Newest FAL (big)

blackbird · February 21, 2002, 17:41

Here's my latest pride and joy...

STATS
Kit - STG-58 from TAPCO a while back
Receiver - Imbel
H/T/S - FSE
Gas Piston - TAPCO
Front Sight - KNS Precision
Furniture - Homemade Walnut, Tung Oil finish
Buttplate - Original STG
Refinish - Combination Caswell Black Oxide and KG GunKote
Barrel - 16-1/4"
Gas Port - Unmodified .095
Satisfaction... Priceless... for everything else, there's MasterCard

Range Report
Firing Hirtenberger surplus. Fired single rounds on gas setting #4, 3 of 5 bolt stayed back. Closed gas port to #3, fired five single rounds. On all the bolt stayed back. Empties 7-8 feet away. Recoil pretty mild, fireball, AWESOME!

After two sighting shots, handheld, sitting at 50 yds...

I have a condition that causes constant trembling so this is pretty good for me.

Man I love FALs!!!

Flyn_Bryan · February 21, 2002, 17:47

Beautiful!!!!

[ February 21, 2002: Message edited by: Flyn_Bryan ]

blackbird · February 21, 2002, 17:51

Wood furniture was carved from utility grade walnut.

terral · February 21, 2002, 17:52

NICE!

milhol · February 21, 2002, 18:09

Yup.

7idl · February 21, 2002, 18:21

I love that wood and iron mixture, nice job!

shootist · February 21, 2002, 19:07

Outstanding!

rob1 · February 21, 2002, 19:29

Wow, that is a nice looking rifle! Homemade furniture, did you do that yourself?

FALshot · February 21, 2002, 19:40

Yes, you have one beautiful FAL.

It follows classic lines yet has incorporated some tasteful updates, well done.

Bill Woodward
FALshot
Portland, OR.

cadillac · February 21, 2002, 20:00

Absolutley beautiful carbine. Wonderful job on the wood.

Mad Dog 7.62 · February 21, 2002, 20:06

Wow, that's nice!! I am not usually a fan of naked barrels, but it looks good on that one. And beautiful job on the wood!!

blackbird · February 21, 2002, 20:17

Yes, I did the wood myself. I chose the naked barrel because I really didn't want to be so close to the thump of a brake. I was also looking to lighten a bit (no bipod, no brake, aluminum magazine, hollowed out wood). Not much really that can be done to lighten a FAL, though. Came in at 9 lbs. It has a brazed filler to cover the bipod cutouts in the barrel to "smooth up" the front end a bit. That KNS reticle front sight really does work for me. The big muzzle flash is unburnt powder so I suspect I am giving up some muzzle velocity for what is really pleasant recoil (and a heck of a fireworks display

)

Thanks to all for your comments.

Combat Plastic · February 21, 2002, 21:54

Nice FAL!

black_snowman · February 21, 2002, 21:54

Beutiful. I envy your wood-working ability. I'd love to have a set of black stained quilted maple furniture but know I don't have the tools or experiance to pull it off myself.
Maybe some day. Any resources you could recommend to me to start my quest?

[ February 22, 2002: Message edited by: Black Snowman ]

recce · February 21, 2002, 22:09

Damn! "Utility grade walnut" You have to post a pic once you go to furniture grade. That's some very nice work.

Mouse · February 21, 2002, 22:26

Check out the background in the pic, looks like somebody fancys the bullpup design!

Mouse

blackbird · February 21, 2002, 22:30

Black snowman: I have read a lot about woodworking through the years but mostly I've observed craftsmen every chance I got. It really isn't that hard and there are no real secrets, just a lot of elbow grease and a modicum of care.

Use the tablesaw and bandsaw to get rid of the bulk of the wood that doesn't belong there (bandsaw outlines, bevel semi-triangular handguard outline on tablesaw, etc). Use coarse sandpaper (40-60) on a 1/3 sheet Black&Decker finish sander (cheap tool but very useful) to literally grind away everything that doesn't look like what you want. Finger grooves on the grip are roughed out with Dremel sanding drums (can I get a WECSOG application please? Mr. Jeter?

) The only "troublesome" steps are drilling the buttstock for the recoil spring tube (requires a very long drill bit) and hollowing out the handguards (done with chisels). From start to finish this took about a week of evenings and some time during the weekend thrown in for the 6 or so wet sanded coats of tung oil. The semi-gloss finish is really much nicer in person than the pictures show.

