Beginners: Why do I need a FAL?

Douglas in CT · November 17, 2000, 22:19

Greetings from CT:
As a first time poster here, I thought I'd ask a simple question.

Why do I need a FAL in my collection?
Or, perhaps the question should be:
"Why do you own a FAL?"

------------------
Regards,
Douglas in CT

Be the GOOD Boy Scout...Be PREPARED

AR-45ACP · November 17, 2000, 22:31

Cause your not cool unless you have a FAL or better yet two FAL's

AR-45ACP · November 17, 2000, 22:37

Actually I own them because A.308 surplus ammo is reasonable. B. Parts are avaliable and relatively cheap till recently C.20rd mags are between $5-10ea and finally D.because I'm addicted to them and could no longer live without them.
Jay

**kfranz** · November 17, 2000, 22:42

I don't need 'em, I want 'em. I own 'em 'cause I LIKE 'em...

Wadman · November 17, 2000, 22:48

The first time I saw a picture of an FAL was in the book "Merc." The lines, the long barrel, that cool looking flash suppressor, pistol grip, curving humpback stock... It was cool and aggressive looking. High speed - low drag. As you can see, I was already taken by it's aesthetic appeal. When you add FN's reputation for excellent engineering and the rifle's legendary accuracy (for a mass produced battle rifle), it's not hard to see why I finally got one.

[This message has been edited by Wadman (edited November 17, 2000).]

faustus · November 17, 2000, 23:09

Because the FAL is accurate, well-balanced, rugged, extremely well-designed, clean shooting, easy to clean, easy to build/maintain, and there are currently cheap parts, cheap mags and cheap ammo to stockpile. The only downside is you will be hard-pressed to buy just one...

[This message has been edited by faustus (edited November 18, 2000).]

Bruce J · November 17, 2000, 23:21

Ever since I was a kid, I always thought the FAL was sexy. As a teen, I bought a couple ARs and AK, even an M1A but always thought the FAL was out of reach. My gun crazy went into remission as I wnet to college, joined the Navy and married. Then...Only recently did I happen to buy a copy of Shotgun news while at a train station in Chicago and Boom!... I couldn't believe my eyes, the FAL was reasonably priced! SInce then, I've bought two FALs, another M1A, a CETME, and AR15 9mm, and another AK. I guess my gun craziness has come out of remission thanks to the FAL. Of all the rifles, my L1A1 is my favorite.. it goes to the range with me everytime while the others have to take turns.

sasquatch · November 17, 2000, 23:29

.

**moses** · November 18, 2000, 00:23

If you have to ask you would'nt understand!!!

TooTech · November 18, 2000, 00:49

I like the easily adjustable gas system. Compensates for ammo variations and differing weather conditions (I live in Minnesota).

Also, the way the bipod on my STG-58/Imbel is mounted is also the smoothest I've seen. No protrusions or exposed springs.

Points well, shoots well, draws LOTS of attention at the range!

paintballmagnet · November 18, 2000, 00:57

Around here, FALs are usually seen only at gun shows. Too expensive for the beginner to start with. After getting my hands on one and into one, I became an instant convert. I now rate the FAL far better than any of the AR's or HK-91 that I have owned! Get one before it's too late! You will only regret not having several!

**EMDII** · November 18, 2000, 03:33

Ergonomics
Appearance
Value for $ spent
Reliability

Everything else is just icing on the cake. The premier battle rifle of the Free World for nearly five decades. Why wouldn't you want such a good-looking piece of history?

mark · November 18, 2000, 04:10

For the price (todays STG-58 $500-600), you don't want to miss this opportunity AGAIN.

Think back to the goood old days of CHEAP "assault weapons" and those stories from your friends about, "I remember when I could have picked up a COLT AR-15 for $300.00."

Why do I need a FAL?

Cause I want another: MILITARY STYLE FIREARM, HUNTING RIFLE, COLLECTOR FIREARM or "TOY".

Charlie14 · November 18, 2000, 06:47

For the reasons outlined in the Second Amendment...

