Where to Begin Building an FAL

[dscottw88]

If I wanted to build an FAL, Where would I begin? I don't really mind if I went with the metric or inch pattern, just so long as I go with the one that has more parts available for the rifle. And as for what kind of rifle, I was looking at getting the para style rifle rather than the full size.

Is it similar to an AR? Do I just get the lower receiver and than find a Para kit on the net? Thanks for all the help!

 

[DougW]

Check out www.falfiles.com (go to the message boards) for more info on building. The upper reciever is the "rifle" in a FAL, and there are not all the little pins and springs associated with an AR. However, you will have to "time the barrel to the upper, and some tools more special than an AR's will be necessary. Easier than an AK though. Barrel threads in. Check the link and have fun!

 

[Seven High]

There is a do it yourself vidoe avaliable for assembling a FAL. It and others are advertised in Gunlist and Shotgun News. I have a copy. Very informative.

 

[GunTech]

Falfales.com is definitely a good place to start. You'll need a parts kit and receiver, plus a few tools. I'd look for the kit first. Keep in mind you'll need afew few US made parts to keep it 922R compliant.

 

[JHansenAK47]

I would get metric one. Either way get your parts kit first then your receiver. Haven't seen any para parts kits. Though DSA has para conversion kits.
http://www.dsarms.com/
http://www.tapco.com/
http://www.e-gunparts.com/dept.asp
Here is some internet sites with parts. There are a lot more sites but you can find those on Fal files.

 

[AndyC]

A metric kit would be easier to find parts for - cheaper, too. Another two guys to look at would be gunthings.com and gunpartsguy.com - both specialize in FAL parts and spares. Falconarms.com has the para conversion-kits, too.

To give you a rough guide, metric kits are going from $250 to $350 these days - you'll also need the upper receiver (type 1, 2 or 3) and 7 US-made parts (eg fore-end, pistol-grip, buttstock, hammer, trigger, sear, piston, etc) if there's a muzzle-device.

If you can find a decent kit for a decent price, buy it - ain't gonna be any more coming in. Imbel kits (Brazil) are great - carried a lot and shot a little, as the saying goes.

 

[dscottw88]

Ok, so I am googling the Imbel receivers and parts kits and I find websites explaining things But I'm having a hard time finding something I can buy and have shipped to my house. Any ideas where I can find an Imbel receiver and/or parts kit.

 

[nicholst55]

If I was getting into FALs from scratch today, I would FIRST find a receiver. That's the most difficult and expensive item to find today - the (upper) receiver. Once you have that, everything else will fall into place.

The only consistent source for quality FAL receivers today is DSA. Century releases a run every year or so, it seems, Entreprise is hit or miss, and Imbel - you'll be waiting and waiting, and likely bidding in an auction. Even DSA only makes a production run periodically, thus keeping demand (and price) up, and supply down.

Parts kits are out there; 922-compliance parts are out there; accessories are out there; good FAL gunsmiths are out there. Receivers - they're not out there in any great numbers.

Join the FAL Forum (FALaholic #55 here) and begin doing your research. In the meantime, allocate adequate funds for a good quality receiver and buy when you have the chance.

 

[ditchdigger]

You probably won't find an Imbel reciever, at least not for a reasonable price. DSA makes a great reciever(I prefer them) and you will have to get the reciever through an FFL, everything else you can find online and ship to your home

 

[dscottw88]

ok so from what I understand, there is the type I and type II, and then the L1A1. The L1A1 is a is the inch pattern correct?

Whats the difference between the type I and type II?

 

[W.E.G.]

You missed the boat to save any real money on BUILDING a FAL.
The days of building a good shooter for about $400 are gone for good.

Your best bet nowadays is to buy a complete rifle built on an IMBEL or DSA receiver.

Then customize it to your liking.

See us over at the FAL Files, and we'll make sure you get it done right.

 

[AndyC]

L1A1 is Inch, correct - not to be confused with R1A1 which is some Century-invented model.

Type 1 and 2 differ only in the lightening-cuts (those milled-out sections to dump weight) - a type 2 is slightly more beefed-up near the rear because there were some type 1s wayyyy back in history which showed cracks under extended full-auto fire - which isn't an issue for us civilians.