Which FAL Configuration?

[t001]

Been thinking about a FAL. Mainly for target shooting and for its historical importance. I like the DSA Standard in 21" due to its similarity to the military original. However, the Congo (fixed stock) with its 18" looks like it might be a little more unwieldy as well as being somewhat historically significant too. Any thoughts on how the 18" performs compared to the 21"? Accuracy, recoil, feel, etc.? Also, I thought I read in another thread here or somewhere else that the Para stock is somewhat uncomfortable to use. Any first-hand experience?

What about receiver types? Any reason to prefer Type I over Type II or vice versa? I understand that the different cuts were mainly for auto-fire use and probably not too relevant with semi-autos. So does it come down to cosmetics and historical accuracy depending on which time period one hopes to recreate?

Finally, are DSA's CA models completely reversible for eventual out-of-state or featureless use? I won't mind using the stripper clips for here and now, as it is not too bad with FAL's, but it will be nice to be able to bring it back to original eventually where legal. I read on DSA's website that it is, but they want you to send the rifle to them to reverse (knock out the weld?) in order to preserve the warranty. Would it be easier to order a regular model and have someone like CWS or Lanworld relay it and just use the various BB's available now?

Anyone order from DSA directly? How do you get the dealer pricing? Does your FFL really have to send a note saying it's o.k. for you to do so as some mentioned on FALFiles?

Thanks for any suggestions and comments.

[X-NewYawker]

Are these stripper clip only deals?

[DedEye]

Are these stripper clip only deals?

Thedrickel and jjperl both make Bullet Buttons for the FAL as well.

[smle-man]

Been thinking about a FAL. Mainly for target shooting and for its historical importance. I like the DSA Standard in 21" due to its similarity to the military original. However, the Congo (fixed stock) with its 18" looks like it might be a little more unwieldy as well as being somewhat historically significant too. Any thoughts on how the 18" performs compared to the 21"? Accuracy, recoil, feel, etc.? Also, I thought I read in another thread here or somewhere else that the Para stock is somewhat uncomfortable to use. Any first-hand experience?

What about receiver types? Any reason to prefer Type I over Type II or vice versa? I understand that the different cuts were mainly for auto-fire use and probably not too relevant with semi-autos. So does it come down to cosmetics and historical accuracy depending on which time period one hopes to recreate?

Finally, are DSA's CA models completely reversible for eventual out-of-state or featureless use? I won't mind using the stripper clips for here and now, as it is not too bad with FAL's, but it will be nice to be able to bring it back to original eventually where legal. I read on DSA's website that it is, but they want you to send the rifle to them to reverse (knock out the weld?) in order to preserve the warranty. Would it be easier to order a regular model and have someone like CWS or Lanworld relay it and just use the various BB's available now?

Anyone order from DSA directly? How do you get the dealer pricing? Does your FFL really have to send a note saying it's o.k. for you to do so as some mentioned on FALFiles?

Thanks for any suggestions and comments.

I have the 16" DSA carbine version and I wish I had opted for the 21" version instead. The recoil and muzzle blast from the short barrel and light weight is a bit off-putting. The cool and handiness factor is high but it really isn't that much fun to shoot.

[gunsnrovers]

I have two built on DSA type II's. The SADF R1 clone was built by Azex Arms and is a standard 21" rifle.

The 2nd was built by CGW with Israeli stock and forearm and cut to 18". I prefer shooting the 18". Just a bit more handy.


Both have fake flash hiders and I'll pop on MMG's when they finally come out. In the meantime, dumping ten rounds in from the top is a piece of cake on the FAL.

[t001]

gunsnrovers,

Pretty rifles. Do you find accuracy to be affected with the 18" over the 21"? Is the recoil more or about the same? Other than the handiness factor, is one easier to shoot than the other? Also, those kinda look like Type II upper receivers in the pic, in that there don't seem to be curved cuts toward the back? Am I mistaken? I'm a FAL newb.

[C.G.]

