Advice for 1st FAL purchase

GSP_Guy · May 07, 2010, 21:33

The FAL bug has bitten and I'm exploring my options for my 1st rifle. At this point I'm interested in buying an assembled rifle. While I learned to build the AR platform the FAL platform appears would require a bit more expertise and knowledge than I have now. That being said I guess I'm down to having one built or buying a DSA product. While I want to be frugal with my money I'm not limited on what I can spend. $1200-1500 is my target range (pun intended). Don't mind spending less and could spend more if needed! That being said any suggestions and help getting me pointed in the right direction would be appreciated. I'll be going thru this site the next few days trying to get a better understanding of what's out there. Thanks in advance.

thecreeper23 · May 07, 2010, 21:55

Best advice is to figure out what you're interested in and then lurk the EE until it pops up from a reputable builder. If you want an Austrian STG-58, they will appear. If you want something a bit more exotic, give it some time and it will show.

Now, if your money is burning ahole in your pocket, the EE has at least one good deal on it right now:

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...hreadid=288014

For $699, that's a heck of a rifle.

molotov · May 07, 2010, 22:05

Quote:

While I learned to build the AR platform the FAL platform appears would require a bit more expertise and knowledge than I have now.

Screwing a barrel on: righty tighty lefty loosey. Make sure it looks straight, check it with gas piston. Fiddle with a few go/no go gauges and some pin gauges and so long as your kit is good kit you ought to have a pretty nice rifle when you finish.

My two cents.

**StG58Freak** · May 08, 2010, 07:55

Ok FNG let's get it straight, the FAL is a Battle Rifle, NOT a friggin platform.

Welcome to the addiction, now head on down to the Market Place where i'm sure you'll find a rifle or kit just waiting for you.

**2barearms** · May 08, 2010, 08:30

All your basic 'platforms'

are fairly straight forward these
days and most are 50 years old or more. The FAL is the one that lets
you 'tune' the rifle to the ammo. The AR/M14 are basically point and
click. The Sights are not 'Match' grade on a FAL and the odd part is
while battle range is hand adjustable the windage and front sight
both require tools on FAL.

Now that we've gotten a few of the details out of the way the AR
is today certainly the 'platform' for damn near every caliber worth
shooting. The FAL does offer a couple variants but I'd stick with the
7.62 for now. For the shear ease of buying a reasonably priced, works
every time rifle I'd hunt a SAR48/4800 Springfield IMBEL import.
First class rifle built in licensed FN plant. I only suggest these because
today with the increased costs of parts etc. you'll come out better
and have fewer problems. Next on the list would be an Argentine,
and from there it's more complicated and expensive.

While I'm suggesting you get a 50.00 style FAL to start it's likely
you will want one with a shorter barrel, unless it's a factory built
Para or one from a known builder don't do it on your first buy,
wait until you're more familiar with the system and what the issues
are with shorter barrel builds are.

davesrb · May 08, 2010, 08:59

May I shamelessly suggest (that would be PLUG!) This fine specimen?

L1A1

You will find that FAL's are truly addictive. There are many variants to choose from and you can configure them from "Tacticool" to retro. I happen to love the look of wood on a FAL, others love the all black look. Which ever way you go, you are stepping up to a full powered battle rifle.

Welcome!
Davesrb

nwobhm · May 08, 2010, 09:05

Quote:

Originally posted by davesrb
May I shamelessly suggest (that would be PLUG!) This fine specimen?

L1A1

You will find that FAL's are truly addictive. There are many variants to choose from and you can configure them from "Tacticool" to retro. I happen to love the look of wood on a FAL, others love the all black look. Which ever way you go, you are stepping up to a full powered battle rifle.

Welcome!
Davesrb

Your gun is the first thing that came to mind when I saw the subject. I was going to post a link too. It's a perfect first time buyer gun. Built right, priced right etc. GSP needs to look no further, he has found the answer to his question.

davesrb · May 08, 2010, 09:19

Quote:

Originally posted by nwobhm

Your gun is the first thing that came to mind when I saw the subject. I was going to post a link too. It's a perfect first time buyer gun. Built right, priced right etc. GSP needs to look no further, he has found the answer to his question.

Shamless ain't I?

Unless someone is VERY mechanically inclined, I always suggest they buy a well built, nicely finished rifle the first time. I have found that at the range, most of the people who think badly of the FAL and it's accuracy have experience with Century rifles, and didn't have the tools, or knowledge to fix their issues. It usually only takes a few magazines through one of mine to give them an entirely different out look on FAL's.

