G1 price check

CJBLASTER · January 16, 2008, 19:20

found g1 nib with metal hand guards,hensoldt scope,both top covers,sling,serial number listed on atf list and stevens book.what would be an exceptable price for a gun that is near 100% like this.

thanks for the help

squid8286 · January 16, 2008, 20:20

The G1 is the FAL that FN built for the West German Army in the early fifties. Are you referring to a "G Series" FAL? They are not the same thing.

CJBLASTER · January 17, 2008, 08:57

no this is definitly the german g1 and falls in the 750 block group of serial numbers in blakes(upper right side of page) book out of the 1848 total listed.(sorry not at home i would give you the prefix)this gun appears to be pristine and straight.even the bore has never been cleaned from the factory yet. does this sound correct or do i have my gs all confused.

thank you

Quote:

Originally posted by squid8286
The G1 is the FAL that FN built for the West German Army in the early fifties. Are you referring to a "G Series" FAL? They are not the same thing.

**KIT** · January 17, 2008, 17:41

Quote:

Originally posted by CJBLASTER
no this is definitly the german g1 and falls in the 750 block group of serial numbers in blakes(upper right side of page) book out of the 1848 total listed.(sorry not at home i would give you the prefix)this gun appears to be pristine and straight.even the bore has never been cleaned from the factory yet. does this sound correct or do i have my gs all confused.

thank you

CJ

I think that you most probably have the German military contract G1 FAL's confused with the G Series semi-auto FAL's that Browning Arms imported into the U.S.A. They are totally different examples of the FAL rifle.

The German militatry G1 rifle contract for the Bundeswehr consisted of 100,000 examples and the contract utilized no serial number prefix that I am aware of. That said, there are a few serial numbers of German trials rifles noted in Blakes book that did utilize a serial number prefix. Specifically the serial numbers of those trials rifles were; G57, G58 and G67 (delivered in 1955) and G674 (delivered in 1961). These were the only FAL examples shipped to Germany which utilized a serial number prefix that I have found recorded. Other smaller FAL contracts for the German Border Guards (Bundesgrenzschutz) 'may' have utilized a serial number prefix but I am not knowledgeable of any recorded history of those specific contract purchases.

The 1,848 examples that you previously noted which were illustrated by serial number and consequently published in Blakes excellent book on the FAL are the semi-auto G Series rifles that were imported by Browning Arms for civilian sales here in the U.S.A. The block of 750 examples that you noted would place the serial number of your rifle in the G2247 through G2996 range. I have attached a copy of the specific the ATF order concerning those examples below for your review.

If you are the proud new owner of a mint NIB G Series FAL which is on the published BATFE approved list then you have scored a most excellent find indeed.

Cheers

-KIT-

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Department of the Treasury-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

ORDER ATF 0 7540.1

9/11/74

Subject:
CLASSIFICATION OF BELGIAN FN LIGHT SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE
(FAL) CALIBER 7.62mm

1. PURPOSE. This order identifies certain FN FAL 7.62mm rifles
which are not classified as machine guns and thereby are
excluded from the provisions of the National Firearms Act.

2. CANCELLATION. This directive cancels all previous
instructions concerning the classification of FAL rifles.

3. BACKGROUND. From September 5, 1959 to January 10, 1963, the
Browning Arms Company, St Louis, Missouri, imported 1,836 FAL
rifles in caliber 7.62mm from Fabrique Nationale, Herstal,
Belgium. Subsequent to January 10, 1963, the Bureau
classified this rifle as a machine gun. However it was
determined that the 1,863 rifles imported by Browning would be
exempt from the provisions of the National Firearms Act.
Additionally twelve FN FAL rifles were imported through an
administrative error in 1974. These 12 rifles are also exempt
from the provisions of the National Firearms Act.

4. EXEMPTED FAL RIFLES. Following is the final revised listing
of FAL rifles, calibre 7.62mm, which are exempt from the
provisions of the National Firearms Act.

a. G SERIES

Serial Numbers Units
G492 through G494 3
G537 through G540 4
G649 through G657 9
G662 through G673 12
G677 through G693 17
G709 through G748 40
G752 through G816 65
G848 through G1017 170
G1021 1
G1033 1
G1035 1
G1041 through G1042 2
G1174 through G1293 120
G1415 through G1524 110
G1570 through G1784 215
G1800 through G1979 180
G1981 through G1995 15
G3035 through G3134 100
G2247 through G2996 750
----
Total: 1,815

b. GL SERIES

Serial Numbers Units
GL749 1
GL835 1
GL1095 through GL1098 4
GL1163 through GL1165 3
GL2004 through GL2009 6
GL3135 through GL3140 6
--
Total: 21

STANDARD FAL -

Serial Numbers Units
889768 1
889772 through 889777 6
---
Total: 7

c. PARATROOP MODEL

Serial Numbers Units
889800 through 889801 2
889803 1
889805 1
889809 1
--
Total: 5

GRAND TOTAL ALL EXEMPTED FAL RIFLES 1,848

5. DESCRIPTION OF MARKINGS. All G Series and GL Series FAL
rifles will be marked FAL. cal. 7.62 on the left side of the
receiver and Fabrique Nationale D'Armes De Guerre-Herstal
Belgique on the right side of the receiver. The selector
positions will be marked "S" for safe, "R" for semiautomatic,
and "A" for automatic. The selector lever is designed so that
it cannot be rotated to the automatic position.

