No everything locks up tight the play is at the joint pin in front and it is slight. I am not going to put to much concern into it, never had any problems with the rifle. I do believe it is the upper that is the problem. I put four lowers on it with a combo of joint pins and had the same results. It's a DSA receiver and to make things even better I noticed last night that the locking shoulder is wiggling back and forth about 3/16". This is a weird anomoly, of all the DSA gear I have, this is the only issue I have ever had. So to make a long story short the entire upper assembly is going back to DSA monday. DSA is the best I have no doubt they will take care of it. It's nice living ten minutes from DSA. I bout my first kit from DSA at the old Lake County 10 years ago and have been treated very well as a customer ever since. For those in my neck of the woods, you will remember the glory days of the old lake County IL gun show. Thanks for the opinions guys as simple as the FAL is, you are always learning something new.