FAL Barrel Length?

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Posted: 10/3/2007 7:36:44 PM EDT

I'm trying to decide between a PTR 91 and a FAL for a .308 rifle.

My question is, what is the reduction in velocity for a 16.25" barrel vs. a 21" in a FAL?
I like the DSA SA58CP but I noticed that this para config. also comes in the full length 21" barrel. Is there much of a trade off for the shorter OAL?

School me, I know nothing about FAL's. It's a lot of coin to drop and I'd like to make a wise decision. Are you wasting the potential of the .308 round in a shorter barrel?

Thanks.

Colonel Hurtz

Posted: 10/3/2007 8:09:21 PM EDT

[#1]

you'll lose about 50fps per inch of barrel (if my sources--other internet dorks--are right)

seems to jibe with what I've experienced at the range with my 16.25" FAL and my 21" FAL.

the shorter barrel hits about 4" lower than the 21" at 200 yds. I'm sure the effective range of the carbine is going to be considerably shorter than the 21's.

Posted: 10/3/2007 8:22:12 PM EDT

[#2]

Yeah i'm actually thinking about going with an 18" para fal

Posted: 10/3/2007 9:54:54 PM EDT

[#3]

The DSA Congo Para has a 18" barrel.
An even pricier compromise between the two?

I need more input.

Colonel Hurtz

Posted: 10/4/2007 6:19:15 AM EDT

[#4]

I'm actually going to go with the DSA STG-58 Austrian Para FAL. It’s cheaper and has a bi-pod. I think it costs the same between the 16" and 18" and 21" lengths for this model. It says $1504 on the DSA website. But I'm going to order from Atlantic Firearms because they have it listed as $1329. I’m just thinking the 18" is a nice comprise, but I'm also interested to see what you guys think.

Posted: 10/4/2007 6:26:43 AM EDT

[#5]

In 308 and similar rounds you lose about 25 fps an inch.

Posted: 10/4/2007 11:24:35 AM EDT

[#6]

Other than the attached bipod what are the differences with the Austrian variant/

Colonel Hurtz

Posted: 10/4/2007 3:09:40 PM EDT

[#7]

Steel lower, mostly Steyr parts including the hammer-forged barrel with chrome lined chamber. 18" is the way to go; also, if you order from Atlantic you will still have to do an FFL transfer. If I were you (and I was once) I'd have your FFL order it direct from DSA for you; dealer cost is something like $1250 + SH + FFL transfer you'll come out ahead.

Posted: 10/4/2007 4:30:18 PM EDT

[#8]

That's good advice. The guy I'm using now is not a gun store but a pawn shop that does $25 transfers.
I'll ask him if he can do that. If not I have another stocking dealer I do business with.

Does anyone know if DSA will sell directly to an individual and ship to the FFL?

Colonel Hurtz

Posted: 10/4/2007 5:05:42 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
That's good advice. The guy I'm using now is not a gun store but a pawn shop that does $25 transfers.
I'll ask him if he can do that. If not I have another stocking dealer I do business with.

Does anyone know if DSA will sell directly to an individual and ship to the FFL?

Colonel Hurtz

Yes they will sell direct, but I have read that you only get the FFL price if the dealer places the order.

Posted: 10/5/2007 4:23:18 AM EDT

[#10]

If you want less than 21", get 18". Most of the vel but not the major increase in muzzle flash you get below 18".

Posted: 10/5/2007 11:20:12 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
That's good advice. The guy I'm using now is not a gun store but a pawn shop that does $25 transfers.
I'll ask him if he can do that. If not I have another stocking dealer I do business with.

Does anyone know if DSA will sell directly to an individual and ship to the FFL?

Colonel Hurtz

I just had my FFL (pawn shop owner too) call in the order and pay with my credit card. No problem.

Posted: 10/6/2007 1:06:34 PM EDT

[#12]

I have a 17.something" barrel "bush rifle" and it's my favorite FAL barrel length. DocGKR stated that ~18" is the optimum barrel length for a 7.62x51 combat rifle, and I'd agree... 17-18.5 or so seems ideal.

Posted: 10/6/2007 4:23:00 PM EDT

[#13]

I've got both. I prefer full length;

Posted: 10/6/2007 6:00:25 PM EDT

[#14]

Thanks guys. I'm considering all the options.

Colonel Hurtz

Posted: 10/8/2007 5:41:17 AM EDT

[#15]

I've chronographed my own loads from a 19" and 16" barrel. The total loss was right around 130fps between the two on the identical cartridge using H4895 powder. So in my case it ran about 40fps per inch. With the Belgian FS/MB I have not had any issues on the 16" with flash being noticeable, neither from firing nor when observing.

My loads are running right around 2600fps on a 155gr Amax in the 16" barrel. Given the rifle's OK accuracy and my ability, there is not much point in getting bent out of shape that it will drop more at 400+ yards.

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