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For all you FAL builders out there....
11/13/2011 4:31:50 PM
So I'm looking to get myself into a project, and I've recently fallen in love with FALs. As a relative newb to the FAL platform I've got a couple questions for those of you with experience here before I jump into building one.
1. Where should I look for a good quality metric receiver?
2. Which kits should I look into or avoid?
3. Any specialized tools aside from an action wrench that I'm going to need?
To be clear, though this is my first FAL project, it is certainly not my first project. I've got a background in watchmaing, and I've done quite a bit of home smithing. I'm confident in my ability to complete this project.
Thanks in advance!
1. Where should I look for a good quality metric receiver?
2. Which kits should I look into or avoid?
3. Any specialized tools aside from an action wrench that I'm going to need?
To be clear, though this is my first FAL project, it is certainly not my first project. I've got a background in watchmaing, and I've done quite a bit of home smithing. I'm confident in my ability to complete this project.
Thanks in advance!
11/13/2011 5:12:49 PM
The FAL is a very good project for the home tinkerer. I've built 4 of my 5 rifles all in my garage with great success.
1) DS Arms if you want a Type 1 or 2 receiver. Coonan if you want a Type 3. Imbel's or Argentines for Type 3 if you can find them (good luck).
2) Unfortunately you've missed the FAL kit gravy train by a few years. But really any kit will do so long as the parts aren't junk. Now if you're looking to build a historically "correct" gun then you need to watch the FAL Files forum marketplace like a hawk for a complete matching kit.
3) Action wrench, pin gauges, and headspace gauges are really it unless you run into built problems. Also, depending on how your barrel times with your receiver you may need a lathe or in my case a ghetto lathe (drill press). It also wouldn't hurt to have a copy of Gunplumber's FAL building DVD's and workbook (they're worth their weight in gold).
FAL's are truly amazing works of human engineering. Good luck.
1) DS Arms if you want a Type 1 or 2 receiver. Coonan if you want a Type 3. Imbel's or Argentines for Type 3 if you can find them (good luck).
2) Unfortunately you've missed the FAL kit gravy train by a few years. But really any kit will do so long as the parts aren't junk. Now if you're looking to build a historically "correct" gun then you need to watch the FAL Files forum marketplace like a hawk for a complete matching kit.
3) Action wrench, pin gauges, and headspace gauges are really it unless you run into built problems. Also, depending on how your barrel times with your receiver you may need a lathe or in my case a ghetto lathe (drill press). It also wouldn't hurt to have a copy of Gunplumber's FAL building DVD's and workbook (they're worth their weight in gold).
FAL's are truly amazing works of human engineering. Good luck.
11/13/2011 5:32:52 PM
DSA has a sale on type 1 and 2 receivers over at the falfiles . Over there you may find someone close to where you are living that could help with the build with tools r experience. That was how I did my first build here in Nevada. Of course back then kits were 129 each and mags were 5 to 10 bucks each in like new condition.
11/13/2011 10:41:17 PM
Coonan all the way. They have type I's, II's, and III's. They cater to the homebuilder. DSA doesn't. If you buy a receiver from Coonan they will also sell you an STG-58 barrel, install and time it to the receiver and repark it once installed. I believe this is $195 on top of the cost of the receiver. STG barrels are the BEST FAL barrel.
Aaron
Aaron
11/14/2011 12:24:57 AM
2. Which kits should I look into or avoid?
New to the brand as well. The advice I took was to get an Argy kit from Sarco (numbers match). I was able to find an L1A1 with an Argy receiver on it so I will use that but you can get an Argy specific Coonan receiver. They'll engrave your own serial number on it.
11/14/2011 9:19:38 AM
Originally Posted By VeritasAQ:
So I'm looking to get myself into a project, and I've recently fallen in love with FALs. As a relative newb to the FAL platform I've got a couple questions for those of you with experience here before I jump into building one.
1. Where should I look for a good quality metric receiver?
2. Which kits should I look into or avoid?
3. Any specialized tools aside from an action wrench that I'm going to need?
To be clear, though this is my first FAL project, it is certainly not my first project. I've got a background in watchmaing, and I've done quite a bit of home smithing. I'm confident in my ability to complete this project.
Thanks in advance!
So I'm looking to get myself into a project, and I've recently fallen in love with FALs. As a relative newb to the FAL platform I've got a couple questions for those of you with experience here before I jump into building one.
1. Where should I look for a good quality metric receiver?
2. Which kits should I look into or avoid?
3. Any specialized tools aside from an action wrench that I'm going to need?
To be clear, though this is my first FAL project, it is certainly not my first project. I've got a background in watchmaing, and I've done quite a bit of home smithing. I'm confident in my ability to complete this project.
Thanks in advance!
You will need
Headspace gauges
pin gauges
barrel vise
11/15/2011 12:48:34 AM
Thanks for the pointers everyone. I guess the search begins for a decent kit.
