Tromix Vs FAL

[Hoppy590]

Ok if you were given the choice of Tromix 7.62X39 AK and a 7.62 X51 FAL as a SHTF rifle which would you rather have and why.

The FAL would be a basic Century ( dont know specifics)
and the Tromix would be a fixed stock model from FBMG

im asking cause im gunna buy a SHTF rifle in the 600-700$ range

MA legalities aside ( il deal with those) which would you prefer

 

[Gordon]

Well the Tromix is gonna work 100%, and a short fixed stock is better for CQB.

 

[bad LT]

The gun must go bang...

A Tromix AK has a higher probability of working than a century FAL

 

[zoom6zoom]

Both good guns, but different categories. The FAL is a battle rifle - more powerful round, longer range. What is cover with an AK becomes merely concealment with a FAL.

If you can get a FAL for 600, it's a steal, even if it needs some work. You can't buy a receiver and a parts kit for that money these days.

7.62X39 ammo is currently a lot cheaper than the x51.

 

[Coronach]

Could you find a worse maker for the FAL? I far prefer the FAL to the AK in general, and even I will admit that this is not even a contest. Tromix AK all the way. No brainer.

Mike

 

[grizz]

+1 for the Tromix.

 

[Coronach]

If you can get a FAL for 600, it's a steal, even if it needs some work. You can't buy a receiver and a parts kit for that money these days.

Two considerations:

1. Does the OP have the skill, willingness and additional money needed to fix Century's screwups?

2. Are the major base components of Century's FALs decent to begin with? If not, the point is moot.

I admit that I have not done a lot of research into Century FALs, but when 99%* of the reports you've heard are negative, the ones you've seen live up to Century's old rep of "drunk plumbers and angry beavers" and you consider that life is short and your time is finite, there's really not much reason to dig deeper.

Mike

* I'll allow that I might have skimmed over one or two positive reports. I don't remember them. But it is theoretically possible that they exist.

 

[Hoppy590]

If you can get a FAL for 600, it's a steal, even if it needs some work. You can't buy a receiver and a parts kit for that money these days.

iv found century sporter L1a1's for betweem 600-700 local.

Could you find a worse maker for the FAL? I far prefer the FAL to the AK in general, and even I will admit that this is not even a contest. Tromix AK all the way. No brainer.

Id have to check out the 3rd of 3 local FAL's the first 2 are Centurys the 3rd is unkown

tromix realy seems to be my best option. 7,62X39 to share with my SKS mags a plenty.

but i like the power of the FAL

 

[Deer Hunter]

If the century FAL checks out, then go ahead and get it. Or, you could spend a little more and grab an Enterprise FAL. Or a little more will get you an STG58 build from DSA.

 

[AndyC]

Given the original parameters, I'd take the Tromix (and that's speaking as an FAL fan).

However, I'd take a Century over an Entreprise any day of the week.

 

[asknight]

Tromix all the way!

 

[Ash]

You can also keep an eye out at gunshows. I picked up a good PAC ORD Imbel FAL for $600. As far as I know, the only issues with Century FAL's were:

Receiver: Unibrow receivers were bad at feeding. However, if it feeds well, then the receivers are otherwise fine. The other big complaint with Hesse receivers was many were out-of-spec, but that was a problem with assembly. Once assembled, well, not a problem. Of course, the ejector block could be assembled badly, so there must be some care.

Gas Piston: Century's two-piece gas piston (I believe they were original gas pistons cut towards the front with a piece of straight stock welded into it, which was a cheap way to manufacture a "US" made piston, but that is just conjecture). The gas piston is crap and causes all sorts of trouble.

Beyond those two things, of course, is bad assembly. But the furnature, while not real pretty, is functional. Their fire control groups aren't great, either, but work.

If you get an Century built on an Imbel, then the receiver issue disappears (along with the ejector block problem). You will still have the crappy piston, but replacing that isn't too expensive. Another problem with them is parts count. Century often used the follower and floor plate on the magazine to meet 922r. The trouble is, most folks new to the FAL may not know this and add whatever magazine they get. Often times on the secondary market, the magazine is long divorced from the rifle. Therefore, the rifle is technically illegal.

Ah, well, better avoid them...

Ash

 

[geojap]

I like both rifles very much. I have owned a DSA SA-58 and an Imbel FAL. Both were reliable except once I got a bad FAL mag and it would fail to feed sometimes. I used to also own a Century FAL as well once upon a time and it would not cycle at all. It was horrible.

I have owned about 5 AKs and I still own three. All of them have always been 100% reliable. I currently own a Tromix Saiga in .223. It is one of the few completely reliable .223 AKs on the market, I think. The Tromix Saiga is a very, very nice rifle for a stamped-receiver AK (which is all you will be able to find these days unless you buy used).

Given the options you stated, the Century rifle will never, ever be a smart choice over a very nicely done Tromix rifle. The bottom line is that Century workmanship is shoddy and Tromix is top of the line.

 

[HorseSoldier]

I admit that I have not done a lot of research into Century FALs, but when 99%* of the reports you've heard are negative, the ones you've seen live up to Century's old rep of "drunk plumbers and angry beavers" and you consider that life is short and your time is finite, there's really not much reason to dig deeper.

I have one of their R1A1s (purchased before I knew anything about Century and their reputation) that has been a reliable shooter for years now.

But, I feel like poor installation of the trigger assembly on my Yugo underfolder means I'm still about par for the course with Century, and would echo everyone else who says avoid or at the very least buyer beware and inspect thoroughly (to include some range time if possible).

 

[anymanusa]

if ammo cost is a concern, buy the Tromix, if you want a nice powerful rifle buy the Century. I just bought one, and I don't see anything wrong with my FAL for $600 it was a steal for me. Very fun to shoot as well, but practically, the caliber is a tad powerful for a shtf gun, but who's to say that anyway?

 

[Acheron]

The FAL really would be a better choice (in a perfect world). More powerful round, longer range, better accuracy. Too bad Century rifles are way too hit or miss. You have an equal chance of getting a great rifle or a POS that will barely even cycle. Plus 7.62x51 is getting pretty expensive these days, while 7.62x39 is still relatively cheap.

So if the choice is between a Century FAL and an AK (any AK), I would go with the AK. Realistically, you don't need the extra range/accuracy. In a real SHTF scenario I doubt you would be making 300+ meter shots anyway. The AK would do you just fine.

 

[Zundfolge]

A "good" FAL ain't cheap.

I've owned some of Tony's work (a Saiga 12) and its top notch.

I'll split the difference with you and say I'll take the Tromix Saiga in .308.

 

[barrett50]

Tony is a great guy and his work is top notch I have met him personally and you can't beat his saiga conversions and he lives just a hop skip away from me