What barrel length is considered ideal on a FAL?

What is the intended purpose for the rifle?  The only reason( other than "It's freakin knarley dude") to make the barrel shorter is to adapt the rifle to a specific purpose.

Purpose, in my case, would be to serve as part of my SHTF force as well as possibly some hunting.  

Are you an urban or rural dweller?  I'm guessing where you're allowed to rifle hunt, you're not shooting great distances.  The shorter barrel will be better for weight savings and maneuverability.
For SHTF shorter is better.

Both.

 

Do you foresee a need to exit your vehicle quickly with your rifle ready to engage a target?  Do you intend to use the rifle as a home defense weapon? Other than these two circumstances, having a rifle barrel shorter than 21' isn't a benefit to a domestic civilian.

Likely a 'no' to both.  I see it as a SHTF MBR, giving me access to a caliber that I don't right now + hunting.  If I turn out to like it a ton, then I'll probably get more into them but right now that's where it stands.

I just got the 18" DSA STG58 and think it is just right.

Get (at least) one example of all three lengths.



FAL's are too much fun to only have one...






21"






18"






16"
 

I voted 21" because that is how my Imbel kit was built, and remains.  Ideal?  I guess it depends on your purpose.  I suppose you lose some velocity with a shorter barrel, but how far are you going to be shooting and is a shorter barrel needed for whatever purpose you have in mind. I like my 21", it's not a close quarters rifle and the weight doesn't bother me.

As already expressed, the intended purpose will determine the best barrel length, but my vote is for an FAL with an 18" barrel, as I think it's the best "all around" barrel length for a .308 MBR. Especially for a GoTo rifle. Good mix of muzzle velocity and portability. Excellent man stopper, and descent hunting rifle out to 300m-400m, depending upon the skill of the shooter and ammunition used.

My 18" SA-58 (below) is actually one of two GoTo rifles for me; the other one being a 7.62x39 Krink.
Soon I will be scoping her with a Leupold FX-11 in 4X33mm with a custom reticle calibrated for some .147g  

Anything past 18" is just extra length and weight.  Velocity is very nearly the same and accuracy is often better with the shorter barrels.

18" IMBEL kit on DSA receiver, built it myself.

Nice sneakers man...!!!

Oh, and the 18" Imbel isn't bad either.

21" FTW.

Forget what the "compromisers" say

To compare this question to real, actual use.  Consider recent events when our soldiers use MBR 7.62 rifle type autoloaders.   This reference is to the M-14 type rifles you see in pictures in Iraq and Afghanistan.    Our men are usually static, foot patrol/kicking in doors or mobile by truck.  

How long are those .30 caliber barrels that were using in those pics?  

Goes back to the same point I always make about FALs,AR 10s,M-14s.  If you're gonna shoot .30 cal rifle rounds, most of the time doing so out of a Rifle is gonna pan out better than a Carbine.

Plus.  If you get into some end of the world zombie attack.  You'd most likely by trying to put as much distance between you and danger.   So long shots may very well end up being the rule and not the exception.    

Just like some of you may think clearing rooms with a 21" looks silly,  I think you'd look like a damn retard not being able to hit shit at 600yds with your 7.62 sbr.

i voted 16 as it still hits like a hammer compared AR's and AK's  the velocity diffrence isnt as significant especially considering i live on the east coast, i dont have the range availible to me to actually see the benifits of a longer barrel, thus why i went for mobility

I went w the 18 and am quite happy with the results

So, what do you think the advantage is of a 21" barrel on an FAL over an 18" barrel?  We are talking FALs, not M14s....

bummer

 
North or toward Madison?

17.5"