I think I would like to get a DSA SA58 for my first semi-auto rifle. Is it best to order this from DSA, or a site like snipercountrypx.com, or some where local?
Also, would it be a bad idea to use any surplus ammo in a new rifle like this?
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I think I would like to get a DSA SA58 for my first semi-auto rifle. Is it best to order this from DSA, or a site like snipercountrypx.com, or some where local?
Also, would it be a bad idea to use any surplus ammo in a new rifle like this?
The FAL deisgn like the AK will digest any ammo put in it.
Here is a lot of info on DSA from FAL Files:
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/forum...php?forumid=34
If you order direct from DSA you will probably pay full retail for their gun.
These guns available from a variety of sources and online gun dealers like Gunbroker, Auctionarms, Gunsamerica, etc.
I'm sure you can order one through site supporters and members like AlohaRover
No dog on DSA..fine firearms. Have you looked an an IMBEL FAL? You can save about $1000. I would stay away from Century like the plague though.(lots of horror stories), but I did once get a great Cetme from Century.
Good luck on suplus ammo.. well finding any that is.
You could order from DSA but you will likely have to wait months for it to arrive. I'd call ahead and ask about the potential wait time (and then double what they tell you ;) ). Same goes for ordering a DSA from a third party. Obviously if you find one in a local shop you won't have to worry about waiting, and you'll be able to handle it before buying.
FWIW, you can get great deals on an FAL by buying a used one, with not much difference in quality. Also you won't have to deal with the wait obviously. I'd say check here, cologunmarket.com, and the FAL Files forums.
As for ammo, in general I'd say it's perfectly fine to use military surplus .308 in an FAL, new or used. That's all I use in my FALs. There are some exceptions, though. Do you have anything in particular in mind? Post the country of origin, year of production, and headstamp if possible.
The DSA website quotes $1700 for a new standard SA58, whereas I have only seen higher prices than that elsewhere ($1900 at Specialty Sports and gunbroker.com). I'm pretty positive it's the same model. How much should I be able to get one for elsewhere? I'd rather support a local shop if they carry it and have it for a good price.
DSA does have a posted warning against using steel cased ammo like Wolf in its FALs, though I'm not sure exactly why.Quote:
Originally Posted by 5.45x39
As said lots of info on the Falfiles. If you decide to build yourself I have the tools and have helped about 25 guys build there own. You can still build one for $900 or less. I know it is not like the old days when you could build one for $300.
If you are not inclined to build one there are many nice guns available for sale on the files and if you get one from an established member you will know that it will be sorted out. I have seen many DSA's that have issues right out of the box.
We also have Fal Fest the end of may/first of june down at the whittington center in Raton. I am the match director for the event.
I would be very interested in building one if I had someone experienced who could help me out. That's an awesome offer. Where do you recommend buying the components? Do you suggest DSA or another manufacturer?
You could get a kit from someone on the FAL Files, and the upper receiver too. I'd suggest getting a metric kit and receiver. For your first FAL though you might be better off just getting a used one. You should be able to get a very good used FAL for under $900. After you've shot it and figured out what you like and don't like, then you could build your own specific to your taste.Quote:
Originally Posted by B-Ry
That's another idea, but I've heard from others that it might be best to buy new for your first FAL. Since I wouldn't know what to pay attention to for potential problem finding when buying used.
FWIW I've never bought one new. The main thing you want to look for is the condition of the bore. If that's good, it's doubtful there are any problems that can't be fixed easily.Quote:
Originally Posted by B-Ry
If you want to buy one new, more power to you. But I have owned a decent number of FALs, and this is just the approach I think is best. Either way good luck, and prepare your safe for more of them because they're addictive. :)
I just picked up my new DSA STG58 last week. I paid $945 + shipping + tax.
It's a nice gun and the workmanship is first rate.
How long did you have to wait?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey Guns
Dave oredered it for me on 02/11/09. I got it early September. Almost 7 months.
Where did you order it from? Specialty Sports had one when I called a while back, but it was around twice that cost.
The STG-58 is the Austrian military version. It's much less expensive than some models of the SA-58.
If Specialty Sports was asking $1800+ for an STG-58, they're on crack. SA-58...maybe.
I ordered mine from a local dealer, Dave Mitchell, in Pine. Even with the "we've been friends a long time" pricing, I think this gun has an MSRP on DSA's site for $1200.
Yeah, sorry that price was for an ST-58. What makes the STG-58 cheaper?
Don't really know, exactly. When I picked mine up Dave also had an SA-58. Looked identical except for the barrel length. As a matter of fact, my STG-58 is marked SA-58.
I'm no authority on FALs so I don't really have a clue.
They both use the same receiver, same bolt carrier, and the same lower assembly (stock, trigger group, etc). The only difference I can see between them is in the barrel, handguards, and flash hider. STG-58s are typically much longer than than SA-58s. The SA-58s have the triangular handguards. That's about it. They are both excellent weapons. All DSA FALs are truly awesome weapons, and made in America. Pick one up and you will be hooked; they feel great in your hands, one of the best designed rifles around.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey Guns
I believe the difference is that the SA-58 is all new manufacture, and the STG-58 used surplus parts. Both use the DSA SA-58 receiver.
That is my understanding as well, that the SA-58 is completely new whereas the STG-58 is a typical mix of both surp and new components.Quote:
Originally Posted by kpp80202
Quote:
Originally Posted by jerrymrc
Listen to Jerry- The man KNOWS FALs!
Uhmmm-not really.Quote:
That is my understanding as well, that the SA-58 is completely new whereas the STG-58 is a typical mix of both surp and new components.
They both are a hodgepodge of new and used parts.
The STG is the Belgian version (The original). You will get a new US reciever, HTS set, barrel, gas piston and p grip typically on either model.
The SA58 is a bastardization of the Rhodesian FAL. The true Rhodie has a 1" longer buttstock to accomodate lanky Swahilis.
To the best of my knowledge nobody builds a reproduction steel lower reciever or bolt carrier/bolt not to mention gas blocks, sights and bipods.
I believe DSA builds an aluminum Para lower but they are pricey.