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Posted: 3/11/2009 8:44:52 AM EDT
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I have noticed that there seems to be two different types of FAL rifles, Inch and Metric. What are the differences between them, and which one is more common in the world? Also, are the parts interchangible and if not which type is easier to get parts for? |
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It sounds like you would be well served by spending some time over at the FalFiles. They are a great source of info.
-Inch pattern rifles have extended selectors, folding charging handles, extended magazine releases, and use magazines with a more substantial locking lug -Metric pattern rifles were made in larger numbers. -Some parts interchange. Inch rifles use a breaching washed to time the bbl, metric pattern do not. IIRC, you can use an Inch patter bolt AND carrier in a Metric Receiver. I believe the same goes with using a Metric lower on Inch upper vice versa. -Metric parts kits were recently the most plentiful and tended to be the lowest priced. In this market though, none are too cheap. HTH Blitz |
The main difference between the inch and metric receivers is the cut in the forward face of the magazine well. The inch receiver (left) has a large machined slot. The metric receiver (right) has a smaller thumbnail shaped cut. 
The inch receiver (top) has it's cocking slide track cut off (approximately. .300) to allow the cocking handle to fold down. The track on the metric receiver extends to the forward end of the receiver. The cocking handle on a metric FAL does not fold down. 
The inch receiver (left) has cut outs on the rear of the receiver to allow the dust cover to seat completely. Metric dust covers don't have tabs on the rear so these cuts aren't necessary. 
The locking tab on the front of the inch magazine (left) is shaped differently and is larger than the metric version. Metric magazines will generally fit into an inch receiver but the opposite is not true. Six other things I can think of. 1. The front sight have open ears on the inch. There are a couple of metric varients that do but generally there closed 2. Carry handle on inch is generally much larger in diameter 3. Parts in inch and metric lower parts not interchange. Inch trigger gaurd is part of the pistol grip Stocks and pistol grip do not interchangeThe saftey is an exception. Lot of people like the larger inch and use it on thier metric. You can swap complete lowers between inch and metric though. 4. Inch in standard rifles where semi for the most part and metric where full auto. 5. Rear sight folds down on inch they agian beng on the lower the inch sights due not interchange due to height diffrences 6> Inch carriers are generally sand cut, some metric are also Isreali for example and some Belguim. |
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Quoted:
So is the Inch gun the one to have? Depends on what you like. the folding handle on the inch is kinda neat Forgot the rear sight folds down on the inch. Agian neat unless its down when you reall need it. True you can usr metric mags in an inch but they may be pretty loose. I prefer the metric grig the inch is smaller and boxy in a bad way I own 11 metric and 1 inch but thats what I prefer. |
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