FAL Information Please

[G-Man WC]

Anyone here do any FAL building? Is there any advantage to 1" kit over a metric? Also any info on parts kits please share.
Looking to buy parts and do a build in the future if there's a knowledge/coaching base here.
Thanks - gary

[Jason762]

TheDrickel is the man to talk to. Also, if I recall correctly, didn't he say he'd help someone with a FAL build at the proposed "Bay Area AK build party"?

[G-Man WC]

Thanks Jason. Paging Dr. Drick. I'll have a few questions for him come the AK build or via PM them.
-gary

[SCMA-1]

Here's a wealth of info on the FAL:

http://www.falfiles.com/index.php

Check out the market board there also; lots of kits and parts for sale.

SCMA-1

[B Strong]

Anyone here do any FAL building? Is there any advantage to 1" kit over a metric? Also any info on parts kits please share.
Looking to buy parts and do a build in the future if there's a knowledge/coaching base here.
Thanks - gary

+1 for Thedrickel as advisor, and The Falfiles.

Inch kits are easier to headspace, that's the only advantage.

[Rule .308]

Definitely, you need to spend some time hanging out at the FalFiles, they will school you fast on FAL's. The differences on the inch versus the metric rifles is not that big of a deal, first things first the threads on all of them are inch. Take a look at your typical British L1A1 and then look at any of your Belgian guns and you will see the differences, different muzzle devices, and the bolt release, take down lever, mag release, gas regulator, front and rear sights, selector, and furniture are all in the same place but they are styled a little different. Myself, I like the metic guns but I have both.

[G-Man WC]

Thanks SCMA-1, I"ll spend some time there for information. Looking to start getting my parts pile together and wanted opinions. Some say the Aussi kits are nice and have little use and the African's are beat down from had use in the many conflicts in that part of the world. -gary

[cntrolsguy]

Not 100% sure but I believe the "mags aren't as plentiful and a bit more expensive. I built a G1 on a Coonan metric receiver about 4 years ago and the metric mags where dirt cheap.

[G-Man WC]

Thanks for the update on the Mags. I'll start reading some tonight. -gary

[Turbinator]

Metric mags are definitely easier to find, or at least they were.

Turby

[G-Man WC]

Thanks for the info Turbi. And also the improved search function link. -gary

[ETD1010]

I have an inch FAL, and love it. yes, metric mags are easier to find, but the best part is, the inch pattern will FIT metric mags. other than that, there isn't much difference in them as long as you find the parts you need to complete the build. I'm looking for wood funiture for mine, but I can't seem to find any reasonably priced US made (for 922 compliance).

[thedrickel]

Although I think STG's are the most accurate FALs, I am highly enamored with the inch variations. I would definitely take an original inch bbl over any metric but an STG.

[wash]

I have an inch FAL, and love it. yes, metric mags are easier to find, but the best part is, the inch pattern will FIT metric mags. other than that, there isn't much difference in them as long as you find the parts you need to complete the build. I'm looking for wood funiture for mine, but I can't seem to find any reasonably priced US made (for 922 compliance).

Ironwood Designs is pretty much the only game in town for U.S. FAL wood. It's expensive but worth it.

STG barrels are nice but the one I lust after is the G1 chrome lined. I really need to get on my G1 builds. I've got the kits (with chrome lined barrels), the Ironwood Designs furniture and the G1 marked DSA uppers, I just need a few more 922(r) compliance parts, assembly, paint and wood finishing.