SrBenelli · November 18, 2000, 08:03

It's more "upscale", more "nose-in-the-air" than either an AK, AR or HK.....though you WILL need to learn to load your mags with your pinkie finger extended, just like sipping tea with the queen!!!!

j/k
Seriously, it's just a robust as an AK, with an adjustable gas system to boot, capable of being masaged to shoot under 1 moa, it's human ergonamics fit me (and most others) extreamly well. Mags are DIRT cheep...costing as little as $6 if you look hard enough.
About the only bad things you could say are that, one, it's a bit on the heavy side, but in fairness, doesn't weigh much more than the current M-16a2, and the barrel is a bit long, but the trade off is heigher velosity and greater accuracy. And if the Bbl legnth really bothers you (it seems longer than it actually is), any gunsmith can cut and re-crown the barrel down to 20", 18" or even 16" for you.

------------------
"..All morals aside.....Imperialism is FUN!...."

Dan at VOW · November 18, 2000, 08:14

Because you can. Dan.

Ghost · November 18, 2000, 11:48

I needed a gun as sexy as me! Well close anyway.
Rugged,reliable with unbeatable athetic appeal.

gman · November 18, 2000, 12:56

Back in 1979 after I received my FFL and began advertising, I sold my very first rifle to a gold miner. He told me he wanted something that he could lean against a rock and have fall over and not cry about, tough, powerful enough to take a bear in an emergency. He wanted an HK91 with the retractable stock. I sold him that rifle and four magazines, the HK cleaning kit and the HK 'scope mount. It cost somthing like $575.00 including the shipping, I remember that 'cause we added up the price and he gave me cash and said he'd be back in town in two weeks. I kept his money in the freezer compartment of my 'fridge.
You could have purchased a FAL with all accessories for the same. Now look at a FAL from that time period. In excellent condition it'll run $2,500.00 and up. A PARA will go for $1000.00 more. That Dear Watson, is better than gold. (which has gone down)
You can hunt with it, defend yourself and your family, reach out and touch things...organic and otherwise and last but most certainly not least...they are Major Cool. That is why I own three and all the tools and books to build more should I so choose.

DK · November 18, 2000, 15:59

Man, I LOVE these things! All the above posts are quite true. I will echo the fact that like potato chips you can't eat just one!
I currently have 5 of various variety, 2 StG kits waiting assembly, another Izzy FALO that I'm collecting the last few parts for, and a standard barrel Izzy kit I'm saving my nickles for. I've had and sold off an additional 4-5 FAL's over the years. I have all types of evil looking assault style rifles, but the FAL's have easily become my personal favorites.

DK

------------------
Historically Freedom is bought with steel, not gold...

**WJ-Polish Guy** · November 18, 2000, 18:44

You do not need FAL!... Having a FAL is highly unhumane!....

You NEED at list two FALs!.... One FAL just feel plane lonely... When you get male and female posibilites are endles! Ha!

HDR · November 18, 2000, 20:10

In the eastern block it is AK-47. In the western world, except for the US of A, it is FAL.
The MBR, main battle rifle, of the 20th Century.

Bruce · November 18, 2000, 21:57

What a day to ask that question! I just finished my first kit and shot it this morning. (Saturday)

I have never shot one before. After several single rounds to get the gas adjusted, I filled a mag. Two buddies were with me.

I shot probably 8-10 singly, still concerned about the cycling. Everything went fine so I let loose like there were a hundred angry liberals in front of me. When I emptied it, I had the biggest watermelon smile you ever saw!

Everybody else tried it, and it was impossible for anyone not to smile from ear to ear.

Truly an ingenious piece of engineering. It's very easy to use and manipulate, and looks great!! And the final reason for owning one? I just know that Sen. Dianne Feinstein absolutely HATES it.

------------------
"Tyranny is always better organized than freedom." -- Charles Peguy
------------
Want free ammo to fire at gun-hating liberals? Go to:

http://www.geocities.com/branlin/liberty.html

Super B · November 18, 2000, 23:57

Because some person might pull a Zimbabwe and come tell me that I no longer own my house or land. I will defend what is mine...

Super B

alFALfa · November 19, 2000, 15:54

RJS - I suppose you NEVER asked anyone their opinion about anything you were considering buying?

Douglas in CT - I have always admired the excellent design and features of the FAL: break open for cleaning, adjustable gas system, good ergonomics, accurate, rugged, & dependable. Not to mention it's one of the best looking rifles of its type out there. Right now parts, mags, and ammo are available and affordable, and it's not hard to buy or build a quality FAL clone. Once bitten by the FAL-bug you find you can't have just one...

DJ · November 19, 2000, 18:18

First reason, because they are the coolest rifle goin. Second reason, major cool factor, and the third reason is they are so cool nobody can own just one. BTW did I mention that FAL's are just plain cool?

