Well I have been a HUGE fan of the FAL series, especially the Rhodesian guns and finally pulled the trigger on the first part.  I picked this up from a buddy that had purchased it several years ago and never had it built.

I guess I have a long way to go.  

I need a trigger guard (and screws); a pistol grip (and screw) and a rear sight.  Then I guess the lower is done (correct?).

I am going to purchase a type 2 DSA receiver (am I correct on that?).  Then I need the other main bits.  I understand original Rhodesian parts will be rather hard to find and I will have to settle on Belgium surplus pieces...which I am fine with.

Any of you experts and builders want to chime in, I am certainly in the learning mode and want to get this project moving along.

Cheers.



pics:

http://tinypic.com/r/sv5gnp/8

http://tinypic.com/r/14myx4y/8

http://tinypic.com/r/213gby0/8

ETA:  NVM, get your own image tags.

Any metric parts will fit

http://www.gunthings.com/ or DSA will have the small parts you are looking for

The trigger guard doesn't have any screws.  It's held in place by the pistol grip (notch in the front traps the back of the trigger guard).

You may not have much, but you have something nice to work with so far! that's a nice looking rhodie lower. I want to do an R1 build myself, but looks like we both were late to the party. On falfiles you can find old posts of people building and selling all kinds of kits for dirt cheap prices by today's standards, with barrels, matching numbers and all.... anyway. If I was in your shoes I'd start looking around for a nice barrel. If you want a forged DSA lower you'll have to find an older one for sale, I recently learned that their new production receivers are being cast. Otherwise I'd personally tell you to look at Coonan for the receiver, lots of good reviews about them. I have an Imbel kit I'm going to build up on a Coonan reciever. One cool thing is, if you have a matching numbers kit they will do a custom serial for you. You'll have to look around to find the best stuff but you also won't have to look too terribly hard. Make an account over on the falfiles if you haven't already and post a WTB in the marketplace. Even if you're being really picky about what you put in your rifle, if you watch the marketplace and ask around over there you'll find what you need. Lots of wise people here too.

DSA hasn't ever made forged lowers for F A L rifles.



 

Shoot... I had AR's on the brain. I meant upper.

Actually, try getting a Coonan 1.5 for that lower.

A shot of penicillin will clear that up.





 

ok...so I picked up a DSA receiver and some misc parts that I am going to need in the build.  I plan on sending the gun away to a FAL builder (Arizona Response Systems).

I have a question though:  What if I want a paratrooper stock instead of the fixed one on it now?   I know some mods must be made to the lower...correct?   What parts do I need?  I want to use this lower, not purchase another.

Thanks.

Para specific parts include:


Top cover


Bolt Carrier


Recoils springs with guide


Para stock assembly








 

I found on the one I did that just cutting the tang wasn't enough. It required a little bit of milling out also. At least when using a DSA para stock it did.

Do not destroy your R1 lower (trigger housing) by modifying it to accept a Para butt stock.

There is a limited supply of original R1 lowers.

I'm actually surprised anyone would recommend destroying a fixed stock lower when dedicated Para lowers are available.

Ditto that.  DO NOT DO THAT.

You can buy a DSA Picatinny para lower and parts for about $200-225.  It'll be lighter, you'll enjoy it more, AND you won't screw up a rare part.