FAL newbie - parts kit questions

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Cabinetman) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:08:18 GMT

You stated that you'd like to be a close to authentic as possible. In that case, forget about any "metric" kits like the Imbel. You'll want only to look for an Aussie, Brit, or Canadian kit. That's because none of those iterations of the venerable FAL were ever made in select fire. The metric models were. The Brit, Canadian, and Aussie (as well as NZ) kits were ALL semi-auto only from the get-go....

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Ken Shabby) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:17:03 GMT

Encouraging words! The finish wear doesn't bother me at all - it really looks like a proper battle rifle that's been issued.

Bill, I agree about the L1A1s. I think they are the best-looking of the FAL designs. If I could have found a decent L1A1 kit with barrel I would have gone that way. If this build goes well for me I'll have all the tools to do another, so an L1A1 might be a future project...

The bore condition on this IMBEL looks great though, I think it...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ParallaxBill) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:38:49 GMT

Brian, I silver soldered my 5 slotted L1A1 hider on mine once I had enough parts changed out. Now mine is running L1A1 furniture, mostly USA made compliance parts internally plus some floorplates for good measure. Not that anyone is going to check my rifle, it's just good to play by the rules. Besides all that, I love the look of the Falkands War era British L1A1's in the pebble stocks.

BTW, my L1A1 was a Century...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ParallaxBill) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:31:55 GMT

Ken I recently rebuilt (properly) one Imbel kit for a friend and although it looks just like your kit it turned out to be a tack driver. I was so impressed I wanted to buy it.

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ThePitbullofLove) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:14:31 GMT

Yup...looks like one of Dan's Grade 2 or Grade 3 kits.

Should make a fine shooter and is a strong candidate for refinishing.

Congrats.

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Ken Shabby) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:42:49 GMT

Well, I got an IMBEL kit today. I was able to pick it up for about what Pitbull mentioned the going rate is. It came with one magazine, a bayonet and a blank firing adapter.

I didn't have time to take decent pictures yet, but this quick shot shows it's pretty much the usual IMBEL kit as I see it in terms of condition. Lots of finish wear but the parts all look to be...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Ken Shabby) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:36:22 GMT

OK, that makes sense and clears it up for me...

I'm going to look at an IMBEL kit the day after tomorrow, and if I buy it I'll post a pic.

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ThePitbullofLove) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:34:50 GMT

Ken Shabby wrote:
Interesting...I remember when the local Dunham's had Century FALs for around $500...seemed like not that long ago.

Oh, and while I'm picking your brain: Are the more recently imported L1A1 kits without barrels considered "replacement" parts sets that cannot be built into rifles? The description seems to indicate that but is not really clear.

Py no attention to that...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Ken Shabby) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:06:38 GMT

Interesting...I remember when the local Dunham's had Century FALs for around $500...seemed like not that long ago.

Oh, and while I'm picking your brain: Are the more recently imported L1A1 kits without barrels considered "replacement" parts sets that cannot be built into rifles? The description seems to indicate that but is not really clear.

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ThePitbullofLove) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:47:53 GMT

Ken Shabby wrote:
Great, thanks for the info!

I actually was talking to the owner of the Century today; I'm still considering buying it as a parts kit at least...if I get a chance to see it in person I will get photos and post them. In the meantime I'm keeping my eyes open for kits. It looks like I'll probably spend at least $350-$400 on a kit with a barrel. How much of the Century FAL is original and...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Ken Shabby) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:27:07 GMT

Great, thanks for the info!

I actually was talking to the owner of the Century today; I'm still considering buying it as a parts kit at least...if I get a chance to see it in person I will get photos and post them. In the meantime I'm keeping my eyes open for kits. It looks like I'll probably spend at least $350-$400 on a kit with a barrel. How much of the Century FAL is original and how much is US-made? I was hoping to end up with a rifle that is as close to an original...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ThePitbullofLove) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:18:33 GMT

Ken Shabby wrote:
OK, thanks for the warning on Florida Gun Works. I live in Ohio, which does not have any kind of statewide AWB in place as far as I'm aware, but I will double check as I build.

I will look around in the marketplace at FAL files...I know a guy who offered to sell an STG-58 kit for an astronomical $900 and a Century FAL sporter (which he claimed "dneeded a little work" for $450, but...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ThePitbullofLove) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:12:17 GMT

Bill, here in NC, as long as the rifle is 922r compliant, you can use whatever you like.

I know a lot of folks go with a US made muzzle device as a compliance part, and a US made FH or brake (like Moses/Johnny's brakes, which are awesome btw) is an easy compliance part.

Remember, typical US parts count on a FAL is 6 if you have a plain muzzle; 7 US parts with a threaded muzzle. (Actually 922r counts foreign parts; no more than 10...there are 17 parts if a muzzle device...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Ken Shabby) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:32:50 GMT

OK, thanks for the warning on Florida Gun Works. I live in Ohio, which does not have any kind of statewide AWB in place as far as I'm aware, but I will double check as I build.

I will look around in the marketplace at FAL files...I know a guy who offered to sell an STG-58 kit for an astronomical $900 and a Century FAL sporter (which he claimed "dneeded a little work" for $450, but I passed. I've heard enough complaints about the Century guns that I think I will go...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ParallaxBill) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:19:01 GMT

Brian, how is NC on the muzzle device rule?

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ThePitbullofLove) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:34:47 GMT

1. Stay FAR AWAY from Florida Gunworks. Many, many, many complaints.

2. Imbel receivers are available on the secondary market. The Marketplace on FAL Files Forums is a good place to buy. Imbel receivers are $500 or these days.

3. FAL Files marketplace is also the best place to buy a kit. Typically, Imbel kits are around $300 or so. STG-58's are around $600

4. I don't think Entreprise has kits currently in stock. You can call and find out.

5. As...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Ken Shabby) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:45:47 GMT

Thanks for the info! I think this will be more fun and rewarding than a building an AR, since everyone and their dog has one of those, and I want something more original.

I've heard that IMBEL made some of the best receivers, but apparently they are no longer available retail, so I'm going with a DSA unless I can find an IMBEL receiver somewhere at a decent price.

A little of what I've found so far: Florida Gun Works is selling STG-58 parts sets for $799...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (zaxxons) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:54:49 GMT

With out a doub't the Austrian STG is the best FAL that I own. I have about six from different countries. The Brit. L1A1 has some neat features but my Israeli HB should be the best shooting whenever I finishing building it.

As for receivers, I only use Imbel for building.

FAL's are an easy build and excellent shooting rifles.

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ThePitbullofLove) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:04:04 GMT

Ken Shabby wrote:
I wanted to post this on the FAL Files forum, but they haven't registered me yet, so I figured I throw this out to the Parallax folks in the meantime...

I've decided to start accumulating parts for my first FAL, and have been reading and researching. I've already ruled out a Century rifle, and other completed guns (i.e. from DSA) are a little out of my price range for an all-at-once...

Re: FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (ParallaxBill) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:39:55 GMT

Hard to beat an Imbel (Brazilian) kit IMHO. But there are a few Australians still available although at higher cost.

FAL newbie - parts kit questions

feeds@yuku.com (Ken Shabby) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:57:26 GMT

I wanted to post this on the FAL Files forum, but they haven't registered me yet, so I figured I throw this out to the Parallax folks in the meantime...

I've decided to start accumulating parts for my first FAL, and have been reading and researching. I've already ruled out a Century rifle, and other completed guns (i.e. from DSA) are a little out of my price range for an all-at-once purchase.

My goal is to put together a FAL that is as close to original...