**sturmgrenadiere** · November 19, 2000, 20:50

Most of the bases have been covered here. Ergonomics, simplicity, utility, reliability, etc. Also, aside from Charli14 noting the second amendment, another big reason on that same reasoning is that it will be one more battle rifle in the hands of a (hopefully) responsible and constitutionally educated private citizen, and one less that will sit in the distributor's warehouse or gunshow table. The British were marching to Concord to confiscate...

November 17, 2000, 22:19	#1
Douglas in CT Registered FALaholic #: 1578 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Beautiful Coastal Connecticut, USA Posts: 12	Why do I need a FAL? Greetings from CT: As a first time poster here, I thought I'd ask a simple question. Why do I need a FAL in my collection? Or, perhaps the question should be: "Why do you own a FAL?" ------------------ Regards, Douglas in CT Be the GOOD Boy Scout...Be PREPARED __________________ Regards, Douglas in CT Be the GOOD Boy Scout...Be PREPARED

November 17, 2000, 22:48	#5
Wadman Registered FALaholic #: 1095 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: North East Illinois Posts: 2,820	The first time I saw a picture of an FAL was in the book "Merc." The lines, the long barrel, that cool looking flash suppressor, pistol grip, curving humpback stock... It was cool and aggressive looking. High speed - low drag. As you can see, I was already taken by it's aesthetic appeal. When you add FN's reputation for excellent engineering and the rifle's legendary accuracy (for a mass produced battle rifle), it's not hard to see why I finally got one. [This message has been edited by Wadman (edited November 17, 2000).] __________________ The low road is frequently a four lane highway with no speed limit. Help Save the Kitties

November 17, 2000, 23:21	#7
Bruce J Registered FALaholic #: 102 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Linwood Kansas USA Posts: 781	Ever since I was a kid, I always thought the FAL was sexy. As a teen, I bought a couple ARs and AK, even an M1A but always thought the FAL was out of reach. My gun crazy went into remission as I wnet to college, joined the Navy and married. Then...Only recently did I happen to buy a copy of Shotgun news while at a train station in Chicago and Boom!... I couldn't believe my eyes, the FAL was reasonably priced! SInce then, I've bought two FALs, another M1A, a CETME, and AR15 9mm, and another AK. I guess my gun craziness has come out of remission thanks to the FAL. Of all the rifles, my L1A1 is my favorite.. it goes to the range with me everytime while the others have to take turns. __________________ Bruce J Kansas City BHJohnson.HST@Gmail.com "Although I can accept talking scarecrows, lions and great wizards in emerald cities, I find it hard to believe there is no paperwork involved when your house lands on a witch."

November 17, 2000, 23:29	#8
sasquatch Registered FALaholic #: 1188 Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 52	. Last edited by sasquatch; June 29, 2003 at 11:52.

November 18, 2000, 00:23	#9
moses One of the original 400 Contributor FALaholic #: 392 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: charlotte nc usa Posts: 5,471	If you have to ask you would'nt understand!!! __________________ . Military rifle steel plate match schedule for 2013, March 9th, May 26th(Sunday), Sept. 14th & Nov. 9th AKA "8.47"

November 17, 2000, 22:31	#2
AR-45ACP Registered FALaholic #: 1250 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: MI Posts: 390	Cause your not cool unless you have a FAL or better yet two FAL's

November 17, 2000, 22:37	#3
AR-45ACP Registered FALaholic #: 1250 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: MI Posts: 390	Actually I own them because A.308 surplus ammo is reasonable. B. Parts are avaliable and relatively cheap till recently C.20rd mags are between $5-10ea and finally D.because I'm addicted to them and could no longer live without them. Jay

November 17, 2000, 22:42	#4
kfranz Curio & Relic Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 101 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 3,627	I don't need 'em, I want 'em. I own 'em 'cause I LIKE 'em...

November 17, 2000, 23:09	#6
faustus Registered FALaholic #: 1040 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: North Carolina Posts: 37	Because the FAL is accurate, well-balanced, rugged, extremely well-designed, clean shooting, easy to clean, easy to build/maintain, and there are currently cheap parts, cheap mags and cheap ammo to stockpile. The only downside is you will be hard-pressed to buy just one... [This message has been edited by faustus (edited November 18, 2000).]

