451 Detonics:
I would say that it is more like 95% personal preference in the end brother
In the end, it was more about which one I liked the best.
You like pistol grips, I like the traditional stocks. The M14 can be had with either, and combined are too numerous to count, but here is just one example of the variations that can be utilized...
www.law483.com
The above may interest you if you still own an M1A and wish to use a pistol grip type stock instead.
Sage and Troy are but two others that offer pistol grip stocks for the M1A/M14.
Your brother had a negligent discharge,( unless there was some mechanical issue with your rifle's safety)... and is the main reason as to why you like the safety on the Fal receiver, but I prefer the safety of the M14 right where it's at. No issues with an N.D. yet.
You shoot right handed, while I prefer to shoot with either hand. ( Both designs can be worked with in order to achieve this same goal, but after using both, I prefer the M14's design for "switch hitting", and think it is the better design for a southpaw... as the lefty can keep his left hand on the grip, while the right hand manipulates mag changes and the op-rod handle.
Something that might interest you = a Smith Enterprise Inc. bolt stop. This component replaces the std bolt stop on an M1A/M14, and allows one to use it much like the bolt release on an AR........
This LRB Arms M14SA Tanker pictured above has one installed. Once the bolt locks back after the last round..............
1. Drop empty mag via mag release.
2. Insert a loaded mag
3. Smack the bolt release, and your back in business.
The right hand does not have to leave the grip, provided the rifle is already loaded of course.
The FAL iron sights are decent, and they work for you, but I simply like the irons of the M14 better, as they can be adjusted rather easily for elevation. The front sight of this design also has a few options( other than the std type) that I have been trying out over the yrs......
Below is a comparison of a std front sight/flash hider with the typical castle nut, while next to it is a Smith Enterprise Inc. "hooded" gas lock front sight with Vortex direct connect flash hider. The LRB M14 pictured first sports the "dovetail" version of the gas lock front sight. All 3 types mentioned above have their respective good points over each other, and at present time...... I prefer the hooded SEI version for the role as a "battle rifle" front sight.
Nothing wrong with a well built FAL however, and I am not implying that there is. Only stating my preference for a "Chevy" instead of a "Ford".....so to speak.....
If I change my mind in the future, my "Chevy" will hold it's re-sale value well, and open funds up for a switch to "Ford"....lol
EDIT: I agree with you 100% regarding post # 46.
11B