11/15/2011 1:18:44 AM
11/15/2011 5:15:47 AM
Originally Posted By kmad2001:
Argy Kits From Sarco Hand-guards are actually black.
Argy Cut Coonan Receiver
Argy Kits From Sarco Hand-guards are actually black.
Argy Cut Coonan Receiver
THIS! If you ever take advise from an internet gun board, take THIS advise. Buy the SARCO kit and buy the Coonan Argentine pattern receiver.
Specific tools that you will need are:
Receiver Wrench
Barrel Vise
head space gauges
locking shoulder pin gauges
I recently bought an Argentine kit and Coonan receiver. I am so glad that I succumbed to peer pressure and bought them. The rifle that this combination produced is nothing short of outstanding. I wish that I had opted for the custom serial number on the receiver.
11/15/2011 6:56:02 AM
how was finish on your kit? did you have to refinish it? pics would be awesomes, thinking about getting the same kit and receiver?
Originally Posted By Hebrew_Battle_Rifle:
THIS! If you ever take advise from an internet gun board, take THIS advise. Buy the SARCO kit and buy the Coonan Argentine pattern receiver.
Specific tools that you will need are:
Receiver Wrench
Barrel Vise
head space gauges
locking shoulder pin gauges
I recently bought an Argentine kit and Coonan receiver. I am so glad that I succumbed to peer pressure and bought them. The rifle that this combination produced is nothing short of outstanding. I wish that I had opted for the custom serial number on the receiver.
Originally Posted By kmad2001:
Argy Kits From Sarco Hand-guards are actually black.
Argy Cut Coonan Receiver
Argy Kits From Sarco Hand-guards are actually black.
Argy Cut Coonan Receiver
THIS! If you ever take advise from an internet gun board, take THIS advise. Buy the SARCO kit and buy the Coonan Argentine pattern receiver.
Specific tools that you will need are:
Receiver Wrench
Barrel Vise
head space gauges
locking shoulder pin gauges
I recently bought an Argentine kit and Coonan receiver. I am so glad that I succumbed to peer pressure and bought them. The rifle that this combination produced is nothing short of outstanding. I wish that I had opted for the custom serial number on the receiver.
11/15/2011 7:19:36 AM
Originally Posted By mellow01:
how was finish on your kit? did you have to refinish it? pics would be awesomes, thinking about getting the same kit and receiver?
how was finish on your kit? did you have to refinish it? pics would be awesomes, thinking about getting the same kit and receiver?
Originally Posted By Hebrew_Battle_Rifle:
THIS! If you ever take advise from an internet gun board, take THIS advise. Buy the SARCO kit and buy the Coonan Argentine pattern receiver.
Specific tools that you will need are:
Receiver Wrench
Barrel Vise
head space gauges
locking shoulder pin gauges
I recently bought an Argentine kit and Coonan receiver. I am so glad that I succumbed to peer pressure and bought them. The rifle that this combination produced is nothing short of outstanding. I wish that I had opted for the custom serial number on the receiver.
Originally Posted By kmad2001:
Argy Kits From Sarco Hand-guards are actually black.
Argy Cut Coonan Receiver
Argy Kits From Sarco Hand-guards are actually black.
Argy Cut Coonan Receiver
THIS! If you ever take advise from an internet gun board, take THIS advise. Buy the SARCO kit and buy the Coonan Argentine pattern receiver.
Specific tools that you will need are:
Receiver Wrench
Barrel Vise
head space gauges
locking shoulder pin gauges
I recently bought an Argentine kit and Coonan receiver. I am so glad that I succumbed to peer pressure and bought them. The rifle that this combination produced is nothing short of outstanding. I wish that I had opted for the custom serial number on the receiver.
The finish on the barrel was pretty beat up, but there was no damage to the metal. The rest of the parts are pristine. These were literally brand new rifles when they were disassembled and sold as kits in order to conform to some silly export law. I will eventually refinish the barrel, but not right now. I am having too much fun shooting it!
This isn't my rifle. Except for the sling, it is identical to mine. This rifle was built with one of the SARCO Argentine kits.
11/16/2011 10:36:28 PM
I am working on my argie sarco kit and coonan reciever. Just need 922r parts tools and know how to build it.
11/17/2011 7:33:57 PM
wonder if sarco ever has sales....
11/17/2011 8:42:46 PM
tageroo (the FAL is that rifle which I always want, but never get around to having....)
11/17/2011 10:01:21 PM
Well, I'm sort of torn. I can pick up a sarco argie kit, coonan receiver and the tools I need, or for right around the same (actually maybe a bit less) I can pick up a brand new DSArms STG58 Austrian...
Right about now I'm kicking myself for not waiting all this time to jump on the FAL bandwagon.
