2nd FAL Suggestions wanted!

B Wood · February 01, 2004, 13:08

Ok....I guess it is official.....the FAL bug has bitten me. LOL No they haven't replaced my good ole Valmets as of yet....

My first FAL was all Imbel....a numbers matching kit with an Imbel receiver, Penguin furniture, FSE HTS, and FSE fake Belgian Flash Suppressor. Barrel was left at 21". Mark Graham put it together for me...and did a SUPERB job.

I decided to pick up another Imbel kit (found another all numbers matching kit), same Penguin furniture, FSE HTS and Fake Belgian Flash hider. I am thinking of shortening the barrel on this one though.

I welcome any suggestions on the 2nd FAL. Think I am going to have Mark put this one together as well...

Thanks in advance!

B Wood

**EMDII** · February 01, 2004, 13:22

Um, Israeli LB, no, an StG, no no an Argentine LB, but but a G1, no no no an L1A1, but wait an Israeli HB, and sure I'd like an L2A2, but then again a schweet 50-00 'bush' gun, nah that Congo thing is for me, and I wish I could get one more damned Para, you know the 50-63 Shorty.............

And hey, where can I get a T48 and a Canadian C1A1/8L?

Deltaten · February 01, 2004, 14:26

B:

Since you already have an example of a primo South American metric FAL, and an Inch is out (as you already have the parts!); How's about a shorty....

excised gas system
shortened HG
16.5 in. bbl w/a slip over FH (gives the look w/o the headache of a 13"bbl)
GB mtd. front swivel
Sling-thingy rear mt.
Para-type rear sight
various accoutraments to suit your ergonomics
Outrageous paint scheme

Makes up into a very compact, fast handling carbine. Should be accurate for reasonable use (out to 200m), and just plain fun to shoot!

Best,
Paul

Infantry Marine · February 01, 2004, 16:42

Or maybe a Belgian M2?

**bykerhd** · February 01, 2004, 17:03

Sounds like you have a first rate "starter" FAL. Since a second FAL is totally unneccessary, as will be your third and so on, you should get something unusual to feed the new urge. A heavy barrel might be nice. Also fills the bill of being unneccessary and maybe even impractical for Joe Average civilian to lug around(kind of large and heavy). High on cool factor though.
If you want conservative but different, then try an stg58 from DSA or have Mark G build you one. Nice, and quite different feel. Check with fashionistas around here about coordinating a chicken mitt with your outerwear. The metal handguards get HOT.
Wait till year end and you can have a legal Para folder if the Washington nimrods don't mess us up.

**fal fiend** · February 01, 2004, 17:07

build a para

fiend

littlehoot · February 02, 2004, 15:17

metric shorty with izzy LB wood

Infantry Marine · February 02, 2004, 16:36

An Inch pattern is needed so you can make the unbiased decision as to which you prefer!

sslocal · February 02, 2004, 16:48

I think I would go with the STG for a second build. Once you have it in your hands you will know why.

mojo_matic · February 02, 2004, 16:58

I think a carbine heavy barrel would be really cool.

DSA Type II upper
DSA Lightweight lower
Heavy barrel cut to 16.5" with the most abnoxious muzzle brake you can get your hands on.
A nice solid wood buttstock for balance.
Wide Holland mag catch, and an inch selector switch.

One badass, fugly and abnoxious FAL that only it's owner could love!

rob1 · February 02, 2004, 17:27

Definitely a carbine!
I like em with Izzy wood, but thats the beauty (or curse?) of FALs...youre going to have more, so get them all!

Artful · February 02, 2004, 22:42

First imbel then I'm doing the stg thing - I'll then think about HB

You can always shorten a barrel later.

BIG DUKE 60 · February 02, 2004, 22:48

a para shorty.
with a R1 grenade gas plug

clean sweet and to the point

chrsdwns · February 03, 2004, 15:04

Get one of the nice Stg - 58s while they are still around. They have the best workmanship of any FALs around and the condition is excellent. They also seem to shoot better than average for a FAL.

cliffy109 · February 03, 2004, 16:53

First, you're going to think simple and basic. You'll get your heart set on an STG carbine. Then, you'll see some really neat looking wood stocks from MisterJG or Ironwood. You'll buy them but then realize they are not "right" for the carbine. They are too pretty and heavy for a light and handy little gun. You'll look at the Imbel you alrady have but realize it already is a perfect representation of a military 50.00. Bummer, now you've got to get another kit to use that fancy wood on.

Next, you're going to look at your carbine and wish it were a bit lighter and you'll get a DSA lower for it. You'll also get the Penguin ecomony stock for weight reduction. You'll notice all the spare parts you're starting to accumulate and decide you might have almost enough parts to make something else. Perhaps you can piece together a para...

and on and on and on.

Welcome to the addiction and the wonderful world of rationalization.

chrsdwns · February 03, 2004, 22:34

Here are some FALs to avoid - if you value your bank account

Canadian C1.C2,C1A1,C2A1
Aussie L2A1
Izzy HB
Excellent condition Brit L1A1

All of these were relativly inexpensive at some point. They are not now. Even the R1 can command a pretty good price these days. The moral of the story buy early, buy frequently, buy them when they are cheap.

B Wood · February 03, 2004, 22:42

I like Deltaten's idea of a shortened FAL. I have always like compact rifle / carbines. Wish I could build a Para....maybe if the AWB sunsets I can always convert it later.

How much velocity would be lost on a 13.5" barrel that has the brake permanently installed? Also...any idea of range of a barrel this short. I like the idea, but am a bit wary of the accuracy / velocity loss. Any ideas on the best compromise of barrel length versus performance? With a 16" barrel, I lose 5" of barrel which I think would be compact enough for most needs.

As much as I love the look of a nice wood stock...definately leaning towards the synthetic Penguin stock for outdoors durability.

Also...the Imbel kit I bought has a bipod cut barrel. Is it legal to mount a bipod on a post ban gun? Any thought on bipod? Yes or No?

Also...any recommendations on the finish? My first one is parked....nice finish...but I love the slightly glossy look of HK's, etc.

THanks for all the input!

B Wood

cliffy109 · February 04, 2004, 09:01

You don't have to drop down to a 13" barrel. Well, you do if you want to cut down an existing barrel, but there is an alternative. DSA sells their new barrels without gas block or gas port for $95. Buy that and ship it and a gas block off to a reputable smith and you can have a full 16.25" worth of rifling and still have the shorty system.

February 01, 2004, 13:08	#1
B Wood Registered FALaholic #: 5579 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Low Country SC Posts: 1,530	2nd FAL Suggestions wanted! Ok....I guess it is official.....the FAL bug has bitten me. LOL No they haven't replaced my good ole Valmets as of yet.... My first FAL was all Imbel....a numbers matching kit with an Imbel receiver, Penguin furniture, FSE HTS, and FSE fake Belgian Flash Suppressor. Barrel was left at 21". Mark Graham put it together for me...and did a SUPERB job. I decided to pick up another Imbel kit (found another all numbers matching kit), same Penguin furniture, FSE HTS and Fake Belgian Flash hider. I am thinking of shortening the barrel on this one though. I welcome any suggestions on the 2nd FAL. Think I am going to have Mark put this one together as well... Thanks in advance! B Wood __________________ Don't Blame me....I voted for Fred Thompson http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ooter/CRAP.jpg

February 01, 2004, 13:22	#2
EMDII Evil Moderator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 6 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 13,971	Um, Israeli LB, no, an StG, no no an Argentine LB, but but a G1, no no no an L1A1, but wait an Israeli HB, and sure I'd like an L2A2, but then again a schweet 50-00 'bush' gun, nah that Congo thing is for me, and I wish I could get one more damned Para, you know the 50-63 Shorty............. And hey, where can I get a T48 and a Canadian C1A1/8L? __________________ "The Spartans do not enquire how many enemy there are. The SPartans merely enquire WHERE they are." E.M. (Ted) Dannemiller II 1*

February 01, 2004, 14:26	#3
Deltaten Registered FALaholic #: 124 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lancaster, PA USA Posts: 8,502	B: Since you already have an example of a primo South American metric FAL, and an Inch is out (as you already have the parts!); How's about a shorty.... excised gas system shortened HG 16.5 in. bbl w/a slip over FH (gives the look w/o the headache of a 13"bbl) GB mtd. front swivel Sling-thingy rear mt. Para-type rear sight various accoutraments to suit your ergonomics Outrageous paint scheme Makes up into a very compact, fast handling carbine. Should be accurate for reasonable use (out to 200m), and just plain fun to shoot! Best, Paul __________________ All or Nothing! Senator McCarthy was right! and as always......FYB!

February 02, 2004, 15:17	#7
littlehoot Registered FALaholic #: 11432 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: alabama, usa Posts: 1,061	metric shorty with izzy LB wood __________________ "They tell you of a laundry detergent that takes out bloodstains- I'm thinking that if you have clothes covered in bloodstains-maybe laundry isn't your biggest problem"

February 02, 2004, 17:27	#11
rob1 Registered FALaholic #: 529 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Chapel Hill, TN US Posts: 2,160	Definitely a carbine! I like em with Izzy wood, but thats the beauty (or curse?) of FALs...youre going to have more, so get them all! __________________ Alright you primitive screwheads, listen up. See this? THIS is my BOOMSTICK!

February 01, 2004, 16:42	#4
Infantry Marine Registered FALaholic #: 2410 Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 405	Or maybe a Belgian M2?

February 01, 2004, 17:03	#5
bykerhd Dinosaur Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 2798 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Burlington Vermont area Posts: 13,262	Sounds like you have a first rate "starter" FAL. Since a second FAL is totally unneccessary, as will be your third and so on, you should get something unusual to feed the new urge. A heavy barrel might be nice. Also fills the bill of being unneccessary and maybe even impractical for Joe Average civilian to lug around(kind of large and heavy). High on cool factor though. If you want conservative but different, then try an stg58 from DSA or have Mark G build you one. Nice, and quite different feel. Check with fashionistas around here about coordinating a chicken mitt with your outerwear. The metal handguards get HOT. Wait till year end and you can have a legal Para folder if the Washington nimrods don't mess us up.

February 01, 2004, 17:07	#6
fal fiend Curio & Relic Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 7091 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Indiana USA Posts: 2,267	build a para fiend

February 02, 2004, 16:36	#8
Infantry Marine Registered FALaholic #: 2410 Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 405	An Inch pattern is needed so you can make the unbiased decision as to which you prefer!

February 02, 2004, 16:48	#9
sslocal Registered FALaholic #: 7834 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: PRK Posts: 843	I think I would go with the STG for a second build. Once you have it in your hands you will know why.

February 02, 2004, 16:58	#10
mojo_matic banned - trolling marketplace FALaholic #: 12363 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New Carlisle, IN Posts: 3,257	I think a carbine heavy barrel would be really cool. DSA Type II upper DSA Lightweight lower Heavy barrel cut to 16.5" with the most abnoxious muzzle brake you can get your hands on. A nice solid wood buttstock for balance. Wide Holland mag catch, and an inch selector switch. One badass, fugly and abnoxious FAL that only it's owner could love!

February 02, 2004, 22:42	#12
Artful Registered FALaholic #: 10191 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: arizona Posts: 2,192	First imbel then I'm doing the stg thing - I'll then think about HB You can always shorten a barrel later.