The handguards are lined with aluminum to reflect heat. There is a row of air "intake" holes on the underside, centerline front half of the handguards to allow cooling air in. Fired a total of 200 rds today over the course of an hour and they remained at the same temp. My STG-58 gets hot blazes under similar use.

I have always found that the hardest part of learning anything is getting started. Get some tiger or quilted maple and give it a shot, you might surprise yourself!

Thanks to all for your comments.

[ February 21, 2002: Message edited by: blackbird ]

Hootbro · February 22, 2002, 01:42

Man I am getting a chubby looking at that pistol grip!

That is one sweet setup.

Hootbro

black_snowman · February 22, 2002, 06:52

Thanks for the encouragement. Once I get my garage paved I'll have to invest in some basic gear I wanted anyway and give it a shot. Althought I think I'll start with some cheaper wood to experiment with

medicmike · February 22, 2002, 10:10

That is a beautiful rifle!!! Great work!

hockeyfan_019 · February 22, 2002, 12:25

And a BEAUTIFUL walnut work rack... Looks like somebody's got WAAAY too muck stock on their hands... (and spare time for that matter)

Stranger · February 22, 2002, 13:09

Wow, someone likes Bullpups.

How do you like your Bushpup?

[ February 22, 2002: Message edited by: Stranger ]

banhalt · February 22, 2002, 14:05

Wow,
Very inspiring. The level of detail and workmanship is amazing.

blackbird · February 22, 2002, 18:46

Stranger: I like my bushpup quite well. I don't know why it gets so much negative publicity. It is not an AR (which many people assume), as I understand it some Australian came up with the design. I like some of the clever features like the charge handle being the rear of the carry handle. I personally think the aluminum extrusion body is a stroke of genius. Having said that, it is not quite at the same level as the AUG or Valmet M-82 in the picture. I still enjoy it very much and have had no problems whatsoever with it.

pilgrim · February 22, 2002, 23:58

I've made some pistol grips and pocket knife slabs that I thought were cool at the time, but wow!

RS39 · February 23, 2002, 07:48

I has gots to build me one of these! With longer bbl for me though

As good as what I have seen on the C&R boards!

Master Blaster · February 23, 2002, 09:08

That is in a word"Exceptional"!

Chief351 · February 23, 2002, 11:27

Your FAL has now replaced the Dodge Viper as the backbround image on my PC. I can give no greater compliment!

223REM · February 24, 2002, 23:30

The Supermodel of FAL's!

Tec 9 · February 25, 2002, 15:05

I'm not sure what's nicer..the rifle or that fine rifle workbench!

take care,
Tec

blackbird · February 25, 2002, 22:17

Thanks to all. I am flattered. Chief351 replacing a Viper on the desktop is quite an honor. Tec 9, that gun clamp is the product of a friend who is a fine furniture maker. I have begged him to produce them for sale but the cost of the 2"+ thick walnut is prohibitive for a commercial product.

Once again, thanks!

MCM · February 26, 2002, 08:07

That is one sweet looking toy, nice job.

csam · February 27, 2002, 11:47

Truly a work of art!

How do like the KNS sight? I have one for my next build.

[ February 28, 2002: Message edited by: csam ]

Ospre · February 28, 2002, 23:08

Divine.....(speachless)

blackbird · March 01, 2002, 01:48

csam: I really, really like the KNS sight. I did not want to add the weight of a scope to this rifle, but I did want a bit more precise aiming. The KNS gives me a constant reminder to keep my attention on the front sight and a very specific point of aim. I have also experimented with removable reduced rear apertures for more accuracy when lighting allows. It works very well indeed! Bottom line, I can shoot this rifle better than any of my other FAL's. I am looking at doing the same on the others.

geerhed · March 02, 2002, 05:15

OMG

*wets pants*

*runs off to place order for new kit*

*runs back to change pants first*

**Hebrew Battle Rifle** · March 31, 2002, 17:53

That is without a doubt the finest FAL that I have ever seen. I had something very simialr in mind for my first build. I am inspired BLACKBIRD. OUTSTANDING!!!

blackbird · April 01, 2002, 00:41

The more I've played with it the more I realize it's become my favorite. The short length is very handy, the loss of the weight of the bipod, carry handle, internally lightened wood, no barrel weight, etc. makes it feel a lot lighter than it is. For some reason (perhaps the loss of some muzzle velocity) it is also the mildest recoiling FAL I own and the muzzle jump is very small allowing quick follow up shots.

