[ARCHIVED THREAD] - FAL vs M14 (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 11/26/2004 9:05:17 AM EDT
| Besides cost and aesthetics, what's the pros and cons of the FAL vs the M14. |
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FALs are cheaper, more reliable, more available, and have an easily adjustable gas system. Better sights than what came on them originally are available, and at least my STG58 is as accurate as anybody but a serious sniper would ever need. M14's are American designed, most are slightly more accurate, and are expensive. FAL for me thanks. |
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Where's thee pic. of the guy with his hand on his head and with the quote" Not this shit again". Either one one will treat you right and provide years of yeoman's service I'ved used both and own two FAL's( 'cause their less expensive) and they are about even. (Like the spitfire and the Messerschmitt Me109) Also there is/was a reason that close to 90 countries used the Fal, that it is the best compromise for a battle rifle. The M-14(M1A) is more accurate, mostly to better sites, but the ergomonic's are not as good. Any way can't go wrong either way and YMMV.   
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pre-sand cut design. Worked just fine everywhere else around the world surprisingly enough though huh? Especially when over 90 countries adopted it and has seen more combat time than anything short of the AR series and Ak series in modern warfare. You must have been watching the history channel to make that statement. Fal for me, more reliable and fits better. M14 is more aesthetically pleasing and is inherently more accurate. Absolutely nothing wrong with either. Bench/target shooting long distance = M14/M1A Combat = FAL 
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I like the FAL. Reliable. Cheaper. They are beautifully designed. The history behind them is interesting in the extreme. Comfortable to shoot. Mags are cheap. I just ordered 10 of em at 2.95 each. Have not recieved them yet so don't know if they will be a good buy or not. They are not tack drivers. The sights could definitely be improved. They can be built in a home shop. Warning: Like the AR, they are addictive. The only reason I do not have a M1A is a fiscal one. Maybe in the future. I'd still vote for the FAL though. Much fun. |
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The best advice is, as others have posted, to try them out and see which one you like better. The M1A is better in some ways, the FAL supposedly (only saying that because that knowledge is second-hand) in others. There probably are more FAL parts available, as best exemplified by magazine prices. The M1A has better sights. I'll say this, I personally do not like the FAL, whether it be aesthetics or handling (for certain) or a few other things. However, that's me and does not mean it is a bad rifle. Many say it can take a beating, and 90+ armies have proven that. The M1A has it's design problems - look it's an updated Garand. WHile the Garand is a classic, it is 1930's techniology. There are a few flaws, but the sights are great. So, there's no definitive answer. For myself, I'll say this: As I mentioned, I don't like the feel of the FAL, but that doesn't answer whether it is a "good" rifle; I owned an M1A, but it was a Fulton build-up, so it was the best M1A one can get; I sold it and now own an AR10. So, go check them out and buy what you like best. I understand SA has its QA problems, so you might just want to look into one of the better smiths. I can wholeheartedly recommend Fulton; they're expensive but, you know... |
| I have both. I like them both but for different reasons. You should buy one of each. If you buy either one of them you should be happy with it. I would give the M1A a 50.2%-49.8% edge simply because it has better sights and is American designed. Either one will send a .308 downrange and put a world of hurt on anybody it hits. Both of them are robust and designed as a MBR. |
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If the FAL is so great then why is the M1a being brought back outta mothballs for the men in the sandbox? did you forget the brits bring up the fal in desert storm when their l85's failed in the sand???? basically, the m14 is seeing service to address the shortcomings of the m16 much in the same fashion that the russian have issued the dragunov svd at squad level for decades to cover for the ak74. a fal for me, thank you. the m14 is a darn fine rifle, but the fal feels better on my shoulder. |
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Right now I have an FAL and an L1A1. I have fired the M1A and I have found it to be accurate enough for the intented purpose. I do have a scope on my FAL and I find this to be just as accurate as the M1A with a scope. I have also put together 3 kits for the FAL and I found this to be relatively easy. So take it for what it's worth and form your own opinions. Or just do it in traditional ARFCOM style .......... ..............GET BOTH!!!!! AKASL LIVE FREE OR DIE NEW HAMPSHIRE |
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I've never owned a FAL, I will soon however after a trade. I have owned an el cheapo M14 made by poly tech. When it worked it was a blast to shoot, suprisingly accurate for a chinese rifle. After the walnut stock it was a beautiful thing. The FAL looks more business like, I've shot a friends Imbel and an Izzy and they shot very well. If M1A mags werent ridiculously expensive I'd probably save up and buy one. Being that metric Fal mags are $3 each I suppose I'll just have to stock up on those. Personally if money were NOT a factor I'd have the M1A. I think the FAL offers alot more bang for the buck. Mine will get optics anyhow so the effectiveness of the irons is a moot point. |
Is that who built that? I saw one at the recent gun show locally and I thought the vendor built it himself. I didn't care for it. Looked like an assembly of junked parts. At first I thought it was a joke. Of course if FA built it, then I have no doubt it must work! Just looks funny. |
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I've got an M1A and love it! Definitely my favorite rifle. Great sights, good ergonomics, made in the USA, plus there's that 7.62 punch. The mags aren't that expensive. If you're paying $50 for an M14 mag, you're getting seriously ripped off. I've found NIB USGI mags for $35/ea. More expensive than FAL mags, no doubt, but how many mags do you really need? I've never shot a FAL, but one of these days I'll pick up a DSA. The next rifle on my list. |