Zastava M76 DMR vs FAL L1A1

[italy4nra]

Different rifles for sure, but both are available and one I will add to my collection.

Which would you choose and why? A FAL L1A1 for $750 with l1a3 bayonet or a Zastava M76 for $850 with zrac scope?

I enjoy shooting and shooters, but the point here is collectability. What are your thoughts and reasoning?

 

[stubbicatt]

Guess that would depend on whether you have a true L1A1 and/or a true M76. If either is a US built from parts type rifle, in my mind this reduces the desirability of that rifle as a collectible. If both are originals, from a collectors standpoint, it would depend largely on what genuine accessories come with it.

What are the examples you are looking at selling for now? Is either presently more rare than the other? Will there be many more of the example you have? i.e. will Britain or Canada or someone be dumping all their FALs, or Serbia or Croatia or what have you be dumping a bunch of 8mm sniper rifles?

 

[HankC]

FAL L1A1 for $750 with l1a3 bayonet or a Zastava M76 for $850 with zrac scope

Grab both, those are the prices 2 months ago.

 

[dcarch]

I would go FAL, myself.

 

[Baba Louie]

Don't know about Europe but I would say that here the M76 would be a bit more scarce than an FAL, so from a collecting point of view, that would be the general direction. Zastatva is a pretty fine mfg of weaponry. Where was the L1 made?

If shooting, the FAL, due to the ease of acquiring .308/7.62 NATO as opposed to finding good plentiful 8mm ammunition and magazine procurement and parts as well.

But again that's based on here (US) v. there (EU) and is just one POV. Of course, here and now, things are... uh, fluid, somewhat scarce/sparse and a tad expensive.

 

[Z-Michigan]

OP is in Europe, I'm guessing Italy from his username. They don't have our current panic because they have different politics.

Both seem somewhat collectible. If you feel any connection to the Balkans or the Yugoslavian breakup, the M76 would get my vote. If you feel any UK connection, the L1A1. If neither and you're a totally detached collector, I would probably find the M76 a little more interesting. However, and not knowing what your ammo laws are (I thought Italy banned civilians from having "military calibers"), I would think that the 7.62 NATO would offer more and better quality ammunition options.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

1.) Get both.
2.) Shoot both.
3.) Keep your favorite.
4.) Sell the other for a profit.

 

[-v-]

From a collection standpoint, I'd side with the Zastava M76. A more interesting history, and on top of it a much rarer firearm combination. As far as I know, Yugoslavia was the only country to make and use a 8mm Mauser DMR rifle, giving it a certain uniqueness.

The FAL line, of which the L1A1 is a member, was made by the millions and while it is a fine firearm, I find it to be much more common than a 8mm DMR built on the AKM action. Hence, having less collector appeal in my eyes. Having the original 4x DMR scope as part of the package is also a bit of a plus as far as collectability.

From a history perspective, I think they have about an equal share. The L1A1 fought in the Falklands war, while the M76 undoubtedly played a part in the disintegration of Yugoslavia in the mid 90's. Someone more knowledgeable on the respective weapon's combat histories please feel free to chime in.

 

[Zombiphobia]

If that M76 receiver has CAI stamped on it, avoid it.

If you manage to find a genuine Zastava built M76, especially if that price is in USD, jump on it fast.

 

[-v-]

I believe the OP is in Europe, so chances are much better then not that it would be the original Zastava build.