IAI M444

[VALMET]

I just picked up an IAI M444 at a local show and its pretty nice. Haven't put any rounds through it yet, but soon enough! It was $875, which was sort-of pricey, but not too high.

[242Frank]

Just got my 1st FAL rifle yesterday at AIM. Just out of curiosity,did it come with any accesories. I got 1 clip and a magazine loader and thats it. I`ve heard of some people getting a sling,bayonet,2 mags,blank firing adapter and a manual.

[BD9398]

OK, I confess, I'm not a FAL officianado! So, what's the difference between an FN-FAL, IAI M444, ST58, and did I leave anything out? I just want to know all the variances and the pros and cons of each so I don't get conned at the next gun show.

Thanks!

Bill

[RichFN]

Originally posted by BD9398:
OK, I confess, I'm not a FAL officianado! So, what's the difference between an FN-FAL, IAI M444, ST58, and did I leave anything out? I just want to know all the variances and the pros and cons of each so I don't get conned at the next gun show.

Thanks!

Bill

These are all fal's. Kinda like several manufacturers of AR's. Mostly these different designations refer to the country in which they were produced. Do a search of the different threads and you will find tons of info. Also read and look at the pictures on the fnfal.com homepage. That is how I started.

[VALMET]

They are all considered FN-FALs. The IAI M444 is a parts kit on an Imbel reciever built by IAI in Houston, TX...this is a post ban rifle. An STG-58 is the Austrian version of the FAL battle rifle, most commonly seen as STG or Centurion 58 in post ban configuration.

[VALMET]

242 Frank,

Mine was like yours, one mag and a mag loader. It came in a large box so I wouldn't be suprised if more accessories were supposed to come with it.

[Talyn]

Valmet,

How's the fit & finish of the M444? Some have noticed furniture dings & scratches. How's the metal work look? Thanks for any reports.

Talyn

[VALMET]

The fit is great, the mag fits well (the mag it came with sucks). Mine has a good tight action. You can tell my furniture is used but it only has minor dings and scratches. Overall an excellent gun.

[deputygadget]

Glad ya'll got the rifle. What the parts count? Do you have to use US floorplates and followers in your mags?

[Talyn]

Ditto on the parts count? Which ones uses are US?

Talyn

[Talyn]

Ditto on the parts count? Which ones used are US?

Talyn

[Painkiller]

Well, I'm about as new as they come. 1st post EVER on this board and, this is my 1st day as a FAL owner.

Must be a small world because, like the other 2 guys on this thread, I just picked up my IAIM444 today at AIM Surplus!! All I received was the rifle, 1 clip, a loader and that's it. I REALLY need a manual since I'm a newbie at FAL's. Been living with AR15's for too long and wanted some "meatier" caliber. The .223 was just getting a little boring for me.

For anyone wondering about pricing, I have my receipt right here...
IAI STG-58 M444/$749.95 plus tax.

For the other guys that just bought their M444 from AIM, I was wondering if yours came needing some serious field stripping to do some cleaning/lubing? Mine does.

If anyone here knows where I can pick up a manual for this rifle, I'd be very appreciative. It's been quite a while since I've looked at a rifle and not known how to take it apart....sucks being a newbie again!!!!!

[Sgt Rock]

DSA has manuals on the fal. The parts count is as follows--hammer,trigger,sear,pistol grip,muzzle brake,mag follower,mag floor plate.

[Dirtfarmer]

I believe the home page of FNFAL.COM (this site)has the FN F.A.L. manual in PDF format. Check it out.
enter www.fnfal.com (http://www.fnfal.com)
Goodwill,
-Dirtfarmer

[FWRA]

The Israeli Arms International M444 is a great rifle with reservations. My first one came with a IAI manual with warranty card, mag, and mag charger, and its condition: Clean, well finished, and great looking.

My last one (purchased from a huge distributor) came in the same box, but was missing the manual and warranty card.
condition:
Even better finish than the first, a weird US pistol grip that stops the selector from going into the "A" position (full auto), (my first is DSA p/grip and it of course has the cutout to allow the sliding of the selector to full auto positio) and the rifle was covered with fine sand left from the refinishing process??? It cleaned up nicely and quickly but should have never shipped that way.

Final opinion:
Still a great rifle with pristine bore and parts. As long as all selling dealers take the time to "clean them up previous to the sale", they'll make fine rifles for anyone. It's just maddening that we should even have to take the time to "prep" them. Grrr!


Still a great bargain in a quality FAL rifle....

Thank God I love FAL's enough to check each and everyone before it leaves my shop. I do know that many "gun show" specialists wont.
Without a manual with contact numbers and warranty, some folks who buy these could be real disappointed! Many gun show sellers don't even give a receipt....

I finally got smart and scanned their manual to reprint at will along with a copy of their warranty card (actually paper) for including in any rifles missing same.

That's my take on this fine FAL. :-)
I just hope that IAI's service is OK should it ever be required. They have yet to answer two of my e-mails left at their website. Why have one if you never maintain it????

Mark Powell
FWRA

[flyboy]

So is the M444 parts kit they are made from Imbel? If so which is better a STG-58 parts kit or the Imbel parts kit?

Anyone know what a "argy" barrel is?

[Mordwyn]

Flyboy,
I believe "Argy" is short for Argentinean, and yes the M444 Is an Imbel parts kit rebuilt with an Imbel reciever by IAI in Houston BY GOD Texas.
As to which is better, I've heard some say that the STG's are better quality and I've heard some say there isn't any difference. Personaly I don't have eneough experience with the different types of FAL's to form an opinion, but I'm workin' on it http://www.fnfal.com/forums/smile.gif

------------------
"TANSTAAFL"- Robert A. Heinlen

"Molon Labe"- Leonidas to Xerxes at Thermopile

[W.E.G.]

moved to GENERAL DISCUSSION

[W.E.G.]

moved to REVIEWS