FAL flies open after shot!

[coltcollector]

Man, what happened? Bought Century R1A1 off Gunbroker from RM Outdoor and Tactical Inc., 538 nw placid ave, Port st Lucie, FL 34983 for the Ridiculous price of $625 and $35 shipping on $23 postage. On the Second shot the Upper receiver Popped Open and I'm looking down the receiver at the bolt! Slammed the Upper back into the Lower and see that the takedown lever is not all the way forward like on my other L1A1. How come?

Here's the auction I won!

http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93991159

:mad: :eek: :( :(

[bykerhd]

The takedown lever should not be all the way forward. The lever will normally move further as the components wear over time. When the lever is straight up, you have no more adjustment.

But, the rifle should NOT fly open. It sounds like the frame lock may not have enough engagement. Use some black Magic Marker on the lug on the underside of the upper receiver and then slam it closed(no bolt or carrier). The rub marks are what you have for engagement. A little careful stoning or filing on the frame lock can improve that. I would not touch the upper receiver's surfaces except possibly to smooth it slightly. Upper receivers ARE expensive if you screw up. Disassembly to remove the frame lock is a bit time consuming, but that is what you need to do if you need to make adjustments.

But, it could be that the recoil was too violent also. What did you have the gas set at ? Also, the recoil springs may be too weak.

[coltcollector]

Recoil wasn't bad, not as bad as the Imbel receiver L1A1 I got at the same time. I attributed the L1A1 recoil to the thumbhole stock on it. Gas setting is 0. Could be the recoil springs on both.

[gunhead]

Does the upper lock up with the cover removed?
If so, the cover might have been changed & is slightly too long prevently the lever from going all the way into lock-up.
On mine, I took a file & filed the back of the cover a bit at a time until the upper locked correctly with the cover back on.
Might be simple as that, dunno:wink:
GL......
Rich

[Abominog]

Bykrdh is most likely right though I've seen what gunhead described also. But bykrhd's finger pointing at the frame lock is quite common a problem.

This is not a big job, if you know how to disassemble the rifle. You'll need the buttstock tool, and screw drivers (including a little flathead).

Why not tell us where you are, there's probably somebody local that can help.

[coltcollector]

I checked the carbine more closely and it seems the upper receiver is not closing all the way! The lower receiver seems to be supposed to mate up inside the upper receiver. It won't go. Tried 2 more L1A1 lower receivers, same results. Seller refuses to make good on the gun.

[bykerhd]

If you can strip it down, then do so and try the stripped lower on the upper with just the hinge pin in place.
With no springs, catches, etc. involved, you should be able to see how the two really mate.
Some black Magic Marker may help determine where contact areas are.
Any binding areas will be readily apparent and can be lightly filed or stoned, if necessary.
Once you fit the upper and lower so they mate up well, then add the catch and do the same again so the upper and lower will latch up properly.
It'll take a little time, bit it really isn't all that hard.
Usually the amount of metal to be removed is very, very small. So, take it easy.

[coltcollector]

Filed a little on the ouside of the rear of the lower receiver where it mates with the uppper and that helped some. Pulled it apart and there is worn metal on the front part of the lower receiver rails where it's been rubbing against the upper. Filed them down some and the receiver closes like it should now. Just need to shoot it and make sure.

[RRiggs]

I bought a FAL from the same company, big mistake. They only do a "visual inspection" of the firearms they sell. Mine was missing 1/4 of one lan, the barrel was only hand tight, didnt have all the requiered parts to be U.S. legal and had several full auto parts still installed.

[bykerhd]

from RRiggsMine was missing 1/4 of one lan, the barrel was only hand tight, didnt have all the requiered parts to be U.S. legal and had several full auto parts still installed.

The barrel hand tight ? Maybe ?

Not sure what the 1/4 of one lan is supposed to be.

Century has used different parts over the years but has had enough on their guns to be legal. Often not the best quality parts, but that is another issue.

Had several full auto parts still installed ?
The selector you have may rotate all the way to the full-auto position. The rifle will malfunction due to the lack of the safety sear and the cut in the receiver it fits in. Can't think what other full-auto parts, except maybe the ejector block, which is also ok you might have. Unless you mean the lower receiver, which is also ok.

[RRiggs]

bykerhd

The two shops I took the rifle to said that it looked like someone had pieced the rifle together. The suppressor that was installed hadn't been done correctly and they assumed that was what had happened to the missing lan. Long/short they would have to cut of the suppressor back bore the barrel and install a new suppressor. As to the barrel being "hand tight" I noticed the barrel was twisting back and forth on it. When I took it apart to look at it I was able to unscrew the barrel after removing the gas system. As to what parts were full auto I honestly don't remember what they were would have to ask one of the smiths again. I do know that I was told it would be $450 at one shop and $500 at the other to get the barrel repaired, parts required to make it legal and weld up another part to make it non-full auto.

