Shot my fresh ARS L1A1 build

**beseventeen** · December 27, 2017, 20:45

Sourced most of the parts through FAL files, some odds & ends through Apex, ARS & Gunbroker. Sent off to Arizona Response and tried to forget about it for a bit

(unsuccessful).

Got her back in late Nov but this was the first time I finally got to shoot. It's a gorgeous rifle for sure, Mark did a great job with it. Shoots every bit as nice as it looks. I am really glad I went with the white lettering, I think it sets it off nicely.

I bought a bunch of those inch mags DSA was selling, they are working great for me. Good price too IMO.

Now the fun part (media)

11" plate @ 200 yds

Seemed like a good FAL day in general so my G1 & SAR 48 came out to play as well.

Overall review of ARS: quite pleased, would do business with again!

Invictus77 · December 27, 2017, 20:55

Not much sexier in the gun world than a wood furniture SLR......IMHO.

hkshooter · December 27, 2017, 21:17

Damn fine looking rifles! Both of them!

OP, what receiver did you use? I'm not familiar with the markings.

pl521 · December 27, 2017, 21:37

That's a beauty! Gotta love wood furniture, makes it stand out.

kotengu · December 27, 2017, 21:43

I love it! Very nice, and great shooting -

Quote:

Originally Posted by beseventeen

This got out of hand quickly...

**beseventeen** · December 27, 2017, 21:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by kotengu

I love it! Very nice, and great shooting -

This got out of hand quickly...

It's not my fault. They multiplied in the safe...

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkshooter

Damn fine looking rifles! Both of them!

OP, what receiver did you use? I'm not familiar with the markings.

This is the DSA inch receiver. ARS adds markings to it.

pl521 · December 27, 2017, 21:59

Gunplumber excels in building FALs and SLRs. Looks brand spankin new.

**yellowhand** · December 27, 2017, 22:08

I recognize 2 out of the four sets of wood on this thread!

Just something about SLR wood on a properly done long smoke pole.

meltblown · December 27, 2017, 22:09

Its ok for a SLR

Really though... nice rifle.

SawbriarRips · December 27, 2017, 22:29

Great Job!

Did you have to add any windage to it, to get the 200 yard hits?

What kind of ammo?

Thanks!

SR

**gunplumber** · December 27, 2017, 22:40

There's a lot I can't control. And that receiver was "interesting".

What I can control, is not shipping until I can at least zero at 25, and everything either works as designed, or I can quantify exactly what dimension is out and what the effect is, and why I can't fix it.

That one took a long time to figure out. Sure - the defective mag well, where mags wouldn't latch in, was something I'd previously figured out how to correct (it's one of many in my "none of these factory mags fit in DSA's Brit cut L1A1 receivers" video). But that one also had the BHO from hell!

Sometimes I need to set a job aside for awhile to come back to it with fresh eyes. But yeah, I finally figured out why the BHO would bind when I turned the screw 1/2 turn further, but work fine when I turned it back 1/2 turn. I just didn't have any way of proving where DSA screwed up the machining. . . . until I did. Then the work-around was (relatively) easy. It wasn't the e-block as I had previously thought, it was that DSA couldn't be bothered with drilling the axle screw hole staight! Everything worked until the axle entered the right side of the receiver and bowed, binding the BHO. That they had already enlarged the hole (just not enough to work around their defective machining), was evidence that they knew it was screwed up when they sold it to you (it's The Chicago Way).

One nice thing I can say about DSA's defective receivers, that they knowingly sell (it's The Chicago Way), is that it has forced me to become better at measuring complex dimensional relationships, and to become more confident in my machining ability.

Measure 25 times, weld and drill once.

Thanks for your patience. I'm glad that it now runs as it should.

**brunop** · December 28, 2017, 01:09

Nice fix, Mark. Nice stick.

Bones2586 · December 28, 2017, 07:56

Very fine looking rifles! Well done, thanks for sharing sir! Cheers -

01BIRDDOG · December 28, 2017, 09:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunplumber

There's a lot I can't control. And that receiver was "interesting".

What I can control, is not shipping until I can at least zero at 25, and everything either works as designed, or I can quantify exactly what dimension is out and what the effect is, and why I can't fix it.

That one took a long time to figure out. Sure - the defective mag well, where mags wouldn't latch in, was something I'd previously figured out how to correct (it's one of many in my "none of these factory mags fit in DSA's Brit cut L1A1 receivers" video). But that one also had the BHO from hell!

Sometimes I need to set a job aside for awhile to come back to it with fresh eyes. But yeah, I finally figured out why the BHO would bind when I turned the screw 1/2 turn further, but work fine when I turned it back 1/2 turn. I just didn't have any way of proving where DSA screwed up the machining. . . . until I did. Then the work-around was (relatively) easy. It wasn't the e-block as I had previously thought, it was that DSA couldn't be bothered with drilling the axle screw hole staight! Everything worked until the axle entered the right side of the receiver and bowed, binding the BHO. That they had already enlarged the hole (just not enough to work around their defective machining), was evidence that they knew it was screwed up when they sold it to you (it's The Chicago Way).

