Stupid question: Is the FAL a fun gun?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Stupid question: Is the FAL a fun gun?

Posted: 12/29/2005 5:57:23 AM EDT

I know that sounds like a silly question but is the FAL an enjoyable/fun gun to shoot?

I've got a AR and shooting it is a blast. I've been thinking about getting a .308 semi-auto and have started looking at the FAL over a M1A or AR-10 type. But I've never shot an FAL. How are they to shoot? I assume they have more recoil than an AR but what is shooting an FAL like? Is it a pleasure to shoot or all business? What's the firing behavior like? Are they especially noisy (another dumb question concerning any firearm), do they pile up brass or throw it all over creation? Do they handle naturally or awkwardly?

One reason I ask is that with .223 prices they way they are now it almost seems like you can buy surplus .308 cheaper. If you're going to be shooting a bunch of ammo you better enjoy it . . .

Posted: 12/29/2005 6:01:35 AM EDT

[#1]

I had one for a short while and sold it. I don't miss it.
I prefer my .308 AR.

Posted: 12/29/2005 6:14:49 AM EDT

[#2]

do bears shit in the woods?

Posted: 12/29/2005 6:44:01 AM EDT

[#3]

I have both a FAL and an AR10. Both have their place. The FAL is a piece of history. It is a great iron sight shooter, and has very soft recoil for a .308. Less than my AR10 in felt recoil, even though it is a lighter rifle.

Mags are cheap (I paid $5 for most of mine), and you can shoot any kind of ammo you want. I got it for blasting .308 fun. I use my AR10 for more precision work, with better ammo, typically.

You can scope the FAL - but not natively. It requires the addition of a new upper receiver cover, several people make them.

If money isnt an object, and you want the most options.... get the Armalite AR10 A4 with a chrome lined 20" lightweight barrel profile. That is damned near perfection in a .308.

Posted: 12/29/2005 8:44:56 AM EDT

[#4]

Yes, in a big way. Check out the video thread to see for yourself.

Posted: 12/29/2005 1:04:42 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:

Mags are cheap (I paid $5 for most of mine), and you can shoot any kind of ammo you want. I got it for blasting .308 fun.

I am not sure why you posted this statement, but it is absolutely incorrect. You must use the ammunition that the firearm is chambered for. In the case of F A Ls, that would be 7.62NATO/7.62X51mm/308Winchester.

There are F A Ls that are chambered for other ammunition, but you must still use the ammunition that it is chambered for.

To the question posed, F A Ls are a lot of fun to shoot. That is one of the reasons that I am such a fan of F A Ls.

Posted: 12/29/2005 1:32:23 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Quoted:

Mags are cheap (I paid $5 for most of mine), and you can shoot any kind of ammo you want. I got it for blasting .308 fun.

I am not sure why you posted this statement, but it is absolutely incorrect. You must use the ammunition that the firearm is chambered for. In the case of F A Ls, that would be 7.62NATO/7.62X51mm/308Winchester.

There are F A Ls that are chambered for other ammunition, but you must still use the ammunition that it is chambered for.

Well DUH. For the intellectually challenged.... my statement ASSUMED one would only shoot the TYPE of ammo your weapon is designed for.

I meant - FAL's will eat just about any cheap 7.62x51 surplus ammo out there..... their adjustable gas system makes them a good candidate for a wide range of pressures. Puhleeez dont tell me that you assumed I was saying "oh yeah... you can shoot 9mm, .45, .223, 30-06... all in the same gun - just load and go"

Feel better?

Posted: 12/29/2005 6:18:49 PM EDT

[#7]

I really enjoy shooting my FALs. Most well built FALs are very reliable and simple to care for. Cleaning is much easier than an AR type rifle. They only down side I've found is the weight. If you are used to ARs you'll find an FAL to be very heavy by comparison.

Posted: 12/29/2005 6:42:01 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
do bears shit in the woods?

only if the live there

Posted: 12/29/2005 9:33:27 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

Mags are cheap (I paid $5 for most of mine), and you can shoot any kind of ammo you want. I got it for blasting .308 fun.

I am not sure why you posted this statement, but it is absolutely incorrect. You must use the ammunition that the firearm is chambered for. In the case of F A Ls, that would be 7.62NATO/7.62X51mm/308Winchester.

There are F A Ls that are chambered for other ammunition, but you must still use the ammunition that it is chambered for.

Well DUH. For the intellectually challenged.... my statement ASSUMED one would only shoot the TYPE of ammo your weapon is designed for. I meant - FAL's will eat just about any cheap 7.62x51 surplus ammo out there..... their adjustable gas system makes them a good candidate for a wide range of pressures. Puhleeez dont tell me that you assumed I was saying "oh yeah... you can shoot 9mm, .45, .223, 30-06... all in the same gun - just load and go"

Feel better?

SAY WHAT??????? You mean to tell me I can't shoot 45-70 govt. through an FAL??

Well screw that!! I'm selling my STG58!!!

Seriously though, I love my FAL and I would not trade it for any of the other types of 7.62 rifles out there.

