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View Full Version : FN-FAL builds, receiver poll


Barabas
10-31-2009, 10:13 AM
Hey everyone! Someone mentioned that the rifleman's forum was full of fail, so I thought I'd help contribute to the unfailing with a FAL topic.

First, how about a receiver poll. I've heard and seen all kinds of craziness about the receivers that are available. Entreprise's old widow's peak receivers, Century's rough machining, DSA drilling the mag latch spring hole too deep, the old aluma-bomb receivers that are now serving well as pistol-caliber rifles...

Vote for your favorite receiver and tell us what you've built.

Barabas
10-31-2009, 10:41 AM
I don't have any pictures, but my first FAL was an Imbel, carried much, shot little DansAmmo special built up on a type 2 DSA. A total FrankenFal. I put Australian wood handguards and Ironwood Designs pistol grip and buttstock on it. It was a toploader with permanently installed 10 round mag.

I have another kit I plan on building up soon, but I'm not sure I'll go with DSA as I've seen some weird stuff from them recently, like the drilled out mag release spring hole and their latest batch of receivers needing undersized locking shoulders.

thedrickel
10-31-2009, 10:47 AM
ORF? You're joking right?

rct442
10-31-2009, 10:48 AM
Seeing as I only own a DSA STG58, I can't comment on the quality of the other receivers. However from my own limited experience, the fit and finish on the DSA is excellent, and I think the high price tag is worth it.

BTW, I have a DSA Type 1 w/ Carry Handle receiver

http://www.dsarms.com/images/0291CHC.gif

Barabas
10-31-2009, 10:49 AM
Nope, just trying to see who's paying attention. :D

rct442
10-31-2009, 10:54 AM
The other advantage of a DSA receiver is that it counts for 1 922(r) compliant part.

Barabas
10-31-2009, 10:55 AM
However from my own limited experience, the fit and finish on the DSA is excellent, and I think the high price tag is worth it.

BTW, I have a DSA Type 1 w/ Carry Handle receiver


The receiver I got was definitely worth the price I paid, no complaints there. I'm looking for a type 3 without the CHC for my next build, the carry handle annoys me when I shoot from the bench. The next one I build will be a bench "space" rifle. I want to see how accurate I can make it.

Bud Fox
10-31-2009, 10:58 AM
Imbel parts kit with a Enterprise receiver. If DSA receivers weren't so damn expensive I'd change it out.

rct442
10-31-2009, 10:58 AM
The receiver I got was definitely worth the price I paid, no complaints there. I'm looking for a type 3 without the CHC for my next build, the carry handle annoys me when I shoot from the bench. The next one I build will be a bench "space" rifle. I want to see how accurate I can make it.

You're s*** out of luck if you want a DSA Type 3 receiver, I think only Entreprise makes them. Entreprise Type 3 Receiver (http://www.entreprise.com/Type3Met.htm)

http://www.entreprise.com/product_images/NH_type03.jpg

Jon Wang
10-31-2009, 11:17 AM
Imbel parts kit with a Enterprise receiver. If DSA receivers weren't so damn expensive I'd change it out.

DSA's running a group buy right now for FALFiles members. $310 + $14 shipping. Not bad.

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=274676

rct442
10-31-2009, 11:23 AM
DSA's running a group buy right now for FALFiles members. $310 + $14 shipping. Not bad.

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=274676

For that you have to be a FAL Files member, which only takes 5 minutes to register.

As a thank you from DSA to FAL Files members, a limited "Group Buy" on FAL receivers! Members will be able to purchase Type 1 and 2 CHC, or Type 1 NCHC receivers for $310 + $14 shipping. The only way to order is to call DSA directly at (847) 277-7258. Tell them you want a receiver on the Group Buy and be prepared to provide your FAL Files member number. Delivery should take 1-3 weeks depending on order volume.

Thank you for your business!

John

Q
10-31-2009, 11:40 AM
DSA's running a group buy right now for FALFiles members. $310 + $14 shipping. Not bad.

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=274676

Nice.

Hmmm... I've been wanting a fal pistol like this one for a while now. :)
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n32/qbertquartz2/40.jpg

rct442
10-31-2009, 11:55 AM
Nice.