One nice thing I can say about DSA's defective receivers, that they knowingly sell (it's The Chicago Way), is that it has forced me to become better at measuring complex dimensional relationships, and to become more confident in my machining ability.

Measure 25 times, weld and drill once.

Thanks for your patience. I'm glad that it now runs as it should.

Outstanding L1A1.............It feels so good when you finally figure out a problem.

wanneroo · December 28, 2017, 11:00

That's exactly the rifle I would want. Looks great.

1911Ron · December 28, 2017, 11:30

Beautiful looking riFals!

**beseventeen** · December 28, 2017, 12:52

Thanks for your comments all!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SawbriarRips

Great Job!

Did you have to add any windage to it, to get the 200 yard hits?

What kind of ammo?

Thanks!

SR

Nah! Mark zerod at 25 before it left. I held a tad high, dead center, and it had no issues with hits. This is just on some MEN 7.62 x51 I had in the closet, 147 gr.

SawbriarRips · December 28, 2017, 14:16

Great to hear!

Thanks to you and Gunplumber for all the images and details on the exemplary results.

And to all a Bright 2018!

Respectfully,

SR

SteelGreyML · December 28, 2017, 14:19

Great looking rifle!

Grinch727 · December 30, 2017, 19:42

Gotta love da wood...and ARS supertuned! Real Nice!

d_s · December 30, 2017, 21:07

NICE!!! That is a beautiful SLR, kudos for sure!!!!

d_s · December 30, 2017, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by meltblown

Its ok for a SLR

Thems near fighten words!!

medicmike · December 30, 2017, 21:24

Mark might be a curmudgeon but he sure builds a purty rifle!

pistolero1911 · December 31, 2017, 09:47

Great looking stick. Wood when used tastefully adds another dimension of beauty to the FAL/SLR.

jam762 · January 01, 2018, 08:34

Very nice!

spider991 · January 02, 2018, 23:18

Absolutely beautiful L1A1, I'm just waiting on my coonan brit receiver to send it to GP for a build on a super kit I bought off of a member here! !!! Seeing that beauty makes the wait even harder.

BiGB808 · January 03, 2018, 11:29

Those woods look the best to me, dam fine.

Vulcanator · January 03, 2018, 18:25

Beautiful rifle you have there, may it give you many years of enjoyment.

December 27, 2017, 20:45	#1
beseventeen history of bad ideas Contributor Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 75901 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 481	Shot my fresh ARS L1A1 build Sourced most of the parts through FAL files, some odds & ends through Apex, ARS & Gunbroker. Sent off to Arizona Response and tried to forget about it for a bit (unsuccessful). Got her back in late Nov but this was the first time I finally got to shoot. It's a gorgeous rifle for sure, Mark did a great job with it. Shoots every bit as nice as it looks. I am really glad I went with the white lettering, I think it sets it off nicely. I bought a bunch of those inch mags DSA was selling, they are working great for me. Good price too IMO. Now the fun part (media) 11" plate @ 200 yds Seemed like a good FAL day in general so my G1 & SAR 48 came out to play as well. Overall review of ARS: quite pleased, would do business with again!

December 27, 2017, 20:55	#2
Invictus77 1C 16:13 Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 74205 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Western, KY Posts: 6,361	Not much sexier in the gun world than a wood furniture SLR......IMHO. __________________ A 9 mm "might" expand A 45 will NEVER shrink!!

December 27, 2017, 21:17	#3
hkshooter Mighty Fine! Contributor FALaholic #: 5391 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 6,424	Damn fine looking rifles! Both of them! OP, what receiver did you use? I'm not familiar with the markings. __________________ How's your dog, Paden?

December 27, 2017, 22:08	#8
yellowhand Dinosaur Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 67949 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sierra Vista AZ Posts: 17,136	I recognize 2 out of the four sets of wood on this thread! Just something about SLR wood on a properly done long smoke pole. __________________ You may find me dead in a ditch one day, on my knees, but I will be up to my waist in spent rifle brass. It ain't the firearms they are wanting to be rid of, its you!

December 27, 2017, 22:09	#9
meltblown Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 34604 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SA Tx Posts: 13,088	Its ok for a SLR Really though... nice rifle. __________________ Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Expect the worst, and you'll never be disappointed. Before trying to beat the odds, make sure you can survive the odds beating you.

December 27, 2017, 21:37	#4
pl521 Registered FALaholic #: 74645 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: USA Posts: 1,009	That's a beauty! Gotta love wood furniture, makes it stand out.

December 27, 2017, 21:59	#7
pl521 Registered FALaholic #: 74645 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: USA Posts: 1,009	Gunplumber excels in building FALs and SLRs. Looks brand spankin new.

December 27, 2017, 22:29	#10
SawbriarRips Registered FALaholic #: 63304 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: New Level Posts: 200	SHARP! Great Job! Did you have to add any windage to it, to get the 200 yard hits? What kind of ammo? Thanks! SR Last edited by SawbriarRips; December 28, 2017 at 10:33.