Posted: 12/30/2005 5:47:21 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

Mags are cheap (I paid $5 for most of mine), and you can shoot any kind of ammo you want. I got it for blasting .308 fun.

I am not sure why you posted this statement, but it is absolutely incorrect. You must use the ammunition that the firearm is chambered for. In the case of F A Ls, that would be 7.62NATO/7.62X51mm/308Winchester.

There are F A Ls that are chambered for other ammunition, but you must still use the ammunition that it is chambered for.

Well DUH. For the intellectually challenged.... my statement ASSUMED one would only shoot the TYPE of ammo your weapon is designed for. I meant - FAL's will eat just about any cheap 7.62x51 surplus ammo out there..... their adjustable gas system makes them a good candidate for a wide range of pressures. Puhleeez dont tell me that you assumed I was saying "oh yeah... you can shoot 9mm, .45, .223, 30-06... all in the same gun - just load and go"

Feel better?

SAY WHAT??????? You mean to tell me I can't shoot 45-70 govt. through an FAL??

Well screw that!! I'm selling my STG58!!!

Seriously though, I love my FAL and I would not trade it for any of the other types of 7.62 rifles out there.

Well Im sure you might beable to shoot it through it once ....

Posted: 12/30/2005 6:55:05 AM EDT

[#11]

I've owned 2--a 16" DSA with a rail system and a DSA Para.

Neither was as accurate as my HK91, M1A, or AR-10. Both would start to string shots vertically after they heated up.

They were both boringly reliable, but not inspiring.

If it were me and I had to choose between an M1A and a FAL, I would choose the M1A every time.

I just love the way the M1A shoots and handles for me. I'm able to make better long range shots (the trigger helps a lot) and it just works.

Posted: 12/30/2005 11:19:34 AM EDT

[#12]

Yes, it is a fun gun to shoot.

Posted: 12/30/2005 11:31:36 AM EDT

[#13]

Yes.

Posted: 12/30/2005 6:00:48 PM EDT

[#14]

Absolutely!

Posted: 12/31/2005 5:09:52 AM EDT

[#15]

iTS GREAT FUN A LITTLE MORE PUNCH THAT THE SMALLER 223 BTU YOU'LL GET A BANG OUT OF IT , GET ONE AND ENJOY AND IF BY CHANCE YOU DON'T LIKE IT YOU CAN ALWAYS SELL IT TO ME LOL

Posted: 12/31/2005 5:30:24 AM EDT

[#16]

a good cheap 7.62mm rifle for the money.

want way better? M1A

Posted: 12/31/2005 6:36:41 AM EDT

[#17]

I've a pair of FAL's and three M1A's. I like the M1A's better, but I enjoy shooting the FAL's more. Make any sense? I think the connection to the US M14 has a lot to do with our liking the M1A better - it's a connection to our own history.

The M1A's seem to cycle with fewer potential issues - cheap mag's are both a blessing and a curse. The FAL is handier with the pistol grip.

Anyway, yes, FAL's are fun - especially when you get the report from having hit the tiny steel plate set up out at 200 yards using iron sights...

Posted: 12/31/2005 6:23:06 PM EDT

[#18]

Do wimmins have boobies? I very much enjoy shooting my FALs, and they just RUN....and RUN.....and RUN.

Posted: 1/1/2006 5:54:52 AM EDT

[#19]

Absolutely yes.

I have a select fire paratrooper with short barrel that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face but I enjoy them in all configurations.

Posted: 1/1/2006 6:24:30 AM EDT

[#20]

AK Mike, Could you forward a photo of yours? I too am intersted in an FAL and really like the utility of the 16 & 18 inch versions.

Posted: 1/1/2006 7:22:24 AM EDT

[#21]

FALs are fun. If you have the money get a pre-ban Belgian model or Argentinian version. Kit versions can be made good if setup properly.

MikeyBat

Posted: 1/1/2006 1:56:42 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
AK Mike, Could you forward a photo of yours? I too am intersted in an FAL and really like the utility of the 16 & 18 inch versions.

Well, the normal paratrooper is a folder with an 18" barrel I believe. My upper is a DSA 11" OSW before they marketed them as such. At first I thought it would be quite uncontrollable and harsh in full auto or otherwise but surprisingly I found it to be quite controllable (it has a lower cyclic rate and I can get off 2 round bursts easily), comfortable (to me, my folder is the South African stock which I am told is a bit longer than the standard parastock), and a small fireball. It uses a shortened Belgium combo flash suppressor/muzzle brake and a custom (cut down) gas system, all by DSA.

You should look through the FAL Picture Thread, many different models and configurations there (including 18" carbine barrel and 16" congo barrel), excellent gun porn.

Posted: 1/2/2006 6:43:24 AM EDT

[#23]

Soft shoulder, 2.5" round groups, great handling. Like any re-mfg gun, quality will vary.
Re-barreling a shot out Garand in .308 is nice too.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Stupid question: Is the FAL a fun gun?

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