I'll be in the market for a FAL-type rifle soon and am wondering about the differences between all the different variations and why it is you like your particular variant.

CB

STG58...because they look too damn cool

[url]http://www.fn-collectors.net/[/url]
[url]http://fnfal.com/falfiles/[/url]
[url]http://www.dsarms.com/[/url]

My version:
the Century Arms IMBEL receiver .308 L1A1 Klinton Thumbhole Sporter.
Redfield 6x40 Tracker scope on a Weaver-rail FAL dust cover. Kwik-Site rings in med./matte.  Butler Creek flip-up covers.
DSA compensator.
Hogue HandAll slip-on grip cemented to the Thumbhole stock.
Wood forend notched for easier access to the cocking handle.
Finish is Rustoleum High Temperature BBQ black.  It works and doesn't come off.
I shitcanned the BufferTech buffer because it caused the gun to jam.
The picture is HUGE--

[url]http://wsphotofews.excite.com/023/gZ/zz/kg/Ba54033.jpg[/url]


These ought to get you started and give you some ideas.
Get one!

I have a STG 58 and I love it would not trade it for anything it looks bad ass,fires bad ass,and it is BAD ASS!! Lots of mags out there for them real cheap also it is a great rifle!!

Nutshell

FAL(Fusil Automatique Legere) original Belgian metric pattern rifle.

STG58(Sturmgewer58) Austrian metric copy of the FAL.

L1A1 - British copy of the FAL in inch pattern. Will not accept metric mags, only inch.

You're more likely to find cleaner STG kits than L1A1 kits these days. Also, L1A1 mags can be more expensive than metric mags, so this is an additional cost. If the goal is cheaper replacement parts and high availability of mags, then I would go metric.

Anyway, there are many options here. All my FALs are built from STG58 kits. One is a full length Entreprise Govt. model and two are 16" carbines custom assembled and finished by Gunplumber. It's up to you.

Actually the L1A1 inch pattern will take either mag,the metrics will be a little loose but work.
The inch mags won't fit a metric receiver.
You can mix and match between inch and metric on a lot of parts also.
cpermd

Yep, you can mix and match many of the individual parts, but not some of the larger assemblies. Strange design, but smart since they didn't have to reinvent the entire wheel, just part of it. :)