December 27, 2017, 22:40	#11
gunplumber Arrogant Bastard Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 96 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 24,595	There's a lot I can't control. And that receiver was "interesting". What I can control, is not shipping until I can at least zero at 25, and everything either works as designed, or I can quantify exactly what dimension is out and what the effect is, and why I can't fix it. That one took a long time to figure out. Sure - the defective mag well, where mags wouldn't latch in, was something I'd previously figured out how to correct (it's one of many in my "none of these factory mags fit in DSA's Brit cut L1A1 receivers" video). But that one also had the BHO from hell! Sometimes I need to set a job aside for awhile to come back to it with fresh eyes. But yeah, I finally figured out why the BHO would bind when I turned the screw 1/2 turn further, but work fine when I turned it back 1/2 turn. I just didn't have any way of proving where DSA screwed up the machining. . . . until I did. Then the work-around was (relatively) easy. It wasn't the e-block as I had previously thought, it was that DSA couldn't be bothered with drilling the axle screw hole staight! Everything worked until the axle entered the right side of the receiver and bowed, binding the BHO. That they had already enlarged the hole (just not enough to work around their defective machining), was evidence that they knew it was screwed up when they sold it to you (it's The Chicago Way). One nice thing I can say about DSA's defective receivers, *that they knowingly sell* (it's The Chicago Way), is that it has forced me to become better at measuring complex dimensional relationships, and to become more confident in my machining ability. Measure 25 times, weld and drill once. Thanks for your patience. I'm glad that it now runs as it should. __________________ T. Mark Graham, Master Gunsmith Arizona Response Systems, LLC Last edited by gunplumber; December 27, 2017 at 22:58.

December 28, 2017, 01:09	#12
brunop Refresh Key Masher Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 17136 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 12,972	Nice fix, Mark. Nice stick. __________________ "How we burned in the prison camps later thinking: what would things have been like if every security operative, when he went out at night to make an arrest, had been uncertain whether he would return alive and had to say good-bye to his family? Or if during periods of mass arrests people had simply not sat there in their lairs, paling with terror at every step on the staircase, but had understood they had nothing to lose and had boldly set up in the downstairs hall an ambush of half a dozen people with axes, ham- mers, pokers, or whatever else was at hand. . . . The Organs [police] would very quickly have suffered a shortage of officers . . . and notwithstanding all of Stalin‘s thirst, the cursed machine would have ground to a halt." - A. Solzhenitsyn, Gulag Archipelago

December 28, 2017, 07:56	#13
Bones2586 Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 76766 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Northeast FL/USA Posts: 126	Very fine looking rifles! Well done, thanks for sharing sir! Cheers -

December 28, 2017, 11:00	#15
wanneroo Registered FALaholic #: 74891 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Tioga County, PA Posts: 1,302	That's exactly the rifle I would want. Looks great.

December 28, 2017, 11:30	#16
1911Ron Registered FALaholic #: 17513 Join Date: May 2005 Location: South of the Fulda gap Posts: 1,373	Beautiful looking riFals! __________________ FAL convert. "Too old to fight, too slow to run, but I can still shoot pretty good!"

December 28, 2017, 14:16	#18
SawbriarRips Registered FALaholic #: 63304 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: New Level Posts: 200	EXEMPLARY! Great to hear! Thanks to you and Gunplumber for all the images and details on the exemplary results. And to all a Bright 2018! Respectfully, SR

December 28, 2017, 14:19	#19
SteelGreyML Registered FALaholic #: 68116 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Coos Bay/North Bend Posts: 1,269	Great looking rifle!

December 30, 2017, 19:42	#20
Grinch727 Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 80280 Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 11	Gotta love da wood...and ARS supertuned! Real Nice!

December 30, 2017, 21:07	#21
d_s Registered FALaholic #: 5575 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 976	NICE!!! That is a beautiful SLR, kudos for sure!!!!

December 30, 2017, 21:24	#23
medicmike Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 3183 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Florence, OR Posts: 5,818	Mark might be a curmudgeon but he sure builds a purty rifle! __________________ "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." Captain John Parker at Lexington Green “The great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad, For all their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad.” ― G.K. Chesterton, The Ballad of the White Horse

December 31, 2017, 09:47	#24
pistolero1911 Registered FALaholic #: 75616 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 600	Great looking stick. Wood when used tastefully adds another dimension of beauty to the FAL/SLR. __________________ Three kinds of men exist: Those who wish they owned a FAL; those who own a FAL but wish it was a Para; and those who own a Para = Nirvana.

January 01, 2018, 08:34	#25
jam762 Registered FALaholic #: 68968 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: OHIO Posts: 1,055	Very nice!

January 02, 2018, 23:18	#26
spider991 Registered FALaholic #: 35820 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,708	Absolutely beautiful L1A1, I'm just waiting on my coonan brit receiver to send it to GP for a build on a super kit I bought off of a member here! !!! Seeing that beauty makes the wait even harder.

January 03, 2018, 11:29	#27
BiGB808 Registered FALaholic #: 18195 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,774	Those woods look the best to me, dam fine. __________________ Beans and Bullets

January 03, 2018, 18:25	#28
Vulcanator Registered FALaholic #: 76076 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 299	Beautiful rifle you have there, may it give you many years of enjoyment.

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