Aftermarket grip for Century R1A1

[Shifty]

I just got my first FAL a Century R1A1 Sporter (don't bash me it was cheap). I would like to get rid of the the pistol grip and replace it with an aftermarket one. Who makes one for the Inch pattern rifles? Does a Metric fit? I can see from my various parts diagrams that the metric lower is different. Can a modified metric or aftermarket pistol grip fit? Not afraid of making alterations to the weapon since I bought it to play with and get familiar with the type. I was planning to get a Tapco M249 SAW grip but don't want to spend the money on a dead end endeavor. I really don't like the blocky feel and the metal of the Century grip.

Yes I am planning on getting a Metric pattern rifle later.

Thanks, Shifty.

[FWRA]

Originally posted by Shifty
I just got my first FAL a Century R1A1 Sporter (don't bash me it was cheap). I would like to get rid of the the pistol grip and replace it with an aftermarket one. Who makes one for the Inch pattern rifles? Does a Metric fit? I can see from my various parts diagrams that the metric lower is different. Can a modified metric or aftermarket pistol grip fit? Not afraid of making alterations to the weapon since I bought it to play with and get familiar with the type. I was planning to get a Tapco M249 SAW grip but don't want to spend the money on a dead end endeavor. I really don't like the blocky feel and the metal of the Century grip.

Yes I am planning on getting a Metric pattern rifle later.

Thanks, Shifty.

Can always pick up a used metric lower either stripped or complete. A complete lower assembly would be a 30 second swap to all metric. Was this a "butthole" Century buttstock?

[Shifty]

Thanks for the answer. I had thought about the lower swap initially but was not sure if there was any concerns about pivot hole differences between metric and inch patterns. If I do the swap do I use the hinge pin from the original lower or do I need to use one for the new metric lower? Is there any problems with interference between a metric hammer and inch bolt/bolt carrier? Sorry for all the questions but like I said this is my first one. I like the controls on the inch pattern but I can get used to the other. I was actually looking for a cheaper alternative to buying a $90 complete used lower. Which would you recommend? G1, Imbel or other?

Oh yeah, it is a regular Inch pistol grip not the PC one.

Thanks, Shifty

[Treborer]

The "Hines "Grip made by Ergo is available at DSA , it's about 15% beefier than the Century and if you order the Hougue grip sleeve with it it makes a decent handle in the slim L1A1 profile.

You may have to do some fitting, with special attention to the distance between the top tab of the plate that retains the trigger spring plunger and the grip screw flange.

These are U.S. parts.

[Radio]

The Inch pistol grip is one of the two main reasons why I've stuck with Metric and resisted jumping on the Inch bandwagon a couple years ago. (Now of course I wish I had.) An uncomfortable fatal flaw in my book.

"Any concerns about pivot hole differences between Metric and Inch? Use the Inch hinge pin from the original lower or use a Metric for the new lower?"
No. They are the same. Use either or swap away.

"Any problems with interference between a Metric hammer and Inch bolt/carrier?"
No. Completely interchangeable. You can run a Metric lower on an Inch rifle (your swap), or an Inch lower on a Metric rifle (why??), or an Inch bolt/carrier in a Metric rifle (for the cool sand cuts), or a Metric carrier and an Inch bolt, or...

"I was actually looking for a cheaper alternative to buying a $90 complete used lower."
Then you need to do some more shopping, my friend. Metric lowers should come MUCH cheaper than that, particularly as you'll probably need to swap out the fire control parts for 922r compliance anyway.

"G1, Imbel or other?"
The G1 and StG are going to be very close brothers, the latter usually in MUCH better condition. The IMBEL (it's an acronym) is not always made as well or machined as nicely, but will often be in much better condition than your average G1... not a real consideration since you'll most likely need to re-finish anyway. Most South African rifles display electo-penciled ID marks on the lower, bolt and carrier. Basically, a lower is a lower and you are building a kit gun.

For considerations of building up a complete Metric rifle, at this point I'd probably steer you towards the IMBEL as the best bet for a good bore at the cheap end. Otherwise you usually can't beat an StG, mainly because these rifles saw very little use and are in fabulous shape. I have some rifles based on these kits that didn't require re-finishing... beautiful.

"Sorry for all the questions..."
Not at all!! Welcome!!

--Radio