Reccomendation for Fal gunsmith?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Reccomendation for Fal gunsmith?

Posted: 11/14/2018 7:33:09 PM EDT

I recently picked up a really nice matching Imbel kit and Imbel gear logo receiver, really wanted a cool old school Fal for the collection. I'm looking for a good Fal-smith who can assemble it properly, this will be my only parts kit build so don't want to invest in the tools and learning curve, would rather let a pro do it properly.

Any recommendations? I looked at Arizona Response Systems but a basic build + shipping is going to be damn near $500

Posted: 11/14/2018 7:52:14 PM EDT

[#1]

I'm looking for one here in So. Nevada. Any recommendations?

Posted: 11/14/2018 9:37:45 PM EDT

[#2]

Don't let anyone but Mark Graham at Arizona Response Systems touch your FAL !!

He built an L1A1 for me that was a thing of beauty and ran perfect.

Used another guy here in TX on a different FAL and had some troubles.

Posted: 11/14/2018 11:07:17 PM EDT

[#3]

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I'm looking for one here in So. Nevada. Any recommendations?

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/243362/FAL_001-732157.jpg

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What happened there?

Posted: 11/15/2018 3:33:10 AM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
I recently picked up a really nice matching Imbel kit and Imbel gear logo receiver, really wanted a cool old school Fal for the collection. I'm looking for a good Fal-smith who can assemble it properly, this will be my only parts kit build so don't want to invest in the tools and learning curve, would rather let a pro do it properly.

Any recommendations? I looked at Arizona Response Systems but a basic build + shipping is going to be damn near $500

View Quote

Terry Bridwell in Oregon. tbd59 on the FAL Files. Less expensive than Mark, but almost as good (just as good for builds without serious issues). He repaired a barrel that most other guys experienced on the FAL thought was toast, and he did it and rebuilt the rifle for less than the cost of a replacement barrel. Mark Graham and I think one other guy were the only others who thought it was repairable.

Randy Kline in Texas is another good one (goes by sledgehammer online).

I know that there are others, but I forget their names right now. All hang out on the FAL Files.

Posted: 11/15/2018 3:35:13 AM EDT

[#5]

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What happened there?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
I'm looking for one here in So. Nevada. Any recommendations?

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/243362/FAL_001-732157.jpg

What happened there?

Case rupture? They are not kind to magazines and can blow them up like that.

Posted: 11/15/2018 5:05:47 PM EDT

[#6]

Where are you located?

I just hugged Bridwell a few days ago. Great guy, very competent, excellent chef.

Posted: 11/17/2018 10:09:29 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
I recently picked up a really nice matching Imbel kit and Imbel gear logo receiver, really wanted a cool old school Fal for the collection. I'm looking for a good Fal-smith who can assemble it properly, this will be my only parts kit build so don't want to invest in the tools and learning curve, would rather let a pro do it properly.

Any recommendations? I looked at Arizona Response Systems but a basic build + shipping is going to be damn near $500

View Quote

Don’t go with him unless you want to be treated like a moron. Seriously. He’s an asshole to his customers and everyone else he comes into contact with.

Posted: 11/17/2018 7:01:57 PM EDT

[#8]

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Quoted:
Where are you located?

I just hugged Bridwell a few days ago. Great guy, very competent, excellent chef.

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I'm located in the NorthEast. I messaged Terry and he said it would be at least ~4 months before he could get started since he's in the process of moving to a new house, while a bit longer than i was hoping for it will probably be worth it if his work is as good as everyone says

Posted: 11/17/2018 8:07:20 PM EDT

[#9]

IM sent to OP.

Posted: 11/17/2018 9:06:16 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
I looked at Arizona Response Systems but a basic build + shipping is going to be damn near $500

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Quoted:
I looked at Arizona Response Systems but a basic build + shipping is going to be damn near $500

Quality work costs money. Mark is one of the best when it comes to the FAL, and the best costs.

Quoted:
Don’t go with him unless you want to be treated like a moron. Seriously. He’s an asshole to his customers and everyone else he comes into contact with.

I've dealt with him a few occasions and he's never treated me like a moron. YMMV.

Posted: 11/19/2018 5:31:06 PM EDT

[#11]

I found Mark easy to deal with but he is rather direct.

Like I said no one else will ever touch one of my FALs but Mark Graham.

Posted: 11/19/2018 8:50:50 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
Don’t go with him unless you want to be treated like a moron. Seriously. He’s an asshole to his customers and everyone else he comes into contact with.

Ray Vaughn of Moss Pawn & Gun (IV8888 store) in Forest Park, GA does great work.

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Don't be a moron with him and he'll be the straightest-shooting vendor you could ever deal with. I enjoy his direct and efficient manner and have dealt with him a handful of times.