November 18, 2000, 00:49	#10
TooTech Registered FALaholic #: 465 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 569	I like the easily adjustable gas system. Compensates for ammo variations and differing weather conditions (I live in Minnesota). Also, the way the bipod on my STG-58/Imbel is mounted is also the smoothest I've seen. No protrusions or exposed springs. Points well, shoots well, draws LOTS of attention at the range!

November 18, 2000, 00:57	#11
paintballmagnet Registered FALaholic #: 1186 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: AR U.S.A. Posts: 374	Around here, FALs are usually seen only at gun shows. Too expensive for the beginner to start with. After getting my hands on one and into one, I became an instant convert. I now rate the FAL far better than any of the AR's or HK-91 that I have owned! Get one before it's too late! You will only regret not having several!

November 18, 2000, 03:33	#12
EMDII Evil Moderator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 6 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 13,971	Ergonomics Appearance Value for $ spent Reliability Everything else is just icing on the cake. The premier battle rifle of the Free World for nearly five decades. Why wouldn't you want such a good-looking piece of history? __________________ "The Spartans do not enquire how many enemy there are. The SPartans merely enquire WHERE they are." E.M. (Ted) Dannemiller II 1*

November 18, 2000, 04:10	#13
mark Registered FALaholic #: 284 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 81	For the price (todays STG-58 $500-600), you don't want to miss this opportunity AGAIN. Think back to the goood old days of CHEAP "assault weapons" and those stories from your friends about, "I remember when I could have picked up a COLT AR-15 for $300.00." Why do I need a FAL? Cause I want another: MILITARY STYLE FIREARM, HUNTING RIFLE, COLLECTOR FIREARM or "TOY".

November 18, 2000, 06:47	#14
Charlie14 Registered FALaholic #: 572 Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 99	For the reasons outlined in the Second Amendment...

November 18, 2000, 08:03	#15
SrBenelli Registered FALaholic #: 672 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 1,431	It's more "upscale", more "nose-in-the-air" than either an AK, AR or HK.....though you WILL need to learn to load your mags with your pinkie finger extended, just like sipping tea with the queen!!!! j/k Seriously, it's just a robust as an AK, with an adjustable gas system to boot, capable of being masaged to shoot under 1 moa, it's human ergonamics fit me (and most others) extreamly well. Mags are DIRT cheep...costing as little as $6 if you look hard enough. About the only bad things you could say are that, one, it's a bit on the heavy side, but in fairness, doesn't weigh much more than the current M-16a2, and the barrel is a bit long, but the trade off is heigher velosity and greater accuracy. And if the Bbl legnth really bothers you (it seems longer than it actually is), any gunsmith can cut and re-crown the barrel down to 20", 18" or even 16" for you. ------------------ "..All morals aside.....Imperialism is FUN!...." __________________ Ask me about the Carolina FAL'ers! If we could just get everyone to close their eyes for 15 minutes and visualise world peace, imagine how quiet...how serene it would be....till the looting started! :fal:

November 18, 2000, 08:14	#16
Dan at VOW Registered FALaholic #: 191 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cleveland, TN. CSA Posts: 1,011	Because you can. Dan.

November 18, 2000, 11:48	#17
Ghost Registered FALaholic #: 1273 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Grand Junction, Colorado Posts: 891	I needed a gun as sexy as me! Well close anyway. Rugged,reliable with unbeatable athetic appeal.

November 18, 2000, 12:56	#18
gman Registered FALaholic #: 1176 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: The Great Frozen North Posts: 2,739	Back in 1979 after I received my FFL and began advertising, I sold my very first rifle to a gold miner. He told me he wanted something that he could lean against a rock and have fall over and not cry about, tough, powerful enough to take a bear in an emergency. He wanted an HK91 with the retractable stock. I sold him that rifle and four magazines, the HK cleaning kit and the HK 'scope mount. It cost somthing like $575.00 including the shipping, I remember that 'cause we added up the price and he gave me cash and said he'd be back in town in two weeks. I kept his money in the freezer compartment of my 'fridge. You could have purchased a FAL with all accessories for the same. Now look at a FAL from that time period. In excellent condition it'll run $2,500.00 and up. A PARA will go for $1000.00 more. That Dear Watson, is better than gold. (which has gone down) You can hunt with it, defend yourself and your family, reach out and touch things...organic and otherwise and last but most certainly not least...they are Major Cool. That is why I own three and all the tools and books to build more should I so choose. __________________ ******************************** You can piddle with the puppies, or run with the wolves... Better living through chemistry.