I'm going to have to think on this one....
Still, I really do appreciate all the help.
Right about now I'm kicking myself for not waiting all this time to jump on the FAL bandwagon.
I'm going to have to think on this one....
Still, I really do appreciate all the help.
11/18/2011 10:15:20 AM
Originally Posted By TxRabbitBane:
tageroo (the FAL is that rifle which I always want, but never get around to having....)
tageroo (the FAL is that rifle which I always want, but never get around to having....)
me too
11/18/2011 12:05:37 PM
You never know what you going to get fron DSA. They used inch bolts on my 2 Imbels and stg, hardly Brazilian or Austrian parts. One of my Imbels has the DSA bolt carrier which is known to crack but rifle was advertised as from imbel parts kit. At least with a kit you know the parts in it. I'm prob going with a sarco Argie kit .
Originally Posted By VeritasAQ:
Well, I'm sort of torn. I can pick up a sarco argie kit, coonan receiver and the tools I need, or for right around the same (actually maybe a bit less) I can pick up a brand new DSArms STG58 Austrian...
Right about now I'm kicking myself for not waiting all this time to jump on the FAL bandwagon.
I'm going to have to think on this one....
Still, I really do appreciate all the help.
Well, I'm sort of torn. I can pick up a sarco argie kit, coonan receiver and the tools I need, or for right around the same (actually maybe a bit less) I can pick up a brand new DSArms STG58 Austrian...
Right about now I'm kicking myself for not waiting all this time to jump on the FAL bandwagon.
I'm going to have to think on this one....
Still, I really do appreciate all the help.
11/18/2011 10:08:39 PM
Originally Posted By VeritasAQ:
Well, I'm sort of torn. I can pick up a sarco argie kit, coonan receiver and the tools I need, or for right around the same (actually maybe a bit less) I can pick up a brand new DSArms STG58 Austrian...
Right about now I'm kicking myself for not waiting all this time to jump on the FAL bandwagon.
I'm going to have to think on this one....
Still, I really do appreciate all the help.
Well, I'm sort of torn. I can pick up a sarco argie kit, coonan receiver and the tools I need, or for right around the same (actually maybe a bit less) I can pick up a brand new DSArms STG58 Austrian...
Right about now I'm kicking myself for not waiting all this time to jump on the FAL bandwagon.
I'm going to have to think on this one....
Still, I really do appreciate all the help.
Get the Argentine kit and Coonan receiver and don't look back.
11/18/2011 10:22:49 PM
Originally Posted By mellow01:
You never know what you going to get fron DSA. They used inch bolts on my 2 Imbels and stg, hardly Brazilian or Austrian parts. One of my Imbels has the DSA bolt carrier which is known to crack but rifle was advertised as from imbel parts kit. At least with a kit you know the parts in it. I'm prob going with a sarco Argie kit .
You never know what you going to get fron DSA. They used inch bolts on my 2 Imbels and stg, hardly Brazilian or Austrian parts. One of my Imbels has the DSA bolt carrier which is known to crack but rifle was advertised as from imbel parts kit. At least with a kit you know the parts in it. I'm prob going with a sarco Argie kit .
Originally Posted By Hebrew_Battle_Rifle:
Get the Argentine kit and Coonan receiver and don't look back.
Get the Argentine kit and Coonan receiver and don't look back.
Since I'm seeing more and more reviews of DSArms along the lines of what mellow01 said, I'm pretty well decided on going the kit route at this point.
I like the satisfaction of building myself anyway, plus it is an excuse to buy more tools.
11/29/2011 1:04:46 AM
So if you get the Sarco Argie kit does it come with the 21" barrel? Or should one purchase the Coonan receiver with the Stg barrel (16" or 18"???) I don't own a Fal but have been interested in them recently and hence I am trying to learn about them more. Also, what if I want a para folding stock? Will that install on the Sarco Argie lower?
11/29/2011 3:00:08 AM
My Argy kit came with the longer barrel.
11/29/2011 9:29:29 PM
1. Do the SARCO Argie kits have a threaded barrel?
2. Where can I buy the correct (or quality reproduction) Argie flash hider?
2. Where can I buy the correct (or quality reproduction) Argie flash hider?
11/29/2011 9:54:54 PM
Threaded ? Yes
Flash Hider? Contact member SLOCAT on the Fal Files.
Flash Hider? Contact member SLOCAT on the Fal Files.
11/30/2011 3:45:01 AM
I believe the Argentine military rifles with threaded barrels used the standard combo device.
11/30/2011 7:12:07 AM
Originally Posted By bigstick61:
I believe the Argentine military rifles with threaded barrels used the standard combo device.
I believe the Argentine military rifles with threaded barrels used the standard combo device.
My limited understanding is that the Argentine flash hider is very similar to the Belgian short flash hider but the flat area is longer and closer to the muzzle.
