School me on FALs

[esizer]

The FAL has always been a rifle that has both fascinated and confused me. From my understanding, there are different receiver patterns, makes, etc. I've never found good information on this subject so I'm hoping someone can shed some light.

What does one look for in a desirable FAL? Are there any current production rifles that are worth a damn?
Are most current production rifles kits from old demilled rifles?

[Circuits]

Major differences were the english (inch) vs metric variants, since they were made under license by 40 or 50 countries during their lifespan. On top of the inch/metric receiver differences, were adaptations for climate and refits - so sand cut receivers and bolt carriers, differences in gas systems, etc.

Not all current offerings are made from demils - DSA still makes brand new everything, for instance, in addition to building rifles on their receivers from demilled parts kits. There are a few companies still producing receivers and some other parts on licensed tooling.

DSA is probably the premium US maker at this point, and they charge accordingly. Most others are built with parts kits, on varying quality levels of receivers. This is because curretn import restrictions disallow bringing in any foreign-made complete rifles or even parts kits with barrels.

Major difference between most inch and metric is that inch receivers used a bigger seating lug on their magazines, so metric mags will seat, if sloppily, in inch receivers, and inch mags won't generally seat in metric receivers without modifications.

[thvigil11]

Check out the forum " falfiles " it has enough info to keep you reading for days.

[mtnrider]

There is a ton of info on FAL's out on the web. Definitely check out Falfiles.

As far as what to look for, I would go with a metric receiver over a inch pattern. Mags are much easier to come buy as well as parts. There are 3 types of metric receivers, Type 1, 2, and 3. I prefer the 1 or 2 personally (they have lighting cuts in them). I also like having the carry handle, there are a few receivers that do not have to cutout for them.
DSA does make current production FAL's which are awesome.

I am no expert but if you have any questions post them up and I'll try and help.

Here is a pic of a couple of mine. Awesome rifles...

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff375/Triple8Racing/IMAG0392_zps8xpbc0gw.jpg (http://s1232.photobucket.com/user/Triple8Racing/media/IMAG0392_zps8xpbc0gw.jpg.html)

[BPTactical]

There is a gentleman that hangs around here that is a tremendous wealth of knowledge on the platform.


Paging JerryMrC

[esizer]

Thanks everyone!

[jerrymrc]

You rang? I will touch on a few things in your post. DSA is the only game in town for a "new" rifle. They currently manufacture everything needed. Do understand that if looking at a "used" DSA that in the beginning they started with surplus parts - the upper receiver. For many years you could buy one that was mostly new mfg and ones that were almost all surplus. Now the surplus thing was not bad as there stock of parts were NOS Austrian.

Desirable Fal...... They are like potato chips as they came in so many variations. Join the Falfiles and look around. I will say that one can sink a ton of $$$ into one trying to make it accurate, and fail. There has been a group that has worked on this and we now understand more than we ever wanted to but I will stress that in buying one shoot it first. Some do and some do not and it has nothing to do with any normal thought process. We used to build one, try it out and if it did not shoot well sell it and start again. Condition/age has almost nothing to do with it. Now that you are confused..... They are great and I love mine very much.