Why have there been no FAL folder stocks in years?

[RickP]

Legalities of assembling a folder kit aside, why have these not been readily on the market in xlnt/new condition in about three-four years. Imbel still makes them. RSA made a boatload at LIW, etc. Any chance of them coming in? AK folder stuff still keeps pouring in, so why not FAL?

[tool]

Originally posted by RickP:
Legalities of assembling a folder kit aside,

I think that's your problem.

[Enquiring Minds]

That's a good question, since it IS STILL LEGAL to pop one on a PRE-ban weapon.

I'd guess some unelected prick-bureaucrat (sorry for the triple redundancy) at ATF held up the import paperwork, maybe only once, and then "word got around", and nobody else has tried again...?

I thought someone on this board had a Portuguese-fluent wife and was contacting Imbel about other FAL matters a couple months ago. Search the threads for this, and also for what FFL/SOT a plebe needs to import the EVIL accessories on a Form 6 or whatever.

[RickP]

Yes, that's my whole point EM: there are I believe enough prebans around to make it worth the effort. I can't fathom how the bureaucrats would allow the boatloads of AK folding stocks in but not the FAL-types. But then they do work for the gummint. Also,for the SOT crowd, there even might be a market for these things.
It's really frustrating when you travel and you see these things going for a song overseas. I've just never bothered to bring one back. Don't need ATF approval for a single unit as it is not a firearm. Well, maybe next time. Just the thing for my old pre '89 Springfield FAL

[This message has been edited by RickP (edited December 14, 2000).]

[Jen]

Would you even need a form 6 for import since, last I knew, folding stocks were not considered implements of war requiring the form 6 import papers like items such as barrels and receivers.

[RickP]

No, the ATF Form 6 is not required to bring back an FAL paratrooper buttstock assembly.

[aucup]

For postban guns, how about a "non-folding" folding stock? Does this qualify as an oxymoron. Anyway, I know AKs and ARs and other long guns have this type of stock, why not FALs. I am sure somebody out htere have already thought about this.

[xcpd69]

The problem with the folding FAL stock, is that it requires the "Paratrooper" bolt carrier and dust cover as well. Both of which are also hard to come by these days.

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Lonny

"There are no 'Dangerous Weapons', only 'Dangerous Men.'"-Sergeant Zim-

[DK]

Even so, an enterprising entrepenuer (sp?) could have the neccesary parts made and make a fortune! Just look at what the DSA offerings are going for these days! If someone stepped up to the plate and built a quality para setup, I'd be first in line!!

DK

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Historically Freedom is bought with steel, not gold...

[Talyn]

I'll be right behind DK. I would go for a pinned stock version also.

Talyn

[Wansfell]

I'm behind Talyn for 2 folders!

[Farmer from Hell]

Originally posted by cpd69:
The problem with the folding FAL stock, is that it requires the "Paratrooper" bolt carrier and dust cover as well. Both of which are also hard to come by these days.

Yeah but couldnt you make one of the tubes that make up the skeleton of the stock the tube for the return spring. Then you wouldn't need the para cover and spring. It wouldnt have quite the same lines but it would be close, three tubes instead of two, and could be made out of Aluminum tubing and some kind of buttpad. Seems to me that once you had the demensions down and a jig made these could be welded up in a few minutes. I think the Az. guys could come with something. We all like the looks of the para but would settle for the overall lines if we cant afford the real deal. Cheap trade off.

FfH

[Talyn]

As per FFH's comment I heard a rumor that DSA and perhaps someone else was working on a skeleton stock. The return spring tube would be the only thing that would be a factor. I can't seem to see what the bottom hole in the lower does in a solid stock (i.e., another tube?) from my FAL schematics unless I'm really missing something. If there is could it be incorporated into a solid pivot block?

Talyn

[Radio]

Talyn: the bottom hole in a "solid stock" is clearance for the receiver latch pawl or pin. When you move the latch lever rearward (or "up" as the case may be) to break open your rifle, the pawl also moves rearward and partly out of the lower receiver. This other hole gives it room to work.

Lack of proper location/depth of this bottom hole in certain aftermarket stocks were the cause of grief for unhappy owners unable to break open their rifles.

--Radio

[Talyn]

Thanks for the info Radio. Now I know my FAL better. I looked in my DSA catalog and saw that there are double holes on the PARA pivot block that DSA sells/did sell. Since that lower hole didn't penetrate very far on the pivot block then it shouldn't be a big deal if someone made a non-folding PARA stock with a solid block with the top one incorporating the return spring tube, huh? Good discussions.

Talyn

[DK]

Once upon a time Dan@VOW was working on just such a project. (post ban folder look-alikes) they used one of the stock tubes for a recoil spring tube, and didn't require a para carrier or dustcover. I think Dan's been mucho busy w/ family stuff. Hopefully he'll get 'em rollin' when he can.

DK

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Historically Freedom is bought with steel, not gold...

[Talyn]

I heard that Dan at VOW was one and that DSA might be working on a similar project too.

Talyn

Originally posted by aucup:
For postban guns, how about a "non-folding" folding stock? Does this qualify as an oxymoron. Anyway, I know AKs and ARs and other long guns have this type of stock, why not FALs. I am sure somebody out htere have already thought about this.

My Galil is a postban build and has the folder pinned open and the pin welded....No reason the FAL folder can't be done the same.
Robert

[timg953]

img953

Originally posted by Enquiring Minds:
That's a good question, since it IS STILL LEGAL to pop one on a PRE-ban weapon.

I'd guess some unelected prick-bureaucrat (sorry for the triple redundancy) at ATF held up the import paperwork, maybe only once, and then "word got around", and nobody else has tried again...?

I thought someone on this board had a Portuguese-fluent wife and was contacting Imbel about other FAL matters a couple months ago. Search the threads for this, and also for what FFL/SOT a plebe needs to import the EVIL accessories on a Form 6 or whatever.

I just got in a computer translation program that works for Portugese. Who do you talk to at Imbel and what is thier web address? I would be surprised if they would sale in small qunatities but you never know. Did Vector in South Africa ever produce folding stock assemblies? I went to a gun shop/range about 2 blocks from Vector and they said they could order parts direct from Vector. I was looking into R4 parts at the time. I have thier fax number and the exchange rate is good.

[Gatman762]

DSA had them less than "years ago" and I just E mail'd them to ask that very question. When? They said next year. They may have some FAL folding stocks. I asked if next year was Like in a month?? 2001 or a year + month 2002?? ( I got answer of mid January) Thanks.... so Get in line behind me...... Austa GM

P.S. Try ACE LTD Shotgun news dec-20 Pg 152 stocks also for made in the USA floding stocks I know he has made them.

- A gun is like a parachute. When you need, it you need it.
- What part of “shall no be infringed” do you not understand? -