Armory Sponsor
Posted: 12/12/2012 1:48:29 AM EDT
|
Gentlemen (ETA and ladies as the case may be), I have a bit of an issue. I've wanted a FAL-type for a long time, and an opportunity is upon me, but there are some cons.
A buddy of mine is selling his Entreprise FAL Carbine, fixed "humpback" stock, synthetic furniture, 16" barrel, and the standard Entreprise muzzle brake--not the standard metric combo device, sadly. He's put a few hundred rounds through it over the year or so that he's owned it, and hasn't reported any problems. He's also throwing in a nearly-complete set of LNIB South African Pattern 70/73 webbing, as well as some German surplus ammo, some surplus 7.62 blanks (not sure what the story is on those) and several magazine rebuild kits. This is California, after all. 
So, this rifle isn't quite what I was hoping for--but it's darn close. I'd hope for a barrel of 18" rather than 16, and obviously I wish the mag-lock didn't have to be installed, but with some luck I'll be out of this State in the not-too-distant future, so that'll become moot. It's also an Entreprise, of which I've heard mixed reviews, although my buddy hasn't seemed to have any problems; I'll be asking him in more detail when I inspect the rifle this weekend. So for the rifle, the gear, some mags and ammo, maybe some spare parts, he's asking $850. Worth it? Bear in mind this would be my first FAL, too, please. The manufacturer's page here though again, my buddy says the barrel on his is 16 rather than 18 inches. I'll probably bring a measuring dowel along to double-check him--yes, I'm like that sometimes. Thanks to any and all who offer opinions. |
|
How much ammo is he offering to throw in with the deal? As expensive as ammo is these days, that could be a significant thing.
Aside from that, if you trust that the guy would tell you about any problems he's had, I would guess the rifle is probably okay. If there was a qc issue with it, I would think he would have noticed the problem by now. I suppose it'll come down to how you feel about the other details. If it's close enough to being the rifle you've been wanting or not, that is. |
|
If the thing works, it's worth $850 by itself.
16" barrels are notorious for gas-related ejection & feed problems. So I would take it out to the range and run ammo through it myself. If the barrel is 16" then if you use the dowel method make sure you expect and confirm that with the muzzle device it is well over 16". If you can remove the device, do so, then check barrel length. Make sure it is OVER 16" so there is room for error. Most manufacturers that have 16" barrels make them 16 and 1/4 just to be sure. |
|
New wrinkle: Looking at photos of the actual rifle, and comparing to photos of 16" barrels...it's very possible this guy has an 18" tube but doesn't know how barrel length is properly measured. The photo of the rifle itself (with him shooting it) looks closer to stock photos of 18" barrels than to stock photos of 16" barrels.
I'm thinking I'll definitely rod the barrel to be 100% sure. Ammo was "a couple hundred rounds" or thereabouts. I'll definitely be making a thorough evaluation before I hand over any money...even though the guy is a pretty good buddy of mine. Trust but verify and all that. |
|
Quoted:
If it is Entreprise, make sure the magwell is not milled too long and that the mags are TIGHT IN THE MAGWELL. I'm haveing major issues with them about warrantyimg their shoddy machinework. The mags fall out of my receiver when firing the gun. Will definitely check this. Thanks to all so far. I'll probably get to inspect the rifle early next week, and I'll be keeping y'all's tips in mind when I do. |
|
all in all, for that money, it's a good deal.
Whatever the barrel length, whatever the receiver manufacturer - if it runs, grab it. But I'd definitely get it out to the range first, if possible. If it's not possible, I'd still seriously think about grabbing it. 16" barreled rifles, even though they're sometimes not as reliable, can be made reliable. Like anything, it'll take some work. I've got a 16" that runs great. Also have an Entreprise receivered Imbel kit that runs very well too, and always has. But it's also an older Entreprise receiver. The other thing to consider is that the way things are looking now....you might want to start getting the battle rifles that are on your list sooner, rather than later. |
|
Quoted:
all in all, for that money, it's a good deal. Whatever the barrel length, whatever the receiver manufacturer - if it runs, grab it. But I'd definitely get it out to the range first, if possible. If it's not possible, I'd still seriously think about grabbing it. 16" barreled rifles, even though they're sometimes not as reliable, can be made reliable. Like anything, it'll take some work. I've got a 16" that runs great. Also have an Entreprise receivered Imbel kit that runs very well too, and always has. But it's also an older Entreprise receiver. The other thing to consider is that the way things are looking now....you might want to start getting the battle rifles that are on your list sooner, rather than later. I'm almost ashamed to say that this is becoming a major part of my thinking at the moment. |
Armory Sponsor