Posted: 5/28/2004 8:04:14 AM EDT
|
I want to purchase a FAL sometime in the near future due to all the great things I hear about them and from handling a few in a local shop. There are still a few things I want to know about them though, mainly what's a good price for one? I've seen some in used conditon for around $500 and new ones up to $1,500. Are the cheaper ones crap? Are Imbel FALs good? How much of an ordeal is it to mount a scope or aimpoint on one? thx, 7.62 |
| Check out ohiorapidfire.com. They are site sponsers and they did the "AK" group buy here. |
The safest "best buy" is the DSA Stg58. DSA also makes the SA58 series and they are probably the best FAL made but can be pricey. Avoid Hesse and CAI guns. Beware the Imbel, they are not all the same. The Imbel receiver IS a FN contract receiver and if built by a qualified gunsmith on using a decent part kit can produce a wonderful FAL. However CAI built a lot of crap grade FALs on Imbel receivers and marketed them as Imbel FALs suggesting a Imbel built imported rifle. I think it was IAI that built the M444 which was a Imbel kit on a Imbel reciver and they are great FALs (I think they were inch pattern though). Entreprise FALs are hit and miss by most accounts and given the price range you would be better off spending the few extra bucks on a DSA Stg58. |
Yup, I learned that the hard way long ago. I only regret the crap guns I've bought. I've laid out a LOT of cash for some of the others and don't even think about it later. When you are having a good time at the range you don't think "Damn this was a LOT of money" and when your gun is jamming up and failing every third shot you don't think "God this was a good deal." |
| you could always try to build your own frankelFAL on the cheap... if you are knowledgable and skilled, probably the premier way to go... if not, you can obtain kits and have a professional build one up...I'd guesstimate 700-900 dollars for a kit and quality build but I would (and did) just as soon purchase a brand spanking new DSA SA58 with a warranty...that will be quite a chunk of change. see www.falfiles.com to satiate your quest for FAL knowledge. |
I think you mean a DSA Stg58, SA 58s don't even dealer price (let alone retail) in the $700-900 range. |
|
OK, here's some current advice that supports what the others have just said. I have four FALs, and I built them all, plus a others for my friends. I never fired my first (and cheapest) build until today. It is a Century unibrow receiver assembled on a worn out G1 parts kit. It won't cycle, even with the gas turned off. Will I get it running? Sure. But I'll be dumping more money into it to make it happen, unless I just want to keep it as a wall hanger. I used a shitty receiver and a crappy parts kit as part of my vocational training, so I woudn't ruin better, more expensive parts on future builds. What I put together isn't much different that those $500 Century ones. Get a DSA, or build one with help from someone near you who has FAL building experience. Don't take this as a complaint, because it isn't. It's just my personal experience and observations. Professional help can be found here: www.falfiles.com/forums/index.php Jim |
|
I bought my DSA STG58 from FAC back in March. I paid $795 for it and am very satisfied with it. It came with a hard case, sling, bipod, owner's manual, and warranty. Shoots great with aluminum mags. Feels a little heavy after shooting my 16" Bushmaster, but it is still a fine weapon. 
|
|
FAL's are alot of fun. I have built 3 so far and am working on another. Dare I say they are as much fun as an AR15. Just like you do not need to buy a Colt to have an awsome Ar15 you do not need to buy a DSA to have an awsome FAL. Fal's are fairly easy to make 100% reliable. Just like anything else good work takes time and skill. You can spend anywhere from $500 - $1500+ on an FAL, (same as with an AR) depends on what YOU want. |