barrel's shot-out, replace it.

The ones I have shot seem to start getting loose after about 60 rounds in under a minute. Groups open up to about 6-8 inches at 100 yards. Maybe someone knows a trick to keep that from happening.

Shoot slower - a .308 at a shot per second isn't conducive to fine accuracy. Still, the FAL isn't an MOA rifle either.

Add- I do know of one FAL/ AR gothca. After shooting the FAL all day you will reach for the FAL handle at least once the next time you are shooting your AR all day. This can not be avoided.

Depends how you program your mind - I can switch among different weapons and use them without a hitch, but I'm used to doing that. It's almost along the lines of "I'm about to use an AK - click the AK memory-module in place" kind of thing.

 

[WeedWhacker]

Another question:

Which receiver takes the beating from the bolt and other moving parts: the upper or lower?

I've noticed that DSA no longer sells steel upper receivers and that the only choice is aluminum.

On that note, what were "original" FAL receivers made from, both upper and lowers?

 

[Coronach]

Last time I checked, DSA sold steel uppers and lowers, and certainly they sold steel uppers, as this is the part that takes most of the abuse. Original uppers and lowers were steel.

And I don't know how I missed that Ace has a FAL receiver block. Oh, that is brilliant. Basically, you just buy a para bolt carrier and spring, and you're good to go? Is that correct?

Mike

 

[HorseSoldier]

I've noticed that DSA no longer sells steel upper receivers and that the only choice is aluminum.

All the uppers on their webpage are 4140 steel. They do aluminum lowers, which is not a big deal in terms of wear from firing.

Their web page also features a prominent warning about the dangers of using aluminum upper receivers made by Williams Arms Company. The receiver they paid to have tested was supposed to go 1000 standard rounds with 10 high pressure test rounds (1 every 100 normal rounds). The aluminum receiver blew up 189 rounds into the test.

I believe that Red Rock Arms (?), the guys making 5.56mm FALs, are using aluminum uppers, but maybe the smaller powder charge in that round compared to .308 makes it acceptable. Of course, that company is supposed to be affiliated with Special Weapons, so maybe it doesn't . . .

 

[Joe Leland]

Something Interesting I Read Years Ago...

... concerning shorty FAL's: in this book by Peter Kokalis, http://www.amazon.com/Weapon-Tests-...823623?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185800165&sr=8-15 , on pages 22-23 Kokalis mentions examining an FN/FAL Cuban contract rifle that was captured by the Atlacal Battalion in El Salvador (around 1983-84). The rilfle had the barrel shortened to the sling retaining swivel and was basically stripped down; no sling or swivels, no carrying handle, no metal buttplate. Apparently it had a wooden stock that was shortened slightly and had one of the two FAL recoil springs removed. The book has a picture showing the rifle.

I highly reccomend this hard to find book. Excellent information from Kokalis spanning two decades.