Hmmm... I've been wanting a fal pistol like this one for a while now. :)
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n32/qbertquartz2/40.jpg

Ouch, 308 punch in a subcompact platform. Can you say big holes @ close range. :D

The FAL is perfect for a pistol build, because all you need is PARA carrier, bolt and topcover and you can say "bye-bye" buttstock.

Barabas
10-31-2009, 12:11 PM
I've never seen a paratrooper top cover up close. Is it possible to have a stripper clip version of the para? I would think not, because that recoil spring HAS to go somewhere and there isn't a whole lotta room under a full length cover.

rct442
10-31-2009, 1:16 PM
I've never seen a paratrooper top cover up close. Is it possible to have a stripper clip version of the para? I would think not, because that recoil spring HAS to go somewhere and there isn't a whole lotta room under a full length cover.
Ask and you shall receive... Stripper Clip PARA Extreme Duty Scope Mount (http://www.dsarms.com/Stripper-Clip-SA58-PARA-Extreme-Duty-Scope-Mount---620ASCMP/productinfo/620ASCMP/)

http://www.dsarms.com/images/620ASCMP.jpg

Barabas
10-31-2009, 1:32 PM
Oh wow. I have a tapco version of the full length rail top cover and it sucks thanks to the way they machined the rail clamps. I like how DSA set up the rail clamps with steel inserts. Does anyone here have one of these and what do you think about the quality?

I dremel'd (setup was way longer than using a mill) the reliefs into my receiver so I could accept the Canadian/T-48 stripper clip top covers. I like how it looks better, but will probably be going to something like this railed cover for the next build.

rct442
10-31-2009, 1:53 PM
Oh wow. I have a tapco version of the full length rail top cover and it sucks thanks to the way they machined the rail clamps. I like how DSA set up the rail clamps with steel inserts. Does anyone here have one of these and what do you think about the quality?

I dremel'd (setup was way longer than using a mill) the reliefs into my receiver so I could accept the Canadian/T-48 stripper clip top covers. I like how it looks better, but will probably be going to something like this railed cover for the next build.

I have the full length DSA extreme scope mount. I took it off for a more traditional top cover, but that's a whole different story...

IMO, Zero movement. Absolutely none. Its held on by 5 plates and 10 screws! :eek: I would trust it to keep zero for a scope/ACOQ.

http://www.dsarms.com/images/620A.gif

Barabas
10-31-2009, 2:01 PM
Thanks for the recommendation.

Let's see some of these build ups you've all done. I couldn't find a FAL dedicated picture thread in the gallery. The 7.62 thread seems to be all AK's.

rct442
10-31-2009, 2:05 PM
Thanks for the recommendation.

Let's see some of these build ups you've all done. I couldn't find a FAL dedicated picture thread in the gallery. The 7.62 thread seems to be all AK's.

Go ahead and make one. There is no FAL love on this forum.:(

rg_1111@yahoo.com
10-31-2009, 2:11 PM
2.DSA. 1.Entreprise. DSA all the way.

Barabas
10-31-2009, 2:43 PM
Go ahead and make one. There is no FAL love on this forum.:(

Which I don't get at all. A person could get feature-less FALs long before feature-less ARs and AKs were attempted. I guess since there was no challenge, there was no love?

I wish I had my camera, I've never taken a picture of my FAL.

bigstick61
10-31-2009, 3:06 PM
DSA from what I've heard is the way to go on a Type 1. I want to build a Rhodesian FAL, but I'm having a heck of a time finding the kits, epsecially for a good price, and I mean SA-type kits (either R1 or FN contract) that have Rhodesian Army serial numbers electropenciled on the major parts. There was a nice one on Gunbroker, that was probably Air Force, and seemed like it hadn't been used heavily, but the price went above my current range. I'd love to resurrect a Rhodie service FAL.

One thing I am curious about is if DSA can do a little custom engraving on their receivers, such as put in a serial number matching a parts kit, to include the RA serial number, and a South African crest on the mag well.