November 18, 2000, 15:59	#19
DK Cereal Killer Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 134 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Piney Woods of Middle GA Posts: 2,513	Man, I LOVE these things! All the above posts are quite true. I will echo the fact that like potato chips you can't eat just one! I currently have 5 of various variety, 2 StG kits waiting assembly, another Izzy FALO that I'm collecting the last few parts for, and a standard barrel Izzy kit I'm saving my nickles for. I've had and sold off an additional 4-5 FAL's over the years. I have all types of evil looking assault style rifles, but the FAL's have easily become my personal favorites. DK ------------------ Historically Freedom is bought with steel, not gold... __________________ Historically Freedom is bought with steel, not gold... "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." Margaret Thatcher

November 18, 2000, 18:44	#20
WJ-Polish Guy Polak 210 Contributor FALaholic #: 137 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 3,874	You do not need FAL!... Having a FAL is highly unhumane!.... You NEED at list two FALs!.... One FAL just feel plane lonely... When you get male and female posibilites are endles! Ha! __________________ Czapajew

November 18, 2000, 20:10	#21
HDR Registered FALaholic #: 1285 Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 21	In the eastern block it is AK-47. In the western world, except for the US of A, it is FAL. The MBR, main battle rifle, of the 20th Century. __________________ De Oppresso Liber

November 18, 2000, 21:57	#22
Bruce Registered FALaholic #: 1049 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Honeoye, NY Posts: 72	What a day to ask that question! I just finished my first kit and shot it this morning. (Saturday) I have never shot one before. After several single rounds to get the gas adjusted, I filled a mag. Two buddies were with me. I shot probably 8-10 singly, still concerned about the cycling. Everything went fine so I let loose like there were a hundred angry liberals in front of me. When I emptied it, I had the biggest watermelon smile you ever saw! Everybody else tried it, and it was impossible for anyone not to smile from ear to ear. Truly an ingenious piece of engineering. It's very easy to use and manipulate, and looks great!! And the final reason for owning one? I just know that Sen. Dianne Feinstein absolutely HATES it. ------------------ "Tyranny is always better organized than freedom." -- Charles Peguy ------------ Want free ammo to fire at gun-hating liberals? Go to: http://www.geocities.com/branlin/liberty.html __________________ "Tyranny is always better organized than freedom." -- Charles Peguy Want free ammo to fire at gun-hating liberals? Go to: http://www.geocities.com/branlin/liberty.html

November 18, 2000, 23:57	#23
Super B Registered FALaholic #: 404 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tallahassee, FL,, USA Posts: 1,630	Because some person might pull a Zimbabwe and come tell me that I no longer own my house or land. I will defend what is mine... Super B __________________ 'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton

November 19, 2000, 15:54	#24
alFALfa Registered FALaholic #: 290 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: WI Posts: 152	RJS - I suppose you NEVER asked anyone their opinion about anything you were considering buying? Douglas in CT - I have always admired the excellent design and features of the FAL: break open for cleaning, adjustable gas system, good ergonomics, accurate, rugged, & dependable. Not to mention it's one of the best looking rifles of its type out there. Right now parts, mags, and ammo are available and affordable, and it's not hard to buy or build a quality FAL clone. Once bitten by the FAL-bug you find you can't have just one...

November 19, 2000, 18:18	#25
DJ Registered FALaholic #: 126 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Brookville Pa Posts: 2,129	First reason, because they are the coolest rifle goin. Second reason, major cool factor, and the third reason is they are so cool nobody can own just one. BTW did I mention that FAL's are just plain cool? __________________ *Proud Air Force dad* I'm a "barbarian" and I VOTE! "He might have gone on livin' but he made one fatal slip, he tried to match the Ranger with the Big Iron on his hip." Marty Robbins, "Big Iron"

November 19, 2000, 20:50	#26
sturmgrenadiere Moderator Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 1010 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Quantico, Va Posts: 2,538	Most of the bases have been covered here. Ergonomics, simplicity, utility, reliability, etc. Also, aside from Charli14 noting the second amendment, another big reason on that same reasoning is that it will be one more battle rifle in the hands of a (hopefully) responsible and constitutionally educated private citizen, and one less that will sit in the distributor's warehouse or gunshow table. The British were marching to Concord to confiscate... __________________ They had Kings and Queens, we had a flag. The grass is neither greener or better. It is just grass, and it still itches. No rubber dogshit out of Hong Kong yet, but I am waiting for that mission...

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