![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
My first FAL, a Congo.
Very glad to report that I just scored my very first Fal. It's a DSA SA58 Congo (18" barrel) model . The seller claims it has a forged upper receiver but I honestly have no idea if it does. Truth be told i won't be too disappointed if it doesn't. The rifle is in excellent condition. According to DSA data, the serial number shows it was manufactured in Oct/2012.
For the last 3 years I'd been patiently waiting for a great deal on a 18" Para but I just never came across one. I have a deep lust for a Para so I'm definitely considering the conversion kit from DSA, but I'll wait to put a few hundred rounds down the range before I commit. If you guyz see anything suspicious in the photos, please feel free to comment. I'm a newby but I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can from the Forum. For now, here's a few recent pics of the rifle..: ![]() ![]()
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
Contributor
FALaholic #: 11441 Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 911
|
Nice looking rifle.
![]()
__________________
The whole point of being governed by a Constitution and not by men or directly by the people themselves was to stop incredible stupidity from annihilating our Freedoms. Tyranny of the majority is just as dangerous as any dictator. Especially when the majority is incredibly ******* stupid. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 80139 Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Lake in the hills, IL
Posts: 147
|
DSxxxxxxx serial equals forged
DSAxxxxxxx serial equals cast |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 | |
Farkin' Sneekee Bastitch
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 76457 Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Cajun Country
Posts: 1,832
|
Quote:
DSA = some are forged, many not so much (have to call DSA with serial# to verify)
__________________
COBC #66 |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Regarding the receiver, I'll call and verify with DSA. My rifle was manufactured in 2012 and has a S# in the low 25K.
Numerous searches tonight have uncovered information suggesting DSA started manufacturing Cast receivers with serial #s in the 29K mark, which were first fabricated and entered the stream of commerce in late 2014 to mid 2015 time frame. Of course, the info was obtained from the internet. I'm certainly not suggesting this is factual data. No big whoop if mine turns out to be Cast. ![]()
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 1273 Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Colorado/Utah
Posts: 1,332
|
I'm betting on cast. My reason is the DSA logo on the ejection side. I noticed that they changed from no outline, to fine line double wall logo, then on the cast one I have it is a much thicker heavier double walled logo, like pi tured here. If you k ow what to look for you can find the signs ofcasting in some places,such as th iside of the mag well, helps to have a known forged for comparison if you dont know what to look for.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Roger that, Ghost.
Heck, at this point I just want the darn stick to run well. Everything else is just gravy.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 21533 Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Around here somewhere
Posts: 3,387
|
Looks nice!
Couple things- Izzy mag release Stg gas plug Izzy(?) pivot screw assy Semi auto selector,has the 'beak' Looks to be a bipod cut barrel... ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | |
Registered
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 16727 Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 7,674
|
Quote:
At any rate, cast or forged, who cares? Great looking rifle. Now shoot the shit out it. ![]()
__________________
Statism: Ideas so great, they're mandatory. There is not a problem that government cannot make worse. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 | |
Registered
FALaholic #: 17513 Join Date: May 2005
Location: South of the Fulda gap
Posts: 1,268
|
Quote:
![]() On the Para conversion, i had gone back and forth on converting my riFal and in the end i stuck with the standard stock as i really had no reason to fold the stock, now if you just want the cool factor why not eh? The biggest thing is to SHOOT it! ![]() ![]()
__________________
FAL convert. "Too old to fight, too slow to run, but I can still shoot pretty good!" |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Veteran Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 29908 Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: fowler oh.
Posts: 1,775
|
I have a SA58 with a 18" fluted barrel and its birth date is the low 27's and according to DSA its listed as forged.
Mark |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
I intend do this, most definitely.
![]()
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 15873 Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Georgia
Posts: 546
|
I have several DSA Para conversion units on different metric FALs (DSA and Imbel receivered).
All went on correctly and function perfectly. No hassles. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Senior Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 7451 Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Central Kentucky
Posts: 898
|
18 barrel
I built a para with 18 inch barrel. Love it. Not correct for history, but shoot one. Mine shoots better that my full length.
All my parts are Imbel, so all fit.
__________________
Who am I to Judge. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |
Registered
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 16727 Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 7,674
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________
Statism: Ideas so great, they're mandatory. There is not a problem that government cannot make worse. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Quote:
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
FALaholic #: 9580 Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 8,915
|
May be to your benefit to call DSA and see if that lower is on the recall list.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 54639 Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Southwest Virginia---Abingdon, Virginia
Posts: 1,818
|
Very nice....I had one just like it and sold it here and really miss it now. Shoot and enjoy.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Horses Ass
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 5777 Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 8,251
|
That is excellent counsel. That groove cut by the selector detent is pretty deep.
__________________
THANK YOU JESUS |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 | ||
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Quote:
Quote:
Thank you.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | |
Curio & Relic
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 50534 Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Somewhere...
Posts: 2,524
|
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 | |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Quote:
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
1C 16:13
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 74205 Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Western, KY
Posts: 5,655
|
I would suggest that ANY potential warranty issues (regardless of item or manufacturer) is best looked into sooner rather than later for a successful resolution. YMMV.
