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[madecov]

Ok, I have just about recovered from my having to replace my stolen rims, tires.
I want to build a carbine type of FAL using a shart gas system.

If I purchase DSA's front end already assembled that would be 2 or (3 US parts if it comes with the piston. )
H/T/S (US)
that's 6 parts.

I'll use an Imbel receiver.

Now is it better to buy my lower and other parts in peices or buy a kit and have left overs?

TAPCO has a complete G-1 lower available, then buy a spring kit and some furniture bot and carrier and other assorted parts. Or is it better to buy one of Dan's Imbel kits or a TAPCO kit.

I have only purchased one kit in the past and had it built, I'll have this one built for me also so having extra parts is not something I really need.

Saving $$$$$$ is the biggie. That front end isn't inexpensive.

Since this would be a semi custom build I could swap things like the rear sight for a folding one, change the safety/ selector for an extended one, etc etc.

Opinions please.

[bykerhd]

How about a Grade II kit from Dan's and then have it converted to a short gas system ? Gary Jeter posted some pictures of a short gas system he had done. Not sure who did it or what the specifics of the build were. Looked good though. I think Ed Vanden Berg said he does short gas system conversions. Not sure who else does.

Have you checked with DSA whether the short gas system front ends are available at this time ? That may be an issue also.

[madecov]

Have not checked with DSA, that's no biggie as I'm not in a rush. First is to get either my kit or the parts.

If Buddie is correct and FAL parts are drying up I'll buy a kit. Since I'll have the entire gun refinished I would get a grade III kit and save a few dollars.


Not sure what Vandenberg charges to do a short gas system, I'll bet the cost is pretty close to a wash.

[Hebrew Battle Rifle]

I'll take that bet

[Rich@CGW]

The DSA shorty forend will eliminate 4 foreign parts, leaving you to replace 3 more for any Mag use.
( Muzzel Brake , Barrel , Gas Piston , Handguards ) DSA counts the Muzzel Brake as part of the barrel, But the assembly still omits that nasty flash hider bringing it`s total applied parts count to 4 rather than 3 as they advertise

Personaly, I would choose the more expensive/Lighter route and go with a new US grip , Buttstock , Alloy lower. And keep the factory fire control parts from the $99.00 donor kit that will supply your other needed parts, and give a nicer reprsentation of the approx. $1200.00 you`ll have put into it. Just my opinion of course.

The $395.00 13" Elite Carbine forend with +3" Fake Belgium brake is no longer offered for sale by DSA.

Only other option from DSA is the 16" Light Weight Carbine forend with integral Brake. = $495.00

[W.E.G.]

IIRC, Ed Vanden Berg does the bare bones short barrel mod for $150, you supply all the parts.

Jason (Investmentgradefirearms.com) does the bare bones for $175, and he furnishes the barrel.

"Bare bones" = cut barrel, move gas block back, solder muzzle-thingy.

[omar]

Madecov,

I am doing this project right now, and using almost all new parts. It could be done a lot cheaper, but that's not my intent. Here's where I'm at so far (approx cost):

DSA 16.25" replacement threaded barrel ($175)
G1 stripped new lower from Tapco ($95)
FAC/DC US Type 1 upper ($290)
FSE HTS ($50)
DSA Gas Kit ( $50) (Belgian piston, gas plug, gas adjust ring and spring) .
DSA semi auto safety ($25)
DSA BHO ($25)
G3 US PG ($25)
I am using a Tapco G1 kit for any misc non critical parts.

Still need:

Gunthings Izzy stock set
Tapco spring kit
Tapco izzy bolt carrier&forward assist
FSE Belgian brake
DSA Holland sight

I could've/should've bought a G1 unissued lower from DSA and still may, for another build. I would also like to add that DSA was fast and got my order right. Tapco, too.


Jim