The Standard and Paratroop Models will have the same markings
as above plus "Browning Arms Co. Arnold Mo. and Montreal P.Q."
on the right side of the magazine well. The selector lever
can be rotated to the automatic position but the rifle will
fire only semiautomatically.

6. ACTION. If a rifle bearing one of the above serial numbers has
been converted to fire full automatic, it is classified as a
machine gun and is subject to all the provisions of the
National Firearms Act.

[signed]

REX D. DAVIS
Director

CJBLASTER · January 17, 2008, 18:14

kit
lets assume that it is the correct info and it is an actual german g1 on the list what kind of value would you put on it in todays market.i know that values are all over the place considering the fact the socialists are coming and the zombies are not far behind.but if i was going to pull the triger on this deal in the next couple of weeks what would be a resonable price.

**KIT** · January 17, 2008, 19:59

Unfortunately 'reasonable pricing' and 'G Series FAL's' are not commonly used much together anymore. The recent prices for factory correct matching FN manufactured G Series FAL's that I have seen over the past year or so range from $4,500 to $6,500 depending on the specific configuration of the rifle and it's actual condition. I even have known an individual to sell a mint example in the $7,000+ range but I consider that to be an exception and not the rule. Lightweight models typically are sold at the same price a a standard model and I rarely see any price difference between the types. Examples with Model A wood handguards or early non-bipod cut Model B fiberglass handguards typically command more of a premium than examples with the metal handguards and bipod. Also, the correct factory supplied scope for a G Series would be an over-the-bore OIP scope on a band mount and not a Hensoldt. That said, it is not uncommon to see an early G Series FAL sporting an early German surplus Hensoldt on an over-the-bore band mount. The surplus Hensoldt band mounted scope would be correct for the period. Condition of the optics and mounts would determine their specific price and consequently the add-on value to a package. A surplus German Hensoldt w/ band mounted topcover would probably add between $500-$850 in value to the package. A factory correct OIP w/ band mounted topcover could easily add $750-$1,200 as early examples of the correct over-the-bore OIP optics are quite hard to find. Example of G Series FAL's with their original early cardboard shipping box are also quite difficult to find as most were simply discarded.

A word of caution to any potential G Series buyer; Assuming that any G Series FAL is a factory correct can be a dangerous proposition if you are not very knowledgeable of the type. A potential buyer would do well to make certain that the rifle is as advertised and factory correct 'before' finalizing any purchase given the price that a nice G Series commands in todays market. It is not uncommon to find G Series rifles that have been stripped of many of their correct factory parts...especially furniture which can be sold for a premium. Over the years I have seen G Series rifles that have had their factory buttstocks removed and replaced with Israeli stocks; factory topcovers removed (especially true for LW examples that utilized the rare and fragile alloy topcover; pistol grips removed and replaced with less expensive Stg grips (not cut for a cleaning kit); factory 3 position S-R-A marked lowers replaced with less expensive Stg lowers marked S-E-D. I have even seen entire rifles that were assembeled and then remarked to appear to be correct G Series FALs ...they were poor quality clones at best which were sluffed off on unsuspecting buyers for criminally high prices. I have also seen a few examples that received a quick coat of paint or Gunkote to make them appear to be in better condition than they actually were-an unethical seller will do many things to sell a collectable rifle for the highest price possible. Within the last 6 months I personally inspected a G Series FAL that was for sale which was advertised as being 96%, factory correct and with a rare FN scope serial numbered to the rifle. Upon inspection I discoverd a very well worn FAL that had been fired excessively and exhibited selector tracks on the pistol grip into the "A" detent suggesting that a previous owner 'may' have fired it with an auto-sear in place (bad boy). I also discovered that the serial number of the bolt did not match the rest of the rifle (bolt carrier, upper receiver, lower receiver or the barrel). Oh, and that matching rare scope mount package was a German surplus Hensoldt which had seen better days before it had been serial numbered to the rifle with model car paint....hardly the 96% collectable example it was touted to be. By chance I ran into another collector at a local show several weeks ago and he told me that a friend of his had purchased it off the internet.....I would have hated to have gotten the phone call that his friend did later that evening.