Posted: 11/20/2018 8:51:15 PM EDT

[#13]

If it's $500 or a 4-month wait to assemble an FAL, I think I would buy the tools from ratas calientes on FAL Files and get going.

Posted: 11/21/2018 3:36:06 PM EDT

[#14]

I recently used Glen Riddle of Magnum Gunsmithing(Lima, OH) for an L1A1 built. It started as a century assembled L1A1 sporter on an Argentine receiver. Glen swapped on an unmolested bbl, fixed some century issues, and did a great cerakote over phosphate finish. Turnaround was about a month and pricing was very reasonable.

Posted: 11/21/2018 6:17:19 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
If it's $500 or a 4-month wait to assemble an FAL, I think I would buy the tools from ratas calientes on FAL Files and get going.

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Providing the receiver is in-spec (a risky proposition these days), that's the way to go, given how easy is it to assemble and FAL.

Posted: 11/21/2018 8:15:54 PM EDT

[#16]

Has anyone ever used the DS Arms Gunsmithing service just to screw in the barrel and headspace? They charge $165 (even adding in a couple of hundred for labour and tax on the mechanically stupid) that's not too bad. Six week turnaround right now.

As much as I'm in Mark Graham camp, but since I'm forced to get a DS Arms receiver, it's seems an option these days?

Unless anyone knows of a home builder in the DFW area that will work for beer or Singe Malt?

It's a Imbel Parts kit that I'm leaning towards leaving in a "battlefield pickup" vibe.

If it was a "got to have a brand spanking new car smelling type of FAL" it would Mark, no doubt!

Posted: 11/21/2018 11:37:57 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
Has anyone ever used the DS Arms Gunsmithing service just to screw in the barrel and headspace? They charge $165 (even adding in a couple of hundred for labour and tax on the mechanically stupid) that's not to bad. Six week turnaround right now.

As much as I'm in Mark Graham camp, but since I'm forced to get a DS Arms receiver, it's seems an option these days?

Unless anyone knows of a home builder in the DFW area that will work for beer or Singe Malt?

It's a Imbel Parts kit that I'm leaning towards leaving in a "battlefield pickup" vibe.

If it was a "got to have a brand spanking new car smelling type of FAL" it would Mark, no doubt!

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Go to falfiles and ask...plenty of helpful falaholics in TX!

Posted: 11/22/2018 6:16:34 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
Has anyone ever used the DS Arms Gunsmithing service just to screw in the barrel and headspace? They charge $165 (even adding in a couple of hundred for labour and tax on the mechanically stupid) that's not too bad. Six week turnaround right now.

View Quote

In a roundabout way, yes. I had two R1 receivers where the locking shoulder dogleg cut on the receiver was too short. Sent them into DSA with the barrels and they headspaced them without issue.

Posted: 11/23/2018 8:28:51 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
Don’t go with him unless you want to be treated like a moron. Seriously. He’s an asshole to his customers and everyone else he comes into contact with.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
I recently picked up a really nice matching Imbel kit and Imbel gear logo receiver, really wanted a cool old school Fal for the collection. I'm looking for a good Fal-smith who can assemble it properly, this will be my only parts kit build so don't want to invest in the tools and learning curve, would rather let a pro do it properly.

Any recommendations? I looked at Arizona Response Systems but a basic build + shipping is going to be damn near $500

Don’t go with him unless you want to be treated like a moron. Seriously. He’s an asshole to his customers and everyone else he comes into contact with.

I could not agree more, I asked if he had military discount and was not impressed.

Posted: 11/24/2018 9:27:29 AM EDT

[#20]

I used CMP armory in NC...no complaints..

Posted: 11/26/2018 1:47:37 AM EDT

[#21]

I believe I used Randy Kline. Did what I needed in half the time I expected and for less than anticipated. Very happy!

He did a cut/thread job to put on a FS on Dad's L1A1.

Posted: 11/26/2018 7:07:03 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
Don't be a moron with him and he'll be the straightest-shooting vendor you could ever deal with. I enjoy his direct and efficient manner and have dealt with him a handful of times.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Don’t go with him unless you want to be treated like a moron. Seriously. He’s an asshole to his customers and everyone else he comes into contact with.

Ray Vaughn of Moss Pawn & Gun (IV8888 store) in Forest Park, GA does great work.

Don't be a moron with him and he'll be the straightest-shooting vendor you could ever deal with. I enjoy his direct and efficient manner and have dealt with him a handful of times.

Yup, I've never had a problem with him. My buddy dropped off and picked up his FAL in-person and thought he was pretty cool to talk to. If you don't act or talk stupid or like an ass, he's typically cool with you, even if he can be a bit curt or direct.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Reccomendation for Fal gunsmith?

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