Beatone
10-31-2009, 3:25 PM
I'm doing a FAL on a DSA and a Imbel. Just needs painting.

FTC
10-31-2009, 3:29 PM
DSA from what I've heard is the way to go on a Type 1. I want to build a Rhodesian FAL, but I'm having a heck of a time finding the kits, epsecially for a good price, and I mean SA-type kits (either R1 or FN contract) that have Rhodesian Army serial numbers electropenciled on the major parts. There was a nice one on Gunbroker, that was probably Air Force, and seemed like it hadn't been used heavily, but the price went above my current range. I'd love to resurrect a Rhodie service FAL.

One thing I am curious about is if DSA can do a little custom engraving on their receivers, such as put in a serial number matching a parts kit, to include the RA serial number, and a South African crest on the mag well.

i just saw a rhodie kit for sale on the falfiles today, the guy had a whole list of stuff for sale. reasonably priced too.

GM4spd
10-31-2009, 3:36 PM
Nothing wrong with an Entreprise BRIT L1A1 clone. Pete

http://www.fototime.com/60FE5A80C82EB06/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/4DC70D3EE16C0EB/standard.jpg

Barabas
10-31-2009, 3:43 PM
The 'Files is really the place to go, but forget about admitting you're from California until a deal is done. Those guys are brutal and sadly ill-informed. They aren't interested in learning the ropes and while I don't blame them, I can't condone their spreading of FUD.

Barabas
10-31-2009, 3:45 PM
That is really nice! Is that original Brit pebble plastic?

NSR500
10-31-2009, 3:52 PM
It does seem like there is no FAL love on CGN, even the HK/PTR series is lacking. Must be because 7.62x51 has either too much recoil, or it is too expensive.

KracknCorn
10-31-2009, 3:56 PM
will dsa ship stripped receivers to ca?

B Strong
10-31-2009, 3:57 PM
I've built on Imbel, DSA and Enterprise.

The Imbel's and the one DSA I've built went right together, The Enterprise needed work, but they made it right.

I voted Imbel, because I've built more of 'em and they were less expensive than DSA at the time.

NSR500
10-31-2009, 4:04 PM
DSA has shipped direct to California before and probably still do.

Barabas
10-31-2009, 4:22 PM
Make sure your FFL is familiar with OLL stuff. The one I used claimed to be, but when he didn't recognize the receiver as an AR he kinda lost it. He thought I was trying to set him up. We fixed that problem, but it was kinda tense for a day or two during the waiting period. I'm not going to out him, so don't ask. :) I went through a middleman back then because the middleman set up an awesome group buy, but DSA's deal referred to above is a really good deal right now.

Racefiend
10-31-2009, 6:48 PM
I voted Imbel. I've only built one FAL and it was on an Imbel. Required no mods and everything fit together perfectly.

bigstick61
10-31-2009, 8:43 PM
i just saw a rhodie kit for sale on the falfiles today, the guy had a whole list of stuff for sale. reasonably priced too.

That's more than the really nice one on Gunbroker ended up going for. $475 before shipping is a bit much. Unfortunately my price range had to drop because of an unexpected drop in income to probably lower than anyone will sell a kit for now, but before that $350 (if a mag/parts kit was included for use in free States). If it was really nice and all matching or if it was a SA Para FAL (either R1 or FN) that was Rhodie surplus I would have been willing to pay $400-$500, especially if it was an SA type Para (differences being grenade sights and the stock modded to allow for the use of the std. irons as opposed to the Para sights).

nic
10-31-2009, 8:56 PM
DSA will definitely ship to CA. I just ordered a Type 2 Metric for an STG58 build from them through their FalFiles group buy. When you factor in the FFL out of state transfer fees, I'm getting a brand new DSA receiver for $424 out the door.

I do like that DSA is not a reverse-engineered receiver, but is manufactured from original FN/Steyr blueprints...

SJgunguy24
10-31-2009, 10:55 PM
ORF? You're joking right?

If Thedrickle says it.....it's gotta be a joke. The FAL Swammie speaketh

Ford8N
11-01-2009, 4:19 AM
I've built on Imbel, DSA and Enterprise.