[Jailguard]

sounds like you went to a shop that dosen't know crap about a FAL or they were scaming you. As Far as the orginal poster my Imbel devoleped the same problem after a while I replaced the frame lock and no more issues it can be a pain to remove the but stock with out the proper tool but it can be done. If you let us know what area you live in there is probably some members here that would give you a hand getting it running.

[DYNOMIKE]

coltcollector~

I "LIVE" in PSL and have NEVER heard of that shop?? There are Only a Few Gun shops in town (MOST SUCK) and that one does NOT ring a Bell??
"IF" you have a Contact # PM me with it and I will call them up and see if I can get some info from them?? Wonder IF this guy is assembling Guns and pushing them out on GB?

[bykerhd]

RRiggs, there is very little that can't be fixed when it comes to FALs with some research, a bit of determination, some tools and probably a few small parts.

It DOES NOT have to cost $ 450 to $ 500 in most cases.
Unless someone else is building and refinishing the rifle for you.

There is a Frequently Asked Questions forum here that is a good place to start your research.

But, the FIRST thing you need to do is determine whether your rifle is built with Metric or Inch(Britain and Commonwealth countries) parts. Most of the parts are somewhat different, although they can sometimes be interchanged.
The protective ears for the front sight on the gas block are usually a good place to start.
The Inch ears will have a round opening. Some Metric do also, but most are solid. A folding rear sight blade is also an Inch feature. The Metric does not fold down and has a push button for sliding it for elevation.

The SECOND thing is what information is WHAT information is stamped in to the sides of the receiver. Supply that and we can be of more help.

[Blue Monster]

Coltcollect, take DynoMike up on his offer! He will know how to figure out what ails your fal. Most of us know more than 99% of the shops out there.

[coltcollector]

Thanks, all, for the advice. Just need to get out and shoot it, now.

[coltcollector]

Hi there RRiggs,
Just got another email from RM Outdoor threatening me with legal action if I keep badmouthing them. They are just unethical, that's all. I still have the same problem with mine. Did you get yours fixed? I put the the gas regulator on 5 and now it doesn't cycle all the time, but still flies open. Maybe the frame lock spring is weak?

[MAINER]

Originally posted by coltcollector
Hi there RRiggs,
Just got another email from RM Outdoor threatening me with legal action if I keep badmouthing them. They are just unethical, that's all. I still have the same problem with mine. Did you get yours fixed? I put the the gas regulator on 5 and now it doesn't cycle all the time, but still flies open. Maybe the frame lock spring is weak?

That may be possible and a easy fix if it is. More likely is that the locking lug on the upper receiver has a burr or is a tad too thick. Maybe some excess parking material. If you take all the gizzards out, (bolt, carrier, top cover) you should be able to determmine where the frame lock engages. Also, check that the upper and lower receivers have no burrs or obstructions to prevent them from seating fully. A couple whacks with the old rubber mallet should do the trick.

If you do any adjustments or filing, go lightly, note that the Locking lever should not swing all the way forward. On a vertical lever, about the 1:00 o'clock position is about right.

btw; Those local "gunsmucks" are some real con artists. They are stating they will take what they believe to be a machine gun and convert it to a semi-auto?
:eek:
Sounds like whoever is building these things needs to be shut down before he kills somebody. Like one of US! :(

[ggiilliiee]

they are legally threatening you for sending out an unsafe weapon ...???????.....what balls ...id return mail them ..tell them you just turned it over to the atf ......gonna look over yer books ..make sure all is ok ....frikin smurfs ......shut em down .....before they shut US down ....

[coltcollector]

Here is his emails to me, "It is against our company policy everything we did was to policy I appoligize that you were not happy with your rifle but used weapons are as is if we would have known there was somthing wrong we would not have sold it or at least put it in the advertisement that there were problems and sold it as a gunsmith special, but to keep prices low we dont have any weapons inspected."
" we were forced to leave negative feedback for you as well unfortinitally. Thanks and have a good day.If you want we could possibly do a mutual removal of negative feedback."
"We are requesting the name of the other customer who you stated on your reply on the feedback board that you heard from that stated " same deal" If we are unable to verify the information is true, or it is not changed to correct facts our legal dept will file a motion to gunbroker to have you removed for slander, also if we are able to find one person who will give a deposition that they did not bid on one of our weapons due to your slanderous unfound accusations we will also be filing a civil suit for slander and estimated loss of revanue. We strongly recomend you seak legal consule prior to responding , this as all e mails will be kept on file, Thanks and have a good day.
" so since i belive you to be totaly full of shit I personally sugest you really contact a attorney, I try to be a kind and fair person and would hate to see anyone lose their house over somthing this minor, I am tired of playing games contact me with a real solution either provide the inf so we can obtain a sworn afidavit or retract the false statements or we will just be turning this matter over to our legal dept to handle from here out.
RM Outdoor and Tactical Inc

[coltcollector]

Here's another poor soul. He seems happy with it.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93990713

Man, that's a lot of money. Here's what he said about it. "Item was not clearly represented in the image available and it arrived with a part sticking out of the cardboard box it was shipped in. Other than these issues, I was pleased with the transaction."