February 02, 2004, 22:48	#13
BIG DUKE 60 Registered FALaholic #: 9026 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WA. state Posts: 445	a para shorty. with a R1 grenade gas plug clean sweet and to the point __________________ 1/12/07UP DATE FOR ANON i was cleaning out my shop and i still have you box of parts from 3 years ago.. 4/13/07 sent another PM all have gone unopend... ANON i have sent your parts to your address 3 years ago. and they came back..i have sent you 10 emails and 5 Pm's from this site.. your parts are still all boxed up..all i need is a address..just like i did 3 years ago.. any time you would like to get ahold of me..i still have the same email and phone #and address for the last 8 years....i DO NOTE HAVE YOURS! I LEFT THIS SITE AFTER JEN CASHED MY money order and never let me post photos..and she sent me beat up parts...but thats ok..i just dont do this site any more... and the only 3 bad feed backs i have are from you and a bead beat shipper. who posted 2 times..and i never gave him any bad feed back...as.agen i dont do this sight..any more 7/29/07.

February 03, 2004, 15:04	#14
chrsdwns Registered FALaholic #: 9846 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: USA Posts: 2,587	Get one of the nice Stg - 58s while they are still around. They have the best workmanship of any FALs around and the condition is excellent. They also seem to shoot better than average for a FAL.

February 03, 2004, 16:53	#15
cliffy109 Registered FALaholic #: 8571 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 2,229	First, you're going to think simple and basic. You'll get your heart set on an STG carbine. Then, you'll see some really neat looking wood stocks from MisterJG or Ironwood. You'll buy them but then realize they are not "right" for the carbine. They are too pretty and heavy for a light and handy little gun. You'll look at the Imbel you alrady have but realize it already is a perfect representation of a military 50.00. Bummer, now you've got to get another kit to use that fancy wood on. Next, you're going to look at your carbine and wish it were a bit lighter and you'll get a DSA lower for it. You'll also get the Penguin ecomony stock for weight reduction. You'll notice all the spare parts you're starting to accumulate and decide you might have almost enough parts to make something else. Perhaps you can piece together a para... and on and on and on. Welcome to the addiction and the wonderful world of rationalization. __________________ All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?

February 03, 2004, 22:34	#16
chrsdwns Registered FALaholic #: 9846 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: USA Posts: 2,587	Here are some FALs to avoid - if you value your bank account Canadian C1.C2,C1A1,C2A1 Aussie L2A1 Izzy HB Excellent condition Brit L1A1 All of these were relativly inexpensive at some point. They are not now. Even the R1 can command a pretty good price these days. The moral of the story buy early, buy frequently, buy them when they are cheap.

February 03, 2004, 22:42	#17
B Wood Registered FALaholic #: 5579 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Low Country SC Posts: 1,530	I like Deltaten's idea of a shortened FAL. I have always like compact rifle / carbines. Wish I could build a Para....maybe if the AWB sunsets I can always convert it later. How much velocity would be lost on a 13.5" barrel that has the brake permanently installed? Also...any idea of range of a barrel this short. I like the idea, but am a bit wary of the accuracy / velocity loss. Any ideas on the best compromise of barrel length versus performance? With a 16" barrel, I lose 5" of barrel which I think would be compact enough for most needs. As much as I love the look of a nice wood stock...definately leaning towards the synthetic Penguin stock for outdoors durability. Also...the Imbel kit I bought has a bipod cut barrel. Is it legal to mount a bipod on a post ban gun? Any thought on bipod? Yes or No? Also...any recommendations on the finish? My first one is parked....nice finish...but I love the slightly glossy look of HK's, etc. THanks for all the input! B Wood __________________ Don't Blame me....I voted for Fred Thompson http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ooter/CRAP.jpg

February 04, 2004, 09:01	#18
cliffy109 Registered FALaholic #: 8571 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 2,229	You don't have to drop down to a 13" barrel. Well, you do if you want to cut down an existing barrel, but there is an alternative. DSA sells their new barrels without gas block or gas port for $95. Buy that and ship it and a gas block off to a reputable smith and you can have a full 16.25" worth of rifling and still have the shorty system. __________________ All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?

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