Kit building questions

shackelford · August 12, 2010, 18:02

I'm a FAL newbie. What I think I want is a 18" barrel with all wood furniture. I don't care much about "correctness", and have no clue about the relative benefits of different sights, etc., but I don't want to make you guys shake your heads in shame. I'm looking at a Sarko Argy kit and am working my way through the WECSOG assembly instructions but so far I have a few questions:

1. Is there any need to refinish the rifle when I'm done? I don't care much about a perfect match, I just want something serviceable. Since the Sarko kits are *new*, does that mean the finish is in good shape?

2. What tools do I need? I have some basic hand tools, plus a decent pin punch kit that I've used for assembling an AR, etc.

3. Do I need to be careful about what receiver I buy, or will pretty much any metric one work? I notice that Coonan has special "Argentine" receivers, should I just stick with this? I like the idea of a handy carbine, so how much weight would I save getting a type 1 receiver over the Coonan?

4. I was planning on cutting down the barrel, but another recent thread has made me wary about accuracy issues or even trashing it. What is a good source for 18" barrels?

5. I believe that 922r requires 7 US made parts, right? Since I think I'd like nice new wood furniture, that's 3 parts. The kit doesn't include a FH, so that can be 4. What other parts should I replace to keep costs down, reliability up and the silly taxman happy? What are good sources for some wood furniture? I think I saw a thread mentioning a couple of other members who sell some nice looking furniture.

6. I'd like to do as much as possible myself as a learning experience, but I'm no 'smith. Is there any steps that I really need to be taking it to a gunsmith for? Headspace issues or anything like that?

nwobhm · August 12, 2010, 18:48

1. Is there any need to refinish the rifle when I'm done? I don't care much about a perfect match, I just want something serviceable. Since the Sarko kits are *new*, does that mean the finish is in good shape?

No refinish needed. Sarco kits are immaculate

2. What tools do I need? I have some basic hand tools, plus a decent pin punch kit that I've used for assembling an AR, etc.

Receiver wrench, barrel vise, breaker bar, pin gauges, calipers. GP video

3. Do I need to be careful about what receiver I buy, or will pretty much any metric one work? I notice that Coonan has special "Argentine" receivers, should I just stick with this? I like the idea of a handy carbine, so how much weight would I save getting a type 1 receiver over the Coonan?

III's are heavier, it's noticeable. Do it right and buy the DSA. Better receiver, better quality, better resale.

4. I was planning on cutting down the barrel, but another recent thread has made me wary about accuracy issues or even trashing it. What is a good source for 18" barrels?

DSA, long wait. 21" is fine, use what you have on hand.

5. I believe that 922r requires 7 US made parts, right? Since I think I'd like nice new wood furniture, that's 3 parts. The kit doesn't include a FH, so that can be 4. What other parts should I replace to keep costs down, reliability up and the silly taxman happy? What are good sources for some wood furniture? I think I saw a thread mentioning a couple of other members who sell some nice looking furniture.

Ironwood designs for wood. Magazine base plate and follower from Falcon Arms. HTS sets, pistons also from Falcon.

6. I'd like to do as much as possible myself as a learning experience, but I'm no 'smith. Is there any steps that I really need to be taking it to a gunsmith for? Headspace issues or anything like that?

If barrel doesn't time correctly you will need someone with a lathe. Use a DSA receiver and you will probably require a small LS in the range of 250-255 and you will have to file one to size.

shackelford · August 12, 2010, 21:23

Hey, thanks for the quick reply. Sorry I'm not up on the lingo, but what is "a small LS in the range of 250-255"?

Mosin Guy · August 12, 2010, 21:27

Locking shoulder size is what sets your headspace http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...hreadid=119640

nawck · August 12, 2010, 21:54

For the wood furniture contact member Blue Monster (if he is still making them)

A receiver wrench is a must, you might want to get a go/no-go gauge set.

As far as receiver quality, the only difference I noticed between my DSA and my Coonans is I had to do minor fitting on the DSA.

You should be able to find a barrel or most any part you need on the marketplace here.

I get my locking shoulders from Gunthings since I am about 20 minutes away.

Just be warned that building these things is an addiction. I just wanted one L1A1 last year. Now I am working on number 5.

**Hoot G** · August 13, 2010, 01:27

Don't forget, one big-ass solidly-mounted vise.

I have a hole in my workbench. I shoulda known better, but...

newtown · August 16, 2010, 10:00

Difference in weight between a type 1 and a type III is 1.28 ounces based on my UPS scale.

Coonan Type III Argentine receiver is specifically milled to make it the most accurate lock up available for your SARCO kit.
We just built two and there is no need to refinish anything. They went together smooth! Look great.

