What's the difference between a SA58 and a STG58A?  Let's assume both are carbines.

www.l1a1.com/

For practical purposes, the only difference to you as a buyer is about $300.  The kits used for the Stg are excellent, the fit and finish are excellent, and the gun itself is excellent.  You even get a choice of a Type 2 or Type 1 receiver--as far as I know, all the SA-58's are Type 1.  I'm not real wild on muzzle brakes on carbines (my SA-58 carbine is LOUD!), so if you can get the non-functional muzzle device/weight/crown protector (or whatever you want to call it) on the Stg-58A, do that first.

AFARR

The quality of the "kit" guns is first rate. There wasn't a mark on it until I took it shooting.

So, there's really no difference between the two?  If so, I'll just buy the cheaper one...when I have the money that is.

How easy is it to build a kit gun?  Do I just buy a receiver thru a FFL and order the parts?  Or do I need a smith to put it all together.  I haven't ever seen a FAL up close, so I have no clue.  About how much would it cost to put together a nice kit gun?

Quoted: www.l1a1.com/

That link will take you to the Mecca of FAL's. The guys there, many who also post on here, eat, sleep and some of them even have a kinky kinda thing going on with their FAL's. It's a GREAT spot for info on the FN's. Check it out.

Mecca indeed!
And I guess it all kinda depends on what you consider kinky! :p

I have built FALs for as little as $350 and as much as $900...FALs are accesory heaven.