Davesrb

flybuzz · May 08, 2010, 12:26

Yes, the bug will get you. At this time, I would say, with your budget, have DSA build you an SA58 to your liking. You will love the beauty and they will give you a 100% warranty on it. It will be a good experience to start. Then, get a kit or start collecting parts for your next build(s).
I am just saying that so you don't get too frustrated starting out trying to build one yourself or put all the pieces together.
Good luck, and try to get as many mags and you can find right now.
-F

flybuzz · May 08, 2010, 12:28

Quote:

Originally posted by flybuzz
Yes, the bug will get you. At this time, I would say, with your budget, have DSA build you an SA58 to your liking. You will love the beauty and they will give you a 100% warranty on it. I would stay away from their current STG's since they are such a mixed bag - unless you have the time and desire to iron out their possible issues on your own.

It will be a good experience to start. Then, get a kit or start collecting parts for your next build(s). By then you will know what you really want.
I am just saying that so you don't get too frustrated starting out trying to build one yourself or put all the pieces together.
Good luck, and try to get as many mags and you can find right now.
-F

afcivileng · May 08, 2010, 14:58

I got a brand new STG-58 DSA on gun broker.com for 1000.00

If you want quality, go DSA, if you want affordability buy online.

nwobhm · May 08, 2010, 18:01

Quote:

Originally posted by afcivileng
I got a brand new STG-58 DSA on gun broker.com for 1000.00

If you want quality, go DSA, if you want affordability buy online.

Since when were STG's new? Last I checked they were scraping the bottom of the barrel for inch parts to complete them.

gunfanx3 · May 08, 2010, 18:56

Best advice is buy from a name builder on this site or a FAL that someone is selling that the builder is identified. Second best is buy a DSA. Or some would reverse that order, YMMV.

The next best thing is to attend a "build" party in your area and find out which tools you really need and some of the things to look for. Go to the FAL Groups and ask if there is one planned later in the year in your area. With some of the experienced "builders", you can learn a lot and start to network with some of the folks in your area. You will not get a build by a well known "smith", but you will learn more about the whole process and see if it is for you.

There are so many manufacturers out there that have had issues with some of their receivers and other items, a "build" party is a good place to start. Since you are near San Antonio, there should be something going on later in the year.

Enjoy the addication,

gunfanx3

**Jaxxas** · May 08, 2010, 21:26

Quote:

Originally posted by GSP_Guy
The FAL bug has bitten and I'm exploring my options for my 1st rifle. At this point I'm interested in buying an assembled rifle. While I learned to build the AR platform the FAL platform appears would require a bit more expertise and knowledge than I have now. That being said I guess I'm down to having one built or buying a DSA product. While I want to be frugal with my money I'm not limited on what I can spend. $1200-1500 is my target range (pun intended). Don't mind spending less and could spend more if needed! That being said any suggestions and help getting me pointed in the right direction would be appreciated. I'll be going thru this site the next few days trying to get a better understanding of what's out there. Thanks in advance.

You have already admitted your addiction! You will own many! For sure one of them will be an STG-58! Start there, you will be happy! Can't dis DSA, but you can do real well with the offerings in the Marketplace. Mine came from the Marketplace, some receivers and parts from DSA!

Walk into the light!

cpd109 · May 09, 2010, 21:24

As mentioned earlier in this thread, stay away from CAI. Their products quality are spotty and you might, although rarely, get a gem, or more likely, junk steel. (Check out the photos of their assembly line on the files from a few days ago.)
I love mine when it shoots- ergomics are second only to a mouse gun. The problem is that I don't trust it to be reliabe yet, after 5 years of tinkering. I can't offer any other good advice so listen to the other guys and gals that have good shooting firearms.

Found the thread:
Century Arms "hand-select" process (PIX)

Good luck!

May 07, 2010, 21:33	#1
GSP_Guy Registered FALaholic #: 53235 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Floresville, TX Posts: 1	Advice for 1st FAL purchase The FAL bug has bitten and I'm exploring my options for my 1st rifle. At this point I'm interested in buying an assembled rifle. While I learned to build the AR platform the FAL platform appears would require a bit more expertise and knowledge than I have now. That being said I guess I'm down to having one built or buying a DSA product. While I want to be frugal with my money I'm not limited on what I can spend. $1200-1500 is my target range (pun intended). Don't mind spending less and could spend more if needed! That being said any suggestions and help getting me pointed in the right direction would be appreciated. I'll be going thru this site the next few days trying to get a better understanding of what's out there. Thanks in advance.