I think that you probably get the picture by now. Beautiful examlples of G Series FAL's are certainly out there to be found. Just do your research and know what you are buying 'before' you write that big check.

Cheers

-KIT-

January 16, 2008, 19:20	#1
CJBLASTER Registered FALaholic #: 33844 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OHIO Posts: 3	G1 price check found g1 nib with metal hand guards,hensoldt scope,both top covers,sling,serial number listed on atf list and stevens book.what would be an exceptable price for a gun that is near 100% like this. thanks for the help

January 17, 2008, 19:59	#6
KIT Silver Contributor Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 8264 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Rocky Mount,VA Posts: 1,831	Unfortunately 'reasonable pricing' and 'G Series FAL's' are not commonly used much together anymore. The recent prices for factory correct matching FN manufactured G Series FAL's that I have seen over the past year or so range from $4,500 to $6,500 depending on the specific configuration of the rifle and it's actual condition. I even have known an individual to sell a mint example in the $7,000+ range but I consider that to be an exception and not the rule. Lightweight models typically are sold at the same price a a standard model and I rarely see any price difference between the types. Examples with Model A wood handguards or early non-bipod cut Model B fiberglass handguards typically command more of a premium than examples with the metal handguards and bipod. Also, the correct factory supplied scope for a G Series would be an over-the-bore OIP scope on a band mount and not a Hensoldt. That said, it is not uncommon to see an early G Series FAL sporting an early German surplus Hensoldt on an over-the-bore band mount. The surplus Hensoldt band mounted scope would be correct for the period. Condition of the optics and mounts would determine their specific price and consequently the add-on value to a package. A surplus German Hensoldt w/ band mounted topcover would probably add between $500-$850 in value to the package. A factory correct OIP w/ band mounted topcover could easily add $750-$1,200 as early examples of the correct over-the-bore OIP optics are quite hard to find. Example of G Series FAL's with their original early cardboard shipping box are also quite difficult to find as most were simply discarded. A word of caution to any potential G Series buyer; Assuming that any G Series FAL is a factory correct can be a dangerous proposition if you are not very knowledgeable of the type. A potential buyer would do well to make certain that the rifle is as advertised and factory correct 'before' finalizing any purchase given the price that a nice G Series commands in todays market. It is not uncommon to find G Series rifles that have been stripped of many of their correct factory parts...especially furniture which can be sold for a premium. Over the years I have seen G Series rifles that have had their factory buttstocks removed and replaced with Israeli stocks; factory topcovers removed (especially true for LW examples that utilized the rare and fragile alloy topcover; pistol grips removed and replaced with less expensive Stg grips (not cut for a cleaning kit); factory 3 position S-R-A marked lowers replaced with less expensive Stg lowers marked S-E-D. I have even seen entire rifles that were assembeled and then remarked to appear to be correct G Series FALs ...they were poor quality clones at best which were sluffed off on unsuspecting buyers for criminally high prices. I have also seen a few examples that received a quick coat of paint or Gunkote to make them appear to be in better condition than they actually were-an unethical seller will do many things to sell a collectable rifle for the highest price possible. Within the last 6 months I personally inspected a G Series FAL that was for sale which was advertised as being 96%, factory correct and with a rare FN scope serial numbered to the rifle. Upon inspection I discoverd a very well worn FAL that had been fired excessively and exhibited selector tracks on the pistol grip into the "A" detent suggesting that a previous owner 'may' have fired it with an auto-sear in place (bad boy). I also discovered that the serial number of the bolt did not match the rest of the rifle (bolt carrier, upper receiver, lower receiver or the barrel). Oh, and that matching rare scope mount package was a German surplus Hensoldt which had seen better days before it had been serial numbered to the rifle with model car paint....hardly the 96% collectable example it was touted to be. By chance I ran into another collector at a local show several weeks ago and he told me that a friend of his had purchased it off the internet.....I would have hated to have gotten the phone call that his friend did later that evening. I think that you probably get the picture by now. Beautiful examlples of G Series FAL's are certainly out there to be found. Just do your research and know what you are buying 'before' you write that big check. Cheers -KIT- Last edited by KIT; January 17, 2008 at 20:46.

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January 16, 2008, 20:20	#2
squid8286 Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 7276 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,329	The G1 is the FAL that FN built for the West German Army in the early fifties. Are you referring to a "G Series" FAL? They are not the same thing.

January 17, 2008, 18:14	#5
CJBLASTER Registered FALaholic #: 33844 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OHIO Posts: 3	kit lets assume that it is the correct info and it is an actual german g1 on the list what kind of value would you put on it in todays market.i know that values are all over the place considering the fact the socialists are coming and the zombies are not far behind.but if i was going to pull the triger on this deal in the next couple of weeks what would be a resonable price.