FAL assembly?

[Ajaxx]

Hopefully my receiver from Coonan is here before then (+ 10 days in jail). Adding a couple of weeks to that schedule would really help me.

4 weeks or 6 weeks it all the same to me. I'd rather have a few more then 2 guys show up, So say the word when when parts come in

[Lostsheep]

You'll notice 2 flats on the receiver end of the barrel. A gas block that's been installed correctly will have the front sight pin parallel to the flats.

The flats are also vertical when the barrel is timed correctly to the receiver.

I've built 20 or so and have yet to see a canted front sight/gas block, as the barrels were correct (if you're using an actual FAL barrel) when they left the factory. If you're using a US barrel with an installed gas block, all bets may be off.

The gas tube clearly does not line up with the notch on top of the barrel. The FSP also appears to be off. I will be giving Sarco a call to see what type of exchange can be arranged.

[arga]

My Sarco Argy barrel looks almost identical. It's defiantly canted but I'm not too worried about it. You're going to install the barrel so the gas system aligns with the receiver so our real problem is going to be the alignment of the extractor notch with the bolt and extractor. The notch appears large enough to allow a slight misalignment. That said I have no fricken' clue how it will really go together. I've never assembled a FAL before.

[Ajaxx]

some FAL parts on WG

http://www.weaponsguild.com/forum/index.php?topic=34974.0

[emelioosluper]

My Sarco Argy barrel looks almost identical. It's defiantly canted but I'm not too worried about it. You're going to install the barrel so the gas system aligns with the receiver so our real problem is going to be the alignment of the extractor notch with the bolt and extractor. The notch appears large enough to allow a slight misalignment. That said I have no fricken' clue how it will really go together. I've never assembled a FAL before.

I just checked 2 Imbel 21's and an Imbel PARA...yours looks good. Extractor notch is where it should be and the front sight misalignment you see can easily be fixed by the rear sight windage screws.

Lostsheep...next step is to make sure the barrel can be hand-tightened to the receiver...may take some thread cleaning on the barrel and/or receiver.

Search the FAL Files for 'barrel timing'. Can you hand-tighten the barrel to 10:30 or 11 o'clock? If so, grab the barrel vise and receiver wrench and tighten until the upper barrel notch is at 12 o'clock.

If you can't get to 10:30 or 11:00 by hand, you'll need to remove material from the barrel shoulder until you can. If you can hand-tighten to past 11:00, you'll need to shim between the barrel and receiver.

Thread pitch is 16 tpi, so a 5-mil thick shim will get you about 30 degrees of movement.

I've never used anything but sighting through the gas nut once I get close to correct timing and eye-balling the front sight. Sometimes a piece of light mono-filament tied to the front sight post and pulled back toward the receiver can help.

Again, study what you see on the FAL Files and proceed accordingly.

hth

EO

[Lostsheep]

I just checked 2 Imbel 21's and an Imbel PARA...yours looks good. Extractor notch is where it should be and the front sight misalignment you see can easily be fixed by the rear sight windage screws.

Lostsheep...next step is to make sure the barrel can be hand-tightened to the receiver...may take some thread cleaning on the barrel and/or receiver.

Search the FAL Files for 'barrel timing'.

EO

While there may be enough adjustment, I really don't want an obviously canted front sight. I am going to exchange it or get another. I kinda want an 18" barrel anyways and I've been reading that it is sacrilegious to cut the original barrel down.

WRT timing, I do not yet have my receiver but hopefully that will change shortly. I've heard good things about the coonan receivers and that will be the first thing I check. Should it not time correctly I do have a lathe to fix it and lots of shim stock if need be.

I've got an elementary understanding of the entire build process; the FALFILES have been extremely helpful.

[Sicarius]

damnit, want a 3rd fal to build...
Kevin

[Cessnapilot89]

Barrel vice and receiver wrench arrived today. Worked like a charm. Was able to successfully remove the receiver stub from my barrel. Would highly recommend a 5 foot extension on the breaker bar.

[Cessnapilot89]

Should any type of anti seize be used on the thread?

[-hanko]

Should any type of anti seize be used on the thread?

I use StaLube assembly grease, p/n SL3333...NAPA auto parts or similar...outstanding for AR triggers, bolt rifle bolt lugs, etc. Lotsa' guys just use light oil. Use a very light coating of whatever you pick, and make sure you can hand-tighten until the barrel shoulder contacts the receiver.

Double check that the rear of the barrel is NOT making contact with the receiver. If it does, you'll need to relieve the receiver (gently) until there's no interference.

I use a breaker bar on the wrench and a chunk of pipe about 3 feet long if necessary, and it usually is. I've had better luck bolting the barrel vise to a bench than sticking it in a vise.

Pics of the finished gun will be required.

hth

-hanko

[oldyeller]

I am in for a Santa Rosa BP. I have a kit and Coonan receiver.

[arga]

How long did it take to get that Coonan receiver? I've been hearing 2 months lead time.

[oldyeller]

About 6 weeks two months ago. May have even been longer ago, been procrastinating this build.

Woody?

[Cessnapilot89]

-Hanko, thanks for the info! Hopefully it will go together smoothly, have heard good things about STG kits and DSA receivers

[-hanko]

-Hanko, thanks for the info! Hopefully it will go together smoothly, have heard good things about STG kits and DSA receivers

They usually do go together smoothly and you'll love her when you're finished.

Email if you have any more questions, and keep spending time on the FAL Files.

OT...Which Cessna?

-hanko