The Imbel's and the one DSA I've built went right together, The Enterprise needed work, but they made it right.

I voted Imbel, because I've built more of 'em and they were less expensive than DSA at the time.

Imbel also.

Imbels fell together and worked with very little tuning. Entreprise worked but a lot of file/emory cloth time to make it run. Entreprise must have tight specs, but still once its working it makes a good receiver, just a bit more work. F.A.C. made by DCI receiver on the other hand had problems. The clearance for the extractor in the receiver was to shallow/tight/off center. Not good. Of course, didn't find that out till after the barrel was on and head spaced,:banghead:.

Jarhead
11-01-2009, 5:41 AM
How do you handle the Mag, is there a Bullet Button type release? I've seen some Dust Cover? with a Stripper Clip Guide anyone have pictures of one and how do they work, any problems?

Barabas
11-01-2009, 10:47 AM
I used a set screw on the mag release that I drilled and tapped to permanently attach my 10 round magazine. I use a Type-48 sheet metal stripper clip topcover just like this one from DSA:
http://www.dsarms.com/images/US035STP.gif
The following page has a good overview of how it looks/operates:

http://www.webshooters.org/diy_g1_stripperclip_topcover.htm

mds2004
11-01-2009, 11:04 AM
How hard is it to build up a FAL?

gatdammit
11-01-2009, 11:32 AM
I'm gonna venture to say... from 'hardest' to 'easiest' goes AK, FAL, AR.

mds2004
11-01-2009, 1:04 PM
I'm gonna venture to say... from 'hardest' to 'easiest' goes AK, FAL, AR.

I just looked up some tutorials and it does not look bad at all. I just may have to add the FAL to the "build at some point" list.

Jpach
11-01-2009, 2:53 PM
What does the "average" FAL build tend to cost nowadays? Lets say using a DSA receiver which IIRC is the most expensive. You pick the place of origin for the kit

rct442
11-01-2009, 3:06 PM
What does the "average" FAL build tend to cost nowadays? Lets say using a DSA receiver which IIRC is the most expensive. You pick the place of origin for the kit

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/145288000/145288822/pix105557828.jpg

DSA Type 1 w/ Carry Handle Cut - $449 ($310 group-buy @ FAL Files)
G1 FAL Parts Kit, Gunbroker - $350
DSA US Made Hammer, Sear, Trigger - $64.95
DSA US Made Gas Piston - $30
DSA US Made Charging Handle - $40
DSA US Made Magazine Follower & Floorplate - $4

Assuming you borrow parts/tools required to assemble, total is $937.95 ($798.95 w/ FAL Files group-buy) and that gives you 8 922(r) complaint parts.

Jpach
11-01-2009, 5:45 PM
Thanks RCT, I may just be getting FAL fever enough to build one now :thumbsup:

gatdammit
11-02-2009, 3:43 AM
^ I'm putting one together now... I'd have to say it's not the most 'economical' but I guess what guns are right? AKs are relatively cheaper, but with the FAL you get a full rifle caliber! But with that also more $$$ :( Oh i'm putting a STG 58 kit on a DSA Type 1

Racefiend
11-02-2009, 11:15 AM
DSA Type 1 w/ Carry Handle Cut - $449 ($310 group-buy @ FAL Files)
G1 FAL Parts Kit, Gunbroker - $350
DSA US Made Hammer, Sear, Trigger - $64.95
DSA US Made Gas Piston - $30
DSA US Made Charging Handle - $40
DSA US Made Magazine Follower & Floorplate - $4

Assuming you borrow parts/tools required to assemble, total is $937.95 ($798.95 w/ FAL Files group-buy) and that gives you 8 922(r) complaint parts.

Man I miss the good old days.

G1 kit - $99
Imbel Receiver - $199
Misc compliance parts- ~$100

:(

JohnBrian
11-02-2009, 2:44 PM
Man I miss the good old days.

G1 kit - $99
Imbel Receiver - $199
Misc compliance parts- ~$100

:(
What Racefiend said. Mine cost me about the same as above many years ago on an Imbel receiver. I've done a few upgrades since then.

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt311/CG_johnbrian/002-4.jpg