To build, or not to build? Am I missing something?

darkknight9 · October 21, 2002, 15:22

I have spent a few weeks now looking over material about Fal's and attempting to learn as much as possible before I jump into spending an money on a build project. (Yes, there IS a first time for everything) The best deal financially that I can come up with is about $400 dollars or so (US) to buy all the parts I need including US manufactured parts but NOT including any specialty tools, instructional materials, etc.

However:

I can purchase an L1A1 "sporter" from FAC for $389 complete. Done. Already out together. Am I missing something? What piece of the puzzle have I not found? It seems to make more sense to just purchase one that's already together, save myself the trouble, and enjoy my FAL this winter instead of agonizing over a kit.

Help?

blackbird · October 21, 2002, 15:46

Dark... the cheap already assembled one is a Century. Do a search for Century FAL for your answer. Hint: Fit, finish, reliability, some gems, some lemons. At least if you do your own you can control the results.... but, money alone is not a good reason to do it or any other kit firearm.

G1user · October 21, 2002, 18:30

If you just want a fal to hang on the wall, buy the century.
If on the other hand, you want a fal to actually shoot reliably--one that will work the way you prefer--then build your own.

There are so many good parts out there that you can have your pick as to the way you want to go.
If you buy one "off the rack", you let someone else decide what goes into your gun. If you build yourself, you get to choose.

gunsmith_tony · October 21, 2002, 20:07

Up to you, but I'd avoid any crap from Century. I know some here have Century assembled rifles that work, but most of the one's I've seen are just crap.

Uh...did I say they were crap?

Hang Five · October 21, 2002, 21:31

If you build be sure to budget all the tools that you will need...or you can send it to a gun smith, but that would be no fun. Also be sure to budget for the tools that you really don't need but will probably get any way. Air compressor, blast cab, air brush, etc. The way I figure it I will need to build 4 to get my average unit cost to my initial target. And I bought the first two kits on my work credit card.

October 21, 2002, 15:22	#1
darkknight9 Registered FALaholic #: 7459 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,040	To build, or not to build? Am I missing something? I have spent a few weeks now looking over material about Fal's and attempting to learn as much as possible before I jump into spending an money on a build project. (Yes, there IS a first time for everything) The best deal financially that I can come up with is about $400 dollars or so (US) to buy all the parts I need including US manufactured parts but NOT including any specialty tools, instructional materials, etc. However: I can purchase an L1A1 "sporter" from FAC for $389 complete. Done. Already out together. Am I missing something? What piece of the puzzle have I not found? It seems to make more sense to just purchase one that's already together, save myself the trouble, and enjoy my FAL this winter instead of agonizing over a kit. Help? __________________ "Quemadmodum gladius neminem occidit, occidentis telum est." Latin: "A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand." -Seneca, Letters to Lucilius ...in a divorce, it is easier to leave mad than to say, 'I just can make more money doing something else.' -DABTL

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October 21, 2002, 15:46	#2
blackbird Registered FALaholic #: 5487 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 867	Dark... the cheap already assembled one is a Century. Do a search for Century FAL for your answer. Hint: Fit, finish, reliability, some gems, some lemons. At least if you do your own you can control the results.... but, money alone is not a good reason to do it or any other kit firearm.

October 21, 2002, 18:30	#3
G1user Registered FALaholic #: 6546 Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,045	If you just want a fal to hang on the wall, buy the century. If on the other hand, you want a fal to actually shoot reliably--one that will work the way you prefer--then build your own. There are so many good parts out there that you can have your pick as to the way you want to go. If you buy one "off the rack", you let someone else decide what goes into your gun. If you build yourself, you get to choose.

October 21, 2002, 20:07	#4
gunsmith_tony Registered FALaholic #: 6564 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,521	Up to you, but I'd avoid any crap from Century. I know some here have Century assembled rifles that work, but most of the one's I've seen are just crap. Uh...did I say they were crap?

October 21, 2002, 21:31	#5
Hang Five Registered FALaholic #: 7388 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 56	If you build be sure to budget all the tools that you will need...or you can send it to a gun smith, but that would be no fun. Also be sure to budget for the tools that you really don't need but will probably get any way. Air compressor, blast cab, air brush, etc. The way I figure it I will need to build 4 to get my average unit cost to my initial target. And I bought the first two kits on my work credit card.