Fn fal

[Jeff Higgins]

Oh, you guys are going to love this - I'm here to ask my fellow shooters a gun question. This one is so far out of my wheelhouse that I have no idea where to look, but I know some of you are really into these things...

So, where to get a quality FAL, not necessarily a real FN, that won't break the bank? My younger son has developed an interest in acquiring one, but doesn't want to spend thousands on a real FN.

I've given this a cursory look and have found that FAL's, as ubiquitous as they have been in arming so, so many nations, just don't seem to be as well covered by the firearms industry as the good old AR platform. I guess I just assumed there would be as many FAL knockoffs as there are AR knockoffs, but that does not appear to be the case.

So, any suggestions for a decent FAL? Any of them best avoided?

[sc_rufctr]

If it's possible try and find an ex Australia Army. Most of the New Zealand rifles were Aussie made as well.
(The Australian had wood furniture, black plastic for the Kiwi version.)
They have a good reputation.

20 years ago you could buy a civilian kit in the US but I haven't seen anything advertised for a long time.
Have you tried the US gun forums?

Great rifle. I carried one for years when I was in the Aust Army.

[911boost]

You used to be able to buy a quality parts kit and have fun building one. Unfortunately I believe those days are passed. I had a friend with that was nice, let me ask him.

[911boost]

Or you could this route, just make sure to read up on 922(r) regulations...

https://www.apexgunparts.com/israeli-fal-parts-kit-7-62-with-20rd.html

[varmint]

There’s a company called century something. They make a nock off fal. I see them on gunbroker. I know absolutely nothing about them. But I want somebody to buy one and review it.

[GG Allin]

DS Arms.

[ficke]

Originally Posted by GG Allin

DS Arms.

This is the answer.

[id10t]

DSA has quality issues. And they are kinda expensive.

Problem with building your own is that you need some specialized tools, so unless you are building more than a few it isn't worth it.

Personally, I'm about to sell mine (G1 kit on DCI receiver) and the 22 conversion kit I have for it - I just can't afford a lot of trigger time on 762x51 as a non-reloader and as someone who was broke when SA surplus was 15c/rnd.

Sending you a PM about mine....

[Eric at Pelican Parts]

I'd suggest the Springfield SAR48 over the DSA one personally. Might be a good alternative that costs 50% less than a real FAL.

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Eric at Pelican Parts

I'd suggest the Springfield SAR48 over the DSA one personally. Might be a good alternative that costs 50% less than a real FAL.

The SAR48 and 4800 are *real* FALs, built on FN licensed machines.

While cheaper than a Belgian import, they are still expensive - figure around $1800. Then if it is a 4800 you have to "de-ban" it by replacing stock, etc.

[Jeff Higgins]

I have been absolutely impressed with every Springfield Armory firearm I have ever owned. I'm currently down to just one, my M1A Scout Squad, but I've had a pretty good bucket full of their 1911's. Both of my sons, and one of my brothers each own one that I've gifted them over the years. Outstanding in every way.

So, I may suggest to my youngest that he save his shekels for a bit longer and put them towards the SAR48.

[FOG]

There is a FAL website called The FAL Files (falfiles.com) that has pretty good knowledge on all things FAL.

The early DSA FALs were pretty good when they were having the recievers built by LMT and used mostly surplus parts. Once they decided to actually start making parts in-house quality went way down.

Century are generally to be avoided. Some Century used Imbel recievers but generally are somewhat of project. Absolutely avoid anything else Century unless it's cheap enough for parts.

Armscorps Israeli rifles are pretty good.

The South American rifles (both Argentinian and Brazilian) are actually very good with Springfield -48s being Imbels (Brazilian).

Commonwealth/Inch rifles are rarer, magazines are more expensive, and they are not southpaw friendly due to their safety. They do have wooden forearms which protects the hand from heat better the metal or plastic on most metric rifles.

Building isn't very hard and about the only tool you probably don't have is a receiver wrench while the rest you probably have or can be improvised. Back in the late 90s some Marines put together a group buy on Imbel recievers (500 @ $130.00) and we put most of them together at MALS-14 as they had lathes for the barrel installation.

If you're looking at used research the DSA serial number range/markings to make sure what you're looking at is actually an LMT rifle. Imbel marked receivers (unless a Century assembled rifle) deserve a good look. With the Springfields you may incur the costs associated with them being ban era rifles. Armscorps are Israeli pattern, pre-ban, and good quality.

Obviously overall condition plays into the equation.

As far a ubiquity of the FAL compared to AR-15 there are far more AR-15s in this country than FALs produced world wide. About a year and a half ago I read a financial document that addressed Andersen which stated the Andersen had produced over nine million receivers under various labels from 2015-2017 with 4-6 million more forgings/80% lowers.

I have a G-1 on Imbel mutt that doesn't get much use and I would be willing to trade if you're interested.

S/F, FOG

[kolo]

try
https://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/finish/
have seen one that they did
very nice

[jyl]

On the other hand, a real Belgian FAL will appreciate.

[911boost]

I like FN products and have a few.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by jyl

On the other hand, a real Belgian FAL will appreciate.

Good thinking. Better return than the banks.

[sc_rufctr]

Just quietly... I know you Yanks love them but they are a PITA to carry around.

The M16-AR15 whatever is a much better option for a foot soldier.

And you can hump lots of 30 round mags.

[on2wheels52]

At one time it was called the Right Arm of Freedom.
But that was a while ago.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Just quietly... I know you Yanks love them but they are a PITA to carry around.

The M16-AR15 whatever is a much better option for a foot soldier.

And you can hump lots of 30 round mags.

Honestly, if you want to play with 7.62x51, why not an AR10?

Compared to a FN-FAL, Lower weight, lower recoil, same toys to play with as the AR15.

[jwasbury]

Seeing Century Arms mentioned here brings me back to my early days as an auditor. I did a year-end inventory observation at the company's facility many years ago. Never seen a bigger pile of rifles and ammo - and my job was to verify the physical count of the stuff. Over 20 years later, its still my go to place in the event of a zombie apocalypse.