May 08, 2010, 08:30	#5
2barearms 3 Percent Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 13866 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 8,749	All your basic 'platforms' are fairly straight forward these days and most are 50 years old or more. The FAL is the one that lets you 'tune' the rifle to the ammo. The AR/M14 are basically point and click. The Sights are not 'Match' grade on a FAL and the odd part is while battle range is hand adjustable the windage and front sight both require tools on FAL. Now that we've gotten a few of the details out of the way the AR is today certainly the 'platform' for damn near every caliber worth shooting. The FAL does offer a couple variants but I'd stick with the 7.62 for now. For the shear ease of buying a reasonably priced, works every time rifle I'd hunt a SAR48/4800 Springfield IMBEL import. First class rifle built in licensed FN plant. I only suggest these because today with the increased costs of parts etc. you'll come out better and have fewer problems. Next on the list would be an Argentine, and from there it's more complicated and expensive. While I'm suggesting you get a 50.00 style FAL to start it's likely you will want one with a shorter barrel, unless it's a factory built Para or one from a known builder don't do it on your first buy, wait until you're more familiar with the system and what the issues are with shorter barrel builds are. __________________ "Owning a Firearm doesn't make you Armed any more than owning a Guitar makes you a Musician" Was mich nicht umbringt macht mich stärker

May 08, 2010, 08:59	#6
davesrb Registered FALaholic #: 24499 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: north Florida Posts: 1,766	May I shamelessly suggest (that would be PLUG!) This fine specimen? L1A1 You will find that FAL's are truly addictive. There are many variants to choose from and you can configure them from "Tacticool" to retro. I happen to love the look of wood on a FAL, others love the all black look. Which ever way you go, you are stepping up to a full powered battle rifle. Welcome! Davesrb __________________ Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.-James Dean In memory of my friend Roger Dunkelbarger. 05-09-2010

May 08, 2010, 18:56	#13
gunfanx3 Registered FALaholic #: 20682 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: central texas Posts: 189	New FAL Best advice is buy from a name builder on this site or a FAL that someone is selling that the builder is identified. Second best is buy a DSA. Or some would reverse that order, YMMV. The next best thing is to attend a "build" party in your area and find out which tools you really need and some of the things to look for. Go to the FAL Groups and ask if there is one planned later in the year in your area. With some of the experienced "builders", you can learn a lot and start to network with some of the folks in your area. You will not get a build by a well known "smith", but you will learn more about the whole process and see if it is for you. There are so many manufacturers out there that have had issues with some of their receivers and other items, a "build" party is a good place to start. Since you are near San Antonio, there should be something going on later in the year. Enjoy the addication, gunfanx3

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May 07, 2010, 21:55	#2
thecreeper23 Registered FALaholic #: 26005 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: MT, USA Posts: 111	Best advice is to figure out what you're interested in and then lurk the EE until it pops up from a reputable builder. If you want an Austrian STG-58, they will appear. If you want something a bit more exotic, give it some time and it will show. Now, if your money is burning ahole in your pocket, the EE has at least one good deal on it right now: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...hreadid=288014 For $699, that's a heck of a rifle.

May 08, 2010, 07:55	#4
StG58Freak banned Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 21043 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Behind You. Posts: 2,332	Ok FNG let's get it straight, the FAL is a Battle Rifle, NOT a friggin platform. Welcome to the addiction, now head on down to the Market Place where i'm sure you'll find a rifle or kit just waiting for you.

May 08, 2010, 12:26	#9
flybuzz Registered FALaholic #: 30549 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 309	Yes, the bug will get you. At this time, I would say, with your budget, have DSA build you an SA58 to your liking. You will love the beauty and they will give you a 100% warranty on it. It will be a good experience to start. Then, get a kit or start collecting parts for your next build(s). I am just saying that so you don't get too frustrated starting out trying to build one yourself or put all the pieces together. Good luck, and try to get as many mags and you can find right now. -F

May 08, 2010, 14:58	#11
afcivileng Registered FALaholic #: 44081 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: FL Posts: 11	I got a brand new STG-58 DSA on gun broker.com for 1000.00 If you want quality, go DSA, if you want affordability buy online.

May 09, 2010, 21:24	#15
cpd109 Registered FALaholic #: 30668 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,488	As mentioned earlier in this thread, stay away from CAI. Their products quality are spotty and you might, although rarely, get a gem, or more likely, junk steel. (Check out the photos of their assembly line on the files from a few days ago.) I love mine when it shoots- ergomics are second only to a mouse gun. The problem is that I don't trust it to be reliabe yet, after 5 years of tinkering. I can't offer any other good advice so listen to the other guys and gals that have good shooting firearms. Found the thread: Century Arms "hand-select" process (PIX) Good luck!