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2/1/2010 7:16:40 PM EDT
i am interested in getting a FAL, what is the best way to go? build or buy from DSA? who is a good builder? who sells good mags? and last which is easier to get, inch or metric mags?

thanks
2/2/2010 6:59:43 AM EDT
[#1]
I'd go original FN, if you can find one and can afford it !  Next, I'd go Armscorp/ SBL original build, then I'd be grabbing an Argy/ DGFM original build.
For the current crop of factory guns, it would be DSA in a heartbeat.    There are also a number of excellent builders on this site and FAL files
who could set you up, if you desire something different.  I would go metric at this point in time, if I was starting from scratch.  Inch stuff is a wee
bit harder to find, at least usually.
2/2/2010 7:50:47 AM EDT
[#2]
The above are all prime examples of the FAL.  However, for an entry-level rifle you should go with a kit-built gun on a good receiver done by a known 'smith.  You can get into a good FAL for about $800 these days, if you prowl the EE and the marketplace over at FALfiles.  Some guy has had a Liberty Arms M444 for sale in the EE here for several weeks for $850 shipped.  That's an Imbel kit on an Imbel receiver.  A fine set-up for a starter gun and arguably the equal of a DSA, which are great guns, too.  You can get a DSA from AIM for $1100 or so, just go to the AIM forum in the Industry section and check on present availability, there's almost always a thread going for DSA rifles.

Good luck!

EDIT:  Link to rifle in EE  (not mine and I would change that grip the moment it arrived).
2/3/2010 10:00:51 AM EDT
[#3]
Are you in search of a reliable, well assembled shooter, or a "hey ya'll, look at me" gun?  
2/3/2010 11:35:00 AM EDT
[#4]
If you don't want to spend the money on a original belgian FN I would suggest a DSA rifle or a excellent condition parts gun built on a DSA or Imbel upper receiver by a reputable gunsmith such as Mark Graham at ARS. Any very good condition or better surplus metric magazines will do fine. I prefer to stay away from mixed metric/inch kit builds so inch pattern magazines are not a consideration.
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