[MAINER]

Great Grief!! :uhoh: $1575 for that?? :tongue:


WHERE"S MY IMBEL?? It is going to Gunbreaker!! :D

[DYNOMIKE]

What ASSHATS!!!
I am surprised they are still in BIZ and in fact still have NO IDEA who they are??
There are Very FEW G/Shops in this area and as mentioned I have never heard of them?? MY GUESS is the Scmuck is a HOME FFL (YES there are a FEW around here still) and he is selling shit.. The fact that he is selling an UNSAFE Rifle/s may be grounds enough for MY LEGAL dept if the Gun was Mine.. Were I you I would do a Pre-emptive Strike and let G/Broker know what's going on RIGHT NOW if you have not already done so.. I would also have the Gun looked over by someone that actually KNOWS FAL's before you shoot it again.. I bet if you post a Request for help and ask for contact info VIA PM ther nay very well be someone from the FILES that is within driving distance that can help you??

Others have mentioned almost anything wrong can be Fixed but it may require some newer or better parts to repair the issues?

This is NOT IMO a USED GUN issue this is what I would call simple Fraud and Unethical practices...
At the VERY LEAST he should have offered to take the gun back and refund your $$ but instead he sends threats of BS Legal action... :shades:

[coltcollector]

I appreciate the support guys. It looks like I going to have to eat this one. I jumped on it for the short barrel. Leaped before I looked. Seems like the frame lock is not holding. May try to replace the spring. Someone worked on the upper with a file in the lock area, so that may be part of the problem.
Dynomike,
He talks like he has a shop in PSL. Yahoo search shows RM Outdoor and Tactical Inc., 538 nw placid ave. Port st Lucie, FL (561) 248-5927. Yahoo Maps satellite view shows a house. Who knows.

[combat engineer]

Hell coltcollector. I would have have built you a thing of beauty for $1575.00. I love these rifles, they are works of art from another era. This is a picture of the last one I built on an GL Imbel. I only had about $1100.00 in it not counting my labor. You have but to ask and the guys here are more than willing to help you geter done, we have all been new at this one time. It's not brain surgery, it just takes time, patience, oh ya and money. :shades:


http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j153/combatengineer/FALForSale001.jpg

[combat engineer]

Here's the first one where I popped my cherry! When it was finished and what it looked like when I got it. You aren't screwed you just need a little help from the thundering herd here. By the way I put a brand new lock in mine and it just would not mate up with the DSA receiver, so I pulled off her butt and put the old one it and it worked like a champ! They're like women, sometimes they want something different. :rolleyes:


http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j153/combatengineer/FirstBuild003.jpg


http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j153/combatengineer/FALKit002.jpg

[DYNOMIKE]

coltcollector~

That's interesting in that I did the Yahoo/Google search as well and it does appear to be a residential area? Not only that but G/Broker only shows him being a Member since 06 and yet the Phone # you list shows a (561) Area code? Strange since this area has NOT Been (561) for several years I believe.. The (561) area code is Now West Palm Beach which is 40 min or so SOUTH... Oh yea and BTW I looked in 3 Phone Books I have hear at the House and DId NOT find him in Either One (not even in the white pages)?? :?

I still say don't go this on your Own, let us know what City you are in and I bet someone can help you out.. If NOT there are several Smiths on the Board as well as some very knowledgable Builders.. Worse case I bet with Good PICS you could get enough info to gather the required parts and make the repairs yourself..

Lastly I still say File a Complaint with G/Broker as this gun was NOT sold with a NON firing statement nor as a Project firearm.. One must certainly understand that Bumps and Bruises, or Scratches and Dings will be on a USED gun but one should NOT expect it to be a Friggin UNSAFE HAZZARD!! :(

[RT]

coltcollector
listen to Mike and the others, contact gunbroker this person could sell a gun that could blow up and hurt or kill the shooter. F him. if he try's we will sue you shit again trump him with a call to the batfe, that will make him shit a brick. what state do you live in/ as i bet there is a builder close by to help you make your Fal work like it should. just my 2 cents~RT

[coltcollector]

Thanks, to all you good people out there. I have always dealt with others like I wanted to be treated. Had few problems develope with some stuff I sold and took it back and made it right. I keep looking for the good in human nature. Sometimes it's just not there. I'm in South Arkansas, 15 miles North of the Louisiana line. Haven't had much time lately to work on stuff. Will try to get back on this Century Fal soon.

[ggiilliiee]

still not as bad as th head honcho on here telling a guy it was ok to shoot a fal without the hinge pin in ....i think ya have an idea just how that would have went over .....jeeeeezzzeee ..:eek:
and for the ffl ...may a large colony of chiggers roost in his ballsac...hehe ...:tongue: