Armory Sponsor
Posted: 4/25/2026 2:10:02 PM EDT
[Last Edit: my65pan][Edited]
|
I’ve built several AKs, an Uzi, and a Cetme C, this is my first FAL from a Lebanese kit I got from Centerfire. Just waiting on a type 2 receiver to arrive now. 
|
|
That’s a nice looking kit, I didn’t realize FAL parts kits were available in the $700-$800 price range. What is the condition of the barrel? If I wasn’t already overextended on gun stuff I’d put one of these kits away for a future build. Can’t wait to see how yours turns out. |
|
The bore and chamber look really good, the bolt carrier, firing pin, extractor, etc. were pretty much frozen up with old dried up lube. I don’t think it was fired much before it was put in storage. Edit: This photo is after I reparked all of the hardware and bought new handguards, not as the kit arrived. |
|
I built an Izzy a few years back. I’d built an AK before and used some of those tools to help with the FAL. Still needed others. My barrel needed a good amount of fitting. Ran into issues with some bent screws and needing the bolt tool. But I lucked out and headspaced perfectly with the same locking pin/shoulder. Ultimately, I’m no whiz with tools, so if I can do it, most anyone can. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
|
All you need are the correct tools, and a good eyeball for angles when assembling the barrel to the receiver (use alignment rods). A lot easier than an AK. Getting it to the clocking position it should be in prior to torquing is the part where you might need a lathe- or a file and a lot of patience. |
a loaded gun won’t set you free, so you say…
|
Originally Posted By BPR: Careful- it's a screw, not a pin. Originally Posted By BPR: Originally Posted By my65pan: I bought the tools I needed, and have a lathe if I need that also. I can’t get the mag release pin to move at all, I’m taking it to work to put some real pressure on it. Careful- it's a screw, not a pin. Checking my build notes, mine had been staked at both ends of the screw slot. But, I was still able to turn past them, so not terribly well. Depending on if and how well they staked, you may need to try to clear the staking first. |
|
Well, I only had to shave .002 from the shoulder of the barrel to get it timed. It seems that my locking shoulder hole is tapered .002 smaller on the far side. I’m wondering if I should order a reamer to bring it to size, or just turn the far end of the pin on my lathe? 
|
|
I didn’t care for the painted sheet metal at the gas block end of the handguards, so I blasted & parked them while I had my tank heated up for a different project. I realize this gun was originally painted over parkerizing, but I just have an aversion to paint on firearms. 
|
|
Originally Posted By my65pan: I didn’t care for the painted sheet metal at the gas block end of the handguards, so I blasted & parked them while I had my tank heated up for a different project. I realize this gun was originally painted over parkerizing, but I just have an aversion to paint on firearms. https://i.postimg.cc/tJ3FzKkJ/IMG-5095.jpg I never cared for the black enamel looking painted parts of the FAL either, always struck me as a cost cutting measure of a 2nd world government. Yours definitely looks better parked. |
|
It was 2 AM, and the house was dead quiet. I was on the living room floor with a FAL, wrestling with the handguards and bipod. I had a my instructions on a peace of paper I'd printed out no pictures, just smeared inkjet text. I'd finally reached the point where everything was aligned. I had the whole mess pinned between my palms under heavy spring tension. My knuckles were white, and if I moved a millimeter, parts were going to fly into the drywall. I leaned over to squint at the next step. "Step 14: With your third hand, insert the pin." I just stared at the page. I looked at my two hands, then at the bedroom door where my wife was asleep. There was no magic move. I just had to let go. The clatter of steel hitting the carpet was the loudest thing I'd ever heard in that silent house. I found all the parts, but I'd let my pride go right along with the project. I went to bed that night having learned the hard way: read through the instructions before I start. |
Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI
DEXAI
|
Originally Posted By MateFrio: It was 2 AM, and the house was dead quiet. I was on the living room floor with a FAL, wrestling with the handguards and bipod. I had a my instructions on a peace of paper I'd printed out no pictures, just smeared inkjet text. I'd finally reached the point where everything was aligned. I had the whole mess pinned between my palms under heavy spring tension. My knuckles were white, and if I moved a millimeter, parts were going to fly into the drywall. I leaned over to squint at the next step. "Step 14: With your third hand, insert the pin." I just stared at the page. I looked at my two hands, then at the bedroom door where my wife was asleep. There was no magic move. I just had to let go. The clatter of steel hitting the carpet was the loudest thing I'd ever heard in that silent house. I found all the parts, but I'd let my pride go right along with the project. I went to bed that night having learned the hard way: read through the instructions before I start. Thanks for your insight, that was quite helpful. |
|
It’s done. |
Double tap...show them that you care...
Joined:
Nov 2004
Posts:
6140
EE: 100% (269)
MS, USA
|
Looks great! Used to have a local gunsmith who would blast and parkerize parts kits for a really reasonable price. He did a couple M1 Carbine kits that I built into complete rifles back when Springfield Armory was selling new forged receivers. Guns looked brand new when I was done building them. |
|
I made one off one of the L1A1 parts kits in the early 90's just before the AWB on an Entréprise Arms L1A1 receiver. Got lucky that it timed perfectly without removing any metal. Got unlucky that it took me five tries to get the right locking shoulder because I didn't take the time to understand how to measure for it. Lots of fun, but it stopped being semi-automatic for the second owner. He sold it on in straight pull bolt action mode without figuring out why. |
Vintage Ain't Retro.
|
Originally Posted By my65pan: I picked up a set of steel hand guards, straightened out the dents, and reparked them also. I’m looking for a bayonet. https://i.postimg.cc/DZmq41cm/IMG-5211.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/bJRWgP0z/IMG-5212.jpg Steel ones look traditional for sure but they heat up quickly if doing a lot of shooting. For as long as the FAL was in service I’m surprised they never incorporated a heat shield and vent holes into the hand guard design. |
|
Originally Posted By Princeton: Steel ones look traditional for sure but they heat up quickly if doing a lot of shooting. For as long as the FAL was in service I’m surprised they never incorporated a heat shield and vent holes into the hand guard design. I won’t be doing any mag dumps, I just like the look of the steel ones.  A bipod is the last thing I need, I think it will parkerize a darker color like the barrel, upper, and lower did. I like the variation in shades of gray. |
Armory Sponsor