**gobbler** · August 16, 2010, 10:12

I would use a type III reciever, it matches up with the type III Argy kits perfectly. IMHO, it just looks better.
gobbler

August 12, 2010, 18:02	#1
shackelford Registered FALaholic #: 55508 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: volunteer Posts: 12	Kit building questions I'm a FAL newbie. What I think I want is a 18" barrel with all wood furniture. I don't care much about "correctness", and have no clue about the relative benefits of different sights, etc., but I don't want to make you guys shake your heads in shame. I'm looking at a Sarko Argy kit and am working my way through the WECSOG assembly instructions but so far I have a few questions: 1. Is there any need to refinish the rifle when I'm done? I don't care much about a perfect match, I just want something serviceable. Since the Sarko kits are new, does that mean the finish is in good shape? 2. What tools do I need? I have some basic hand tools, plus a decent pin punch kit that I've used for assembling an AR, etc. 3. Do I need to be careful about what receiver I buy, or will pretty much any metric one work? I notice that Coonan has special "Argentine" receivers, should I just stick with this? I like the idea of a handy carbine, so how much weight would I save getting a type 1 receiver over the Coonan? 4. I was planning on cutting down the barrel, but another recent thread has made me wary about accuracy issues or even trashing it. What is a good source for 18" barrels? 5. I believe that 922r requires 7 US made parts, right? Since I think I'd like nice new wood furniture, that's 3 parts. The kit doesn't include a FH, so that can be 4. What other parts should I replace to keep costs down, reliability up and the silly taxman happy? What are good sources for some wood furniture? I think I saw a thread mentioning a couple of other members who sell some nice looking furniture. 6. I'd like to do as much as possible myself as a learning experience, but I'm no 'smith. Is there any steps that I really need to be taking it to a gunsmith for? Headspace issues or anything like that?

August 12, 2010, 21:27	#4
Mosin Guy Registered FALaholic #: 46 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 3,652	Locking shoulder size is what sets your headspace http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...hreadid=119640 Last edited by Mosin Guy; August 12, 2010 at 21:36.

August 12, 2010, 21:54	#5
nawck Registered FALaholic #: 43340 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Saint Paul MN Posts: 1,443	For the wood furniture contact member Blue Monster (if he is still making them) A receiver wrench is a must, you might want to get a go/no-go gauge set. As far as receiver quality, the only difference I noticed between my DSA and my Coonans is I had to do minor fitting on the DSA. You should be able to find a barrel or most any part you need on the marketplace here. I get my locking shoulders from Gunthings since I am about 20 minutes away. Just be warned that building these things is an addiction. I just wanted one L1A1 last year. Now I am working on number 5. __________________ If it looks like a Leninist, walks like a Marxist and quacks like a Stalinist, it might just be an Obammunist. oh yeah life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone plus ça change, plus c’est la meme chose

August 13, 2010, 01:27	#6
Hoot G What, me worry? Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 23207 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: South MS Posts: 2,076	Don't forget, one big-ass solidly-mounted vise. I have a hole in my workbench. I shoulda known better, but... __________________ Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill Always have a go-to-hell plan.

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August 12, 2010, 18:48	#2
nwobhm ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ FALaholic #: 9580 Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: USA Posts: 5,904	1. Is there any need to refinish the rifle when I'm done? I don't care much about a perfect match, I just want something serviceable. Since the Sarko kits are new, does that mean the finish is in good shape? No refinish needed. Sarco kits are immaculate 2. What tools do I need? I have some basic hand tools, plus a decent pin punch kit that I've used for assembling an AR, etc. Receiver wrench, barrel vise, breaker bar, pin gauges, calipers. GP video 3. Do I need to be careful about what receiver I buy, or will pretty much any metric one work? I notice that Coonan has special "Argentine" receivers, should I just stick with this? I like the idea of a handy carbine, so how much weight would I save getting a type 1 receiver over the Coonan? III's are heavier, it's noticeable. Do it right and buy the DSA. Better receiver, better quality, better resale. 4. I was planning on cutting down the barrel, but another recent thread has made me wary about accuracy issues or even trashing it. What is a good source for 18" barrels? DSA, long wait. 21" is fine, use what you have on hand. 5. I believe that 922r requires 7 US made parts, right? Since I think I'd like nice new wood furniture, that's 3 parts. The kit doesn't include a FH, so that can be 4. What other parts should I replace to keep costs down, reliability up and the silly taxman happy? What are good sources for some wood furniture? I think I saw a thread mentioning a couple of other members who sell some nice looking furniture. Ironwood designs for wood. Magazine base plate and follower from Falcon Arms. HTS sets, pistons also from Falcon. 6. I'd like to do as much as possible myself as a learning experience, but I'm no 'smith. Is there any steps that I really need to be taking it to a gunsmith for? Headspace issues or anything like that? If barrel doesn't time correctly you will need someone with a lathe. Use a DSA receiver and you will probably require a small LS in the range of 250-255 and you will have to file one to size.

August 12, 2010, 21:23	#3
shackelford Registered FALaholic #: 55508 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: volunteer Posts: 12	Hey, thanks for the quick reply. Sorry I'm not up on the lingo, but what is "a small LS in the range of 250-255"?

August 16, 2010, 10:00	#7
newtown Registered FALaholic #: 28250 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MN Posts: 132	Difference in weight between a type 1 and a type III is 1.28 ounces based on my UPS scale. Coonan Type III Argentine receiver is specifically milled to make it the most accurate lock up available for your SARCO kit. We just built two and there is no need to refinish anything. They went together smooth! Look great.

August 16, 2010, 10:12	#8
gobbler Curio & Relic Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 44154 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 2,738	I would use a type III reciever, it matches up with the type III Argy kits perfectly. IMHO, it just looks better. gobbler