I played with a dsa fal and now I want one.

I want a 16 inch barrel and I think I like the fixed stock better. But I've never shot the folder so I don't know. What models are better? I've seen one with a short and a long hand guard... Also I've seen a smooth and railed top receiver.
Opinions??

I have owned many a Para.  I have sold them all.  I'm older now, the stock is cool looking but it hurts.  For a first FAL think 50.00.

The standard 21", full stock variety is the best 7.62X51mm battle rifle ever made.  A 16" barrel is nice, but I prefer 5" of  extra distance from the muzzle.

Full stock, 18" barrel, rail top cover. best FAL set up for me anyway.

16in, short gas, para here.  I like it more than my 18in fixed stock.  Recoil on the 16 is fine, very manageable.  First time I pulled the trigger I was expecting the worst, and was pleasantly surprised.  I put the Vltor rail on it.  Would shoot it more if .308 was a tad cheaper.

Standard folder sucks, as do most folders. They're built to be more compact, not more comfortable. I've got a 16" build that was my go-to for a while, rifle length gas system, standard fore end (kinda like a Dissipator style FAL). Reliable, helluva muzzle blast. I've used quad rails, Vltor front end, standard BC, NBC forearms on it, settled on Vltor. It's a standard stocked version, but it's being converted over to an ACR stocked para, specifically for running optics.



I'll be going to an 18" or so barrel length, with an AAC blackout FH...maybe 17", come to think of it.



Try to find someone locally and see if you can arrange a range day with them, to try out the variants.

Full stock 18 inch here.  I put a Izzy wood stock on because its a little shorter and fit me better.

16.25" long gas system, full stock here. Runs great and I love it. I may try to get a para next.

Want.

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Also when buying a used dsa - what should I look for?