Heavy barrel FAL from scratch

[Mr. Magoo]

I have a used Israeli heavy barrel, and I'd like to acquire the rest of the parts needed to assemble a heavy barrel FAL. I see that Gunthings has pretty much everything I'd need.

Do I need to acquire an Izzy HB bolt, or will any metric bolt work?

This is probably a stupid question, but I've never assembled a FAL ( or any rifle, for that matter!)

[ricochet]

Hey Mr Magoo,
No one else (that knows more than me) has answered yet, so I will try to answer as best I remember. There was a post that I believe had Pogo involved and some pics. What I got from this was, yes, a metric bolt carrier can be used (but the bolt assist will not work, as is). If you take a metric bolt carrier and make the proper sand cuts, the metric bolt carrier will then be fully functional.
I realize your question was about the bolt, but this should cover bolt and carrier. From all of my reading, an Israeli, a metric, or an inch bolt will interchange, but variances require a headspace check when changing any 2 bolts. I have interchanged bolts and carriers several times (inch/metric) and still have found no reason not to do this. If you do a search (here or in FAQs) you should find more info (from those who know more) and see the pics with details.HTH

[VETTOM]

HEY Mr Magoo
place a call to John Hudgins, aka John's Izzy parts house. He si FULL of Izzy info, and probably has the parts you need. That's where all my HB Izzy stuff comes from. No pc, so his # (607) 724-9472. He will call back. good luck

[Mosin Guy]

Hey Mr.Magoo,while it is entirely possiable to build a Izzy heavy barrel from scracth it will cost a hell of a lot more than buying a entire kit or front end,Izzy parts command a premium price if bought one part at a time,good luck.HTH

[Mr. Magoo]

You guys have put me on the right track. thanks for your help.

[GregoryJ15]

Actually the only unique parts are the gas plug and gas piston required to match the gas block on the Izzy barrel. Both are available from DSA for whatever the market bares. You could low cost on the rest and even use a south africa metric kit to make up the rest. That's about as low cost as it gets. You could even use a Hesse reciever if your not afraid of a little oxide removal challenge to get the surfaces to mate properly.

[ August 21, 2001: Message edited by: Viper34 ]