__________________
A 9 mm "might" expand A 45 will NEVER shrink!! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
I concur. If anything, just to rule out.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#26 | ||
Registered
FALaholic #: 6056 Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NoVA
Posts: 75
|
Quote:
Quote:
The grip had pock marks like yours from the injection mold, but nastier, and a seam all around. The weld on the Rear reinforcement tab had a "peak" to it and I minorly sliced my palm on it, noting that I would need to file it down. Before I got around to it, I somehow managed to snag it on the front of my shirt and rip a nice, big hole! The thing was possessed by poop devlis... |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#27 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Man, what a nightmare.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Update: My Congo was just delivered to the house,..and I’m at work. Arrggg!!
This will be a long afternoon!!
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#29 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Cosmetically, the rifle appears to be in pristine condition. Did not get a chance to do a basic takedown for inspection but will make an effort tonight. I’m afraid a range report will not be forthcoming until after the holidays.
The anticipation will probably be the death of me. ![]() I will however try to take a few close-up glamour shots of the Congo and post them soon.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#31 |
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
FALaholic #: 9580 Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 8,915
|
Strange looking HG screw....needs a trim.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#32 |
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
FALaholic #: 9580 Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 8,915
|
Do I see an inch EB? How about a close up of the bottom of the BHO. I don't recall seeing one like that before.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#33 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 74731 Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 137
|
Not a DSA bolt carrier either (at least I didn't think they ever used ones without the W sand cuts)
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#34 | |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Quote:
But regardless, a complete lower para kit including updated bcg will be installed in the near future. I’ll keep the thread active to document it’s transformation.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#35 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
I recently scored a nice set of metal hand guards from a fellow member. They fit perfectly. A Steyr Short FH is on the way, as well.
The only thing left to buy is the Para conversion kit but I’m undecided whether to go with the standard or railed cover. I really dig the look of a plain jane FAL Para without optics, so I’m leaning toward a standard cover. ![]()
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#36 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 80223 Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rome
Posts: 22
|
Quote:
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#37 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
CQB27, why did the Para not appeal to you??
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#38 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 80223 Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rome
Posts: 22
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#39 | |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Quote:
The Para stock is shorter, thus shorter LOP. I assume recoil harmonics and cheek weld on a steel/aluminum tube will be considerably different from a stock made of plastic or wood. I think the top tube/comb has a slight angle down toward the butt.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. Last edited by lowIQ; December 30, 2017 at 21:39. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#40 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
I'm reaching out for opinions as I'm a little confused as to the type of top cover the rifle has. I've seen hundred of photos and I still cannot determine if I have a Nose or No Nose cover.
The cover has a tip about 1/16" that has to be inserted into the gas piston hood but it only inserts by applying downward pressure on the cover. The subject tip is level with the top of the cover, not below the top like in the photos I've seen. Also, the hood/walls of the gas piston hood are thick and do not appear to have a Para cut. I know I'm not making any sense so I'll post a few photos tomorrow. I want/need to confirm before I order the Para Kit.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#41 |
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
FALaholic #: 9580 Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 8,915
|
You don't have a nose cut top cover. Those were only for paratroppers. The likelyhood is strong that you don't have a nose cut receiver either but will need a pic to verify.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#42 | |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Quote:
I confirmed it with DSA. No nose Top Cover.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#43 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 22985 Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 654
|
Sweet looking rifle. I have always liked the humpback stock.
I hope that you save the plastic hand guards as shooting a bunch of rounds at the range during summer time in Corpus the metal one tend to get plenty hot.
__________________
Front Sight....Front Sight...Front Sight...Only Hits Counts. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#44 |
long-time Texas taxpayer
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 4653 Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Brokenoak in central Texas-Milam county
Posts: 7,119
|
Nice rifle, great pics!
![]()
__________________
My daddy was a cowboy in his younger days, wild as the west Texas wind. He once told me, "Son, death is a horse you got to ride. So you better get your saddle ready." |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#45 |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Thanks for the kind words, folks.
She's coming along pretty good. Today I received the steyr short FH that was recently purchased from a fellow member. I really like the look of it and it shortened the total length of the rifle by about an inch. Just ordered a folding cocking handle assembly from DSA. The Para Kit will be ordered next week.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#46 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 33607 Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Phx AZ
Posts: 221
|
Purdy looking rifle.
__________________
Omae O Korosu |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#47 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 26370 Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: VT
Posts: 310
|
Surprised you are building into a Para and added the metal handguards.
I think the lighter HGs balance a lot better on a para |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#48 | |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Quote:
Only major drawback as already mentioned by a fellow member, is heat retention and So. Texas summers are hotter than the deepest pit in hell..!!
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#49 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 17000 Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Midwest
Posts: 5,176
|
Regarding Paras, if you dont’t like the feel of cheekweld against the metal tube of the Para’s buttstock, wrap some fabric around it, or paracord or, like I did, go to a home improvement store and look for some of this grey pipe insulation
foam. It makes quite a bit of a difference. I run my Para with a DSA railed top cover and like it lots. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#50 | |
Member
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 75383 Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 91
|
Quote:
Full disclosure: I actually have a side biz making/selling cheek risers for the Beretta ARX 100/160 model rifles. Mine are the only riser(s) currently availble for the Beretta. I intend to incorporate some the features found on my “CR2 risers”, into the development of a cheek rest specifically designed for the Para Stock. The prototype (FP1) will be unveiled in this Thread in the near future.
__________________
What we've got here is failure to communicate. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|