Tried it today with a russian cobra sight doing quick shots from standing and sitting at balloons and clay birds at 100 yds and it was a blast!

dassmith@worldnet.att.net · April 05, 2002, 19:09

blackbird

I am in the process of building my first FAL along similar lines. Please give me details about the Al lining for the fore grip as this is one thing I have not sorted out. Your pictures have been an inspiartion - what a true work of art. Any help will be truly appreciated.

Thank you

Smiffo

(FAL novice - but willing to learn)

PS Any Indiana or Ohio FALers out there?

blackbird · April 05, 2002, 22:16

Smiffo, the aluminum lining I used is a british product I had leftover from aircraft repair many years ago. It's like a thicker version of the aluminum tape used in heating and air ducting. It has an acrylic based adhesive that hardens in the presence of heat.

I sanded the inside of the handguards, gave it one coat of polyurethane to provide a better seating surface, peeled the backing and burnished in place.

I suspect that unless you plan to do massive consecutive shooting (which BTW, is no good for your barrel) you can use the heating and air aluminum tape (as thick as you can find). It takes a "set" and in this concave configuration even if the adhesive softened at high heat levels, it has nowhere to go.

I would offer a piece of this stuff but I used up my last sheet (it comes on sheets, not rolls) on these handguards and have been unable to locate a source.

Hope this helps.

dassmith@worldnet.att.net · April 06, 2002, 07:39

blackbird,

Thanks for the info - I think I shall use this. As a brit it is nice to know we can make something useful for semi - autos. When I have finished this project I shall (hopefully) be posting photos.

Smiffo

(FAL novice - etc.)

medicmike · April 06, 2002, 10:08

Great looking wood work, excellent job!!

stargazer · April 06, 2002, 11:23

Wood furniture normally doesn't get my attention but yours is different! WOW! That pistol grip just yells out to be held and the buttstock is so a copy of the original, only in wood. Very nice rifle!

dassmith@worldnet.att.net · April 07, 2002, 15:42

blackbird

do you have any info on the original british product you used? If so let me know so I can ask around back home and see if I can locate any.

Smiffo

(Fal novice etc.)

blackbird · April 08, 2002, 02:00

medicmike and stargazer: Thanks! The pistol grip is indeed a joy to hold and a completely different feel than the standard ones. It feels more...hmmm... secure? (not sure that is the word I am looking for).

smiffo: The stuff came from an engineer at Rolls-Royce aircraft engines division who was also a homebuilt aircraft enthusiast. He called it "mach 1 tape" which I believe is a takeoff on the U.S. aviation reference to duct tape as being "500 mph tape". The one-upmanship never ceased to amaze me in aviation circles. Here is what I know, it is .010" aluminum with an acrylic adhesive that is heat sensitive. The face of the aluminum is highly polished. It has a white "backing sheet" that peels away to reveal the adhesive. It works around compound curves like a dream. There was no writing on the backing sheet or identification of a manufacturer or product. the original sheets were 30cm x 30cm. I am pretty sure its origin is the aviation industry as my friend had few other interests. Unfortunately he has since passed so I don't have anyone to ask.

Perhaps there are enough clues in the above to enable a search. Sorry I couldn't provide specifics.

BTW, my suggestion about heating and air aluminum tape is what I intend to do in the future if I have this need now that my brit stuff is gone.

Ask4id · April 10, 2002, 02:47

Would you please send me your email. I have to ask you some questions about this FAL. Here are some to start:

Would you make mine look like that?
and
How much?

blackbird · April 10, 2002, 03:18

Aks4id:

I don't have the right kind of FFL to take your rifle in. Would love to help you, though. It really isn't that difficult. I got the Walnut from www.grizzly.com and I can help you along the way here. We can open a new thread and keep the info for others who may want to try in the future.

aleph_beth · April 10, 2002, 09:15

that shorty and that target are my idea of perfection in battle rifle sculpture and operation. it smells like ''victory''

Ask4id · April 10, 2002, 19:21

Quote:

Originally posted by blackbird:
Aks4id:

I don't have the right kind of FFL to take your rifle in. Would love to help you, though. It really isn't that difficult. I got the Walnut from www.grizzly.com and I can help you along the way here. We can open a new thread and keep the info for others who may want to try in the future.

How about just the wood? I have a G1/DSA build in the works and your setup is exactly what I am aiming for (except I want an 18" barrel).

You need an FFL for gunsmithing? I plan on applying for one this summer.

