G3 Receiver Options?

[p712k]

I think I have a line on a G3 kit from someone on the board, what receiver options do I have. I am looking to spend less than 350-400 on the receiver so the DSAs are out of the question from the prices I have seen on them. Also what are the most common compliance parts that people install and what would be a good place to obtain them.

[Harlan at NDS/DCI]

Please clarify as to what kit you are referring to. It sounds as if you are asking about an FAL receiver for a G1 kit.

[p712k]

It is a Portugese G3 kit, please correct me if I am mistaken but I thought DSA sold receivers for the G3. They sell them built up from Austrian kits, I have seen their receivers online as well.

[falfan#1]

The only HK stuff I have seen DSA sell is their .223 rifle kits and accessories (53?). The DSA Austrian type FALs are variants of the STg58.

The German G1 rifle is an FN/FAL variant sold to the germans by FN. Similar in appearance to the STg58.

The German G3 rifle is a variant of the Spanish CETME rifle, Germany licensed the domestic production of this rifle. After some improvements were made, the Germans had two companies produce them for the military, HK and Rheinmetal. HK later adapted the basic design into a whole series of weapons, the MP5, HK53, HK21, etc. Many countries also built licensed copies of the HKG3, Portugal was one of them.

The FAL series receivers are made from solid machined steel and the weapons are gas operated.

The HK G3 receiver is made from stamped sheetmetal and welded to the other components. They are not gas operated, they use a roller delayed blowback system similar to the MG42 and MP45 weapons.

If you really want a G3, the best receiver right now is the JLD, available from www.pof-usa.com

[p712k]

Thanks! They have really nice G3 receivers for under $200. What differences are there in building a G3 as opposed to a FAL? Any differences in the tools needed? Any online writeups on how to do it – like the info on this site.

[falfan#1]

Depends on how you wanna build it. The receivers come with or without a US made trunnion.

Without, you seat the factory assembled bbl/trunnion assembly in the receiver and weld it in. Alignment is critical, a few thousandths off and you won't hit paper with the irons cranked all the way over.

With, you unpin the original bbl and press it out of the factory trunnion, remove the front sight (peened over pin and soldered) then press it into the receiver trunnion from the rear to the proper depth. Depth is critical, but if you go too far you just press on through and try again. Advantage of one more US part and no alignment issues.

You have to weld in the cocking tube with either receiver, so a good TIG welder is desired, but a mig can be used if you dress the welds afterward.

The rest is just converting the full auto trigger pack to semi configuration. Involves cutting the front lower corner out of the pack and grip frame, installing a pin, and soldering a couple shelfs into the cutouts.

There is a link to the HK board at the top left corner of this board, lots of good info there in the gunsmithing section. I suggest you take an afternoon or two and read up on the posts there.

Nice tutorial on this board about building one too:

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=106235


http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=109042

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=124877

[p712k]

Ok, now I see why builders charge more for G3 builds. Kit + receiver + build and that is as much as a PTR. Just out of curiosity who has good quality FALs, I have heard that most of the ones from Century are of not the best quality.

[falfan#1]

There is a shortage of FAL receivers right now, the DSA receiver is probably the best and most expensive. Any of the gunsmiths who are regulars on this board are capable of turning out an outstanding rifle, if you don't want to assemble your owm. If you want a completed commercial build, the DSA is probably the way to go. Otherwise I would watch the marketplace forum and wait for a decent used FAL to show up.