Been thinking about a FAL. Mainly for target shooting and for its historical importance. I like the DSA Standard in 21" due to its similarity to the military original. However, the Congo (fixed stock) with its 18" looks like it might be a little more unwieldy as well as being somewhat historically significant too. Any thoughts on how the 18" performs compared to the 21"? Accuracy, recoil, feel, etc.? Also, I thought I read in another thread here or somewhere else that the Para stock is somewhat uncomfortable to use. Any first-hand experience?

21" should get you out to 1000 yards, 18" will not; depends on what you want to do with the rifle. Perceived recoil will be a little more with the 18". I have a Para and yes, it will pound your shoulder a tad more, but I put a rubber pad on mine and it is now just like the standard model.

What about receiver types? Any reason to prefer Type I over Type II or vice versa? I understand that the different cuts were mainly for auto-fire use and probably not too relevant with semi-autos. So does it come down to cosmetics and historical accuracy depending on which time period one hopes to recreate?

You are correct.

Finally, are DSA's CA models completely reversible for eventual out-of-state or featureless use? I won't mind using the stripper clips for here and now, as it is not too bad with FAL's, but it will be nice to be able to bring it back to original eventually where legal. I read on DSA's website that it is, but they want you to send the rifle to them to reverse (knock out the weld?) in order to preserve the warranty. Would it be easier to order a regular model and have someone like CWS or Lanworld relay it and just use the various BB's available now?

That is what I would do, last I heard DSA would not reverse a CaliFAL. It is relatively easy to reverse it yourself, however.

Anyone order from DSA directly? How do you get the dealer pricing? Does your FFL really have to send a note saying it's o.k. for you to do so as some mentioned on FALFiles?

That only works on receivers, not rifles and if you join FALFILES you should get the dealer pricing on a receiver anyway.

Answers provided above.

[gunsnrovers]

I don't shoot out past 300 yards so I can't tell you what I'll lose at longer ranges, but I find the 18" rifle no less accurate for what I do. I have not noticed an increase in recoil either. Both are built on Type II receivers.

[t001]

gunsnrovers, oops, I meant to ask if those were Type "I" receivers, since I don't see relief cuts in the back?

gunsnrovers,

...Also, those kinda look like Type II upper receivers in the pic, in that there don't seem to be curved cuts toward the back? Am I mistaken? I'm a FAL newb.

[HUTCH 7.62]

I have the DSA stg 58 16" inch barrel I am currently rebarreling it to a 21" barrel. I think if I had a paratrooper I would opt for a 16" The FAL really is'nt a tactical rifle.

[WilsonCQB]

The pictures are labeled correctly as to the type of receiver. So, picture 1 is a type "1", not a type "I".

gunsnrovers, oops, I meant to ask if those were Type "I" receivers, since I don't see relief cuts in the back?

[gunsnrovers]

Sorry. I wasn't paying attention on my earlier posts. Those two rifles are built on DSA Type 1's. The R1 clone is one of DSA's G1 marked receivers. The Israeli clone is on a regular one.

That's what I get for trying to have two conversations at the same time.

[t001]

WilsonCQB, thanks for the reply. I was using roman numerals "I" and "II" to denote "1" and "2", not the letter "eye". My question was directed at the picture in Post #5 whether those receivers are of Type "I (1)" or "II (2)".

The pictures are labeled correctly as to the type of receiver. So, picture 1 is a type "1", not a type "I".

gunsnrovers, o.k., gotcha, I was just curious, since I'm new at this and trying to learn. I won't be shooting beyong 300yds for all practical intents, either, and the Congo's 18" would seem like a nice length. However, several people have commented that they would rather go back to 21". No, this isn't going to be a tacticool rifle. I like military rifles in as-issued stock configurations.

[X-NewYawker]

Ah -- the answers to my other thread -- mostly -- Have local LA dealers had the nerve to order these?

[50 Freak]

I have the DSA stg 58 16" inch barrel I am currently rebarreling it to a 21" barrel. I think if I had a paratrooper I would opt for a 16" The FAL really is'nt a tactical rifle.

I think it is....here's mine