[ April 10, 2002: Message edited by: Ask4id ]

blackbird · April 11, 2002, 00:34

Ask4ID: Yes, any time you take in someone's firearm for work you are supposed to have an FFL. As I understand it, gunsmithing is the last refuge of the home based FFL (excluding C&R). The ATF will approve an 01 FFL for a home based gunsmith without the requirement of having a storefront and regular business hours. (You need to check local laws and ordinances though because a lot of jurisdictions do not allow it). The ATF do not look kindly if they catch you using this to buy and resell new firearms, though. There is a requirement for safe storage, bound book, etc. The bad part is you sign away your right to privacy since they can come in at any time of day or night unannounced. Many home based gunsmiths actually operate out of detached buildings (barn, garage, etc.) so that the licensed premise can be that building and not the entire house. Not sure it works, though.

As far as the wood alone, as I said, I can help you with step-by-step directions and troubleshooting along the way. I am waiting of confirmation about a new project (I am a consultant) that will take me to the far east. If it happens, it will be in a week or so and for 12-16 months. I'll still be here on the FALfiles, I just won't have any shop time. My cousin asked me to make him a stock set for his FAL a few weeks ago but with the uncertainty of being able to complete it we ordered him a set of G-1 wood from "moses" here on the FALfiles. I must say it is a very nice piece of work, if somewhat expensive.

At any rate, my offer for instructions and advice stands.

[ April 11, 2002: Message edited by: blackbird ]

February 21, 2002, 17:41	#1
blackbird Registered FALaholic #: 5487 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 867	Newest FAL (big) Here's my latest pride and joy... STATS Kit - STG-58 from TAPCO a while back Receiver - Imbel H/T/S - FSE Gas Piston - TAPCO Front Sight - KNS Precision Furniture - Homemade Walnut, Tung Oil finish Buttplate - Original STG Refinish - Combination Caswell Black Oxide and KG GunKote Barrel - 16-1/4" Gas Port - Unmodified .095 Satisfaction... Priceless... for everything else, there's MasterCard Range Report Firing Hirtenberger surplus. Fired single rounds on gas setting #4, 3 of 5 bolt stayed back. Closed gas port to #3, fired five single rounds. On all the bolt stayed back. Empties 7-8 feet away. Recoil pretty mild, fireball, AWESOME! After two sighting shots, handheld, sitting at 50 yds... I have a condition that causes constant trembling so this is pretty good for me. Man I love FALs!!! Last edited by blackbird; May 28, 2003 at 23:37.

February 21, 2002, 18:09	#5
milhol Registered FALaholic #: 4692 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: South Australia Posts: 356	Yup. __________________ www.australianguerrilla.com www.mysheaths.com

February 21, 2002, 18:21	#6
7idl Registered FALaholic #: 5129 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: in a house Posts: 439	I love that wood and iron mixture, nice job! __________________ The enemy invariably attacks on two occasions ----- when your ready and when your not.

February 21, 2002, 19:29	#8
rob1 Registered FALaholic #: 529 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Chapel Hill, TN US Posts: 2,160	Wow, that is a nice looking rifle! Homemade furniture, did you do that yourself? __________________ Alright you primitive screwheads, listen up. See this? THIS is my BOOMSTICK!

February 21, 2002, 19:40	#9
FALshot Registered FALaholic #: 83 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Portland, Oregon. U.S.A. Posts: 904	Yes, you have one beautiful FAL. It follows classic lines yet has incorporated some tasteful updates, well done. Bill Woodward FALshot Portland, OR. __________________ "Horses don't bet on men and neither do I." Still no "Contributor" status and still no address to send another donation to,... :? (I've sent Jen over $200. thus far not the $5. listed)

February 21, 2002, 17:47	#2
Flyn_Bryan Registered FALaholic #: 13 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 92	Beautiful!!!! [ February 21, 2002: Message edited by: Flyn_Bryan ]

February 21, 2002, 17:51	#3
blackbird Registered FALaholic #: 5487 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 867	Wood furniture was carved from utility grade walnut.

February 21, 2002, 17:52	#4
terral Registered FALaholic #: 3538 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: ok Posts: 578	NICE! __________________ Mother should I run for president? Mother should I trust the government? Mother will they put me in the firing line? Mother is it just a waste of time? (Pink Floyd)

February 21, 2002, 19:07	#7
shootist Registered FALaholic #: 4686 Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 526	Outstanding!

February 21, 2002, 20:00	#10
cadillac Registered FALaholic #: 3235 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Lincoln County, MT Posts: 3,495	Absolutley beautiful carbine. Wonderful job on the wood. __________________ United We Stand - Falaholics One and All

February 21, 2002, 20:06	#11
Mad Dog 7.62 Registered FALaholic #: 4815 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Idaho Posts: 3,182	Wow, that's nice!! I am not usually a fan of naked barrels, but it looks good on that one. And beautiful job on the wood!! __________________ _____________________________ "We don't talk Yakkity Yak. We talk lead." Earl Swagger, Hot Springs

February 21, 2002, 20:17	#12
blackbird Registered FALaholic #: 5487 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 867	Yes, I did the wood myself. I chose the naked barrel because I really didn't want to be so close to the thump of a brake. I was also looking to lighten a bit (no bipod, no brake, aluminum magazine, hollowed out wood). Not much really that can be done to lighten a FAL, though. Came in at 9 lbs. It has a brazed filler to cover the bipod cutouts in the barrel to "smooth up" the front end a bit. That KNS reticle front sight really does work for me. The big muzzle flash is unburnt powder so I suspect I am giving up some muzzle velocity for what is really pleasant recoil (and a heck of a fireworks display ) Thanks to all for your comments.

February 21, 2002, 21:54	#13
Combat Plastic Registered FALaholic #: 5624 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Utah Posts: 76	Nice FAL!

February 21, 2002, 21:54	#14
black_snowman Registered FALaholic #: 5633 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 5	Beutiful. I envy your wood-working ability. I'd love to have a set of black stained quilted maple furniture but know I don't have the tools or experiance to pull it off myself. Maybe some day. Any resources you could recommend to me to start my quest? [ February 22, 2002: Message edited by: Black Snowman ]

February 21, 2002, 22:09	#15
recce Registered FALaholic #: 153 Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 865	Damn! "Utility grade walnut" You have to post a pic once you go to furniture grade. That's some very nice work.

February 21, 2002, 22:26	#16
Mouse Registered FALaholic #: 4983 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Indianapolis area Posts: 994	Check out the background in the pic, looks like somebody fancys the bullpup design! Mouse __________________ Trying is just the first step toward failure. H.Simpson "Truth to a liberal is like sunshine to a vampire" Not all Muslims are Terrorists, but all Terrorists are Muslims. Coincidence?

February 21, 2002, 22:30	#17
blackbird Registered FALaholic #: 5487 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 867	Black snowman: I have read a lot about woodworking through the years but mostly I've observed craftsmen every chance I got. It really isn't that hard and there are no real secrets, just a lot of elbow grease and a modicum of care. Use the tablesaw and bandsaw to get rid of the bulk of the wood that doesn't belong there (bandsaw outlines, bevel semi-triangular handguard outline on tablesaw, etc). Use coarse sandpaper (40-60) on a 1/3 sheet Black&Decker finish sander (cheap tool but very useful) to literally grind away everything that doesn't look like what you want. Finger grooves on the grip are roughed out with Dremel sanding drums (can I get a WECSOG application please? Mr. Jeter? ) The only "troublesome" steps are drilling the buttstock for the recoil spring tube (requires a very long drill bit) and hollowing out the handguards (done with chisels). From start to finish this took about a week of evenings and some time during the weekend thrown in for the 6 or so wet sanded coats of tung oil. The semi-gloss finish is really much nicer in person than the pictures show. The handguards are lined with aluminum to reflect heat. There is a row of air "intake" holes on the underside, centerline front half of the handguards to allow cooling air in. Fired a total of 200 rds today over the course of an hour and they remained at the same temp. My STG-58 gets hot blazes under similar use. I have always found that the hardest part of learning anything is getting started. Get some tiger or quilted maple and give it a shot, you might surprise yourself! Thanks to all for your comments. [ February 21, 2002: Message edited by: blackbird ]

February 22, 2002, 01:42	#18
Hootbro Registered FALaholic #: 248 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: DE Posts: 533	Man I am getting a chubby looking at that pistol grip! That is one sweet setup. Hootbro __________________ Defender Of The Faith http://militarysignatures.com/signatures/member4301.png

February 22, 2002, 06:52	#19
black_snowman Registered FALaholic #: 5633 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 5	Thanks for the encouragement. Once I get my garage paved I'll have to invest in some basic gear I wanted anyway and give it a shot. Althought I think I'll start with some cheaper wood to experiment with

February 22, 2002, 10:10	#20
medicmike Registered FALaholic #: 3183 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 2,259	That is a beautiful rifle!!! Great work! __________________ "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

February 22, 2002, 12:25	#21
hockeyfan_019 Registered FALaholic #: 4776 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SE, MI Posts: 200	And a BEAUTIFUL walnut work rack... Looks like somebody's got WAAAY too muck stock on their hands... (and spare time for that matter) __________________ TGH "A right to jury trial is granted to criminal defendants in order to prevent oppression by the Government." -Ducan vs Louisiana 391 US, 149 1968 "The JURY has an unreviewable and unreversible power . . . to acquit in disregard of the instructions on the law given by the trial judge . . ." -U.S. vs. Dougherty, 473 F 2nd 1113, 1139 (1972)

February 22, 2002, 13:09	#22
Stranger Registered FALaholic #: 3555 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 9,498	Wow, someone likes Bullpups. How do you like your Bushpup? [ February 22, 2002: Message edited by: Stranger ] __________________ If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.

February 22, 2002, 14:05	#23
banhalt Registered FALaholic #: 4646 Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 91	Wow, Very inspiring. The level of detail and workmanship is amazing. __________________ "Computers and Firearms will let you make mistakes faster than anything in the world with the exception of Tequila"

February 22, 2002, 18:46	#24
blackbird Registered FALaholic #: 5487 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 867	Stranger: I like my bushpup quite well. I don't know why it gets so much negative publicity. It is not an AR (which many people assume), as I understand it some Australian came up with the design. I like some of the clever features like the charge handle being the rear of the carry handle. I personally think the aluminum extrusion body is a stroke of genius. Having said that, it is not quite at the same level as the AUG or Valmet M-82 in the picture. I still enjoy it very much and have had no problems whatsoever with it.

February 22, 2002, 23:58	#25
pilgrim Registered FALaholic #: 4398 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Central Oregon Posts: 91	I've made some pistol grips and pocket knife slabs that I thought were cool at the time, but wow! __________________ familylandsoul

February 23, 2002, 07:48	#26
RS39 Registered FALaholic #: 5655 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 682	I has gots to build me one of these! With longer bbl for me though As good as what I have seen on the C&R boards!

February 23, 2002, 09:08	#27
Master Blaster Registered FALaholic #: 946 Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 688	That is in a word"Exceptional"! __________________ The original Master Blaster! Not to be confused with Master_Blaster # 7285, and MasterBlaster # 10009.

February 23, 2002, 11:27	#28
Chief351 Registered FALaholic #: 1615 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Melbourne, KY, USA Posts: 368	Your FAL has now replaced the Dodge Viper as the backbround image on my PC. I can give no greater compliment!

February 24, 2002, 23:30	#29
223REM Registered FALaholic #: 5657 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 3	The Supermodel of FAL's!

February 25, 2002, 15:05	#30
Tec 9 Registered FALaholic #: 1163 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: PA Posts: 322	I'm not sure what's nicer..the rifle or that fine rifle workbench! take care, Tec

February 25, 2002, 22:17	#31
blackbird Registered FALaholic #: 5487 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 867	Thanks to all. I am flattered. Chief351 replacing a Viper on the desktop is quite an honor. Tec 9, that gun clamp is the product of a friend who is a fine furniture maker. I have begged him to produce them for sale but the cost of the 2"+ thick walnut is prohibitive for a commercial product. Once again, thanks!

February 26, 2002, 08:07	#32
MCM Registered FALaholic #: 3487 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: NW Kansas Posts: 100	That is one sweet looking toy, nice job. __________________ The Americans fight for a free world, the English mostly for honor and glory and medals, the French and Canadians decide too late that they have to participate. The Italians are too scared to fight; the Russians have no choice. The Germans for the Fatherland. The Boers? Those sons of bitches fight for the hell of it!” - American General, George “Guts and Glory” Patton

February 27, 2002, 11:47	#33
csam Registered FALaholic #: 4117 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Atlanta Posts: 255	Truly a work of art! How do like the KNS sight? I have one for my next build. [ February 28, 2002: Message edited by: csam ]

February 28, 2002, 23:08	#34
Ospre Registered FALaholic #: 3602 Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 95	Divine.....(speachless) __________________ Oliver's Law: Experience is something you don't get until after you need it.

March 01, 2002, 01:48	#35
blackbird Registered FALaholic #: 5487 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 867	csam: I really, really like the KNS sight. I did not want to add the weight of a scope to this rifle, but I did want a bit more precise aiming. The KNS gives me a constant reminder to keep my attention on the front sight and a very specific point of aim. I have also experimented with removable reduced rear apertures for more accuracy when lighting allows. It works very well indeed! Bottom line, I can shoot this rifle better than any of my other FAL's. I am looking at doing the same on the others.