Need advise on FAL

alex4922 · #1 April 22nd, 2011, 08:46 PM

I'm hankerin for an FAL. I'm looking at the STG 58 rifles from DSA. They will not have the 18" barrel models until November but have the 16" and the standard 21". I've never fired a 16 in FAL but if it's anything like my M44...I just don't know. I know the semi action will take away lots of recoil but if muzzle blast is as distracting as I think it might be it will not be fun to fire. Any experience related will be appreciated.

Alex

ISC · #2 April 22nd, 2011, 09:05 PM

I think the STG 58 is the best FAL variant. I also think that a short barrel gives away too much muzzle velocity. I'd hold out for a longer barrel.

paintballmagnet · #3 April 22nd, 2011, 11:52 PM

Not much difference in handling between barrels lengths when it all boils down. There is some difference in performance, a big difference in noise level, gas port pressure gets critical with the shorter barrels. I wouldn't go shorter than 18".

Herr Walther · #4 April 23rd, 2011, 06:42 AM

I like the standard full size length myself, but it's not exactly a short rifle.

But you're right, I too think the StG.58 is the best varient.

alex4922 · #5 April 23rd, 2011, 06:51 PM

Thanks for the advise guys, I'm now trying to talk myself out of buying an FAL. I live in Georgia and even if the zombies attack I'll probably do well with my 6.5G rifle. Wish I could get some AP or API in 6.5 though.

Alex

ISC · #6 April 23rd, 2011, 11:01 PM

You can't get 6.5 grendel in bulk. that's enough to turn me off on it.

have you considered a .308 AR?

Tread Head · #7 April 24th, 2011, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISC

You can't get 6.5 grendel in bulk. that's enough to turn me off on it.

have you considered a .308 AR?

I have to agree with ISC sentiments on the 6.5G. Its a fine caliber no doubt, but its going to to be impossible to acquire it in hard times and you are limited to what you can reload. On the other hand .308 ammo is going to be more likely to be had in hard times.

I have a DSA Carbine and I love mine. Its was a bit finicky when I first got it. I did not know that much about them. I had my gas port sert wrong. Got that straight and it runs REAL good! Noisy little pup but very handy. Easy to handle. To me it seems to be more handy than an AR 308. Thats just my thoughts on it though.

JMHO
Tread

alex4922 · #8 April 25th, 2011, 08:28 PM

Well, I gave DSA another call today and now they say they have the STGs in stock w/18 in barrels. OK!!

Now if my ffl holder will just get a copy to them..we'll be rockin !

Alex

Floyd · #9 April 25th, 2011, 09:31 PM

Post a range report.

guncrazy · #10 April 27th, 2011, 02:49 PM

I have a 21" and a 18" barreled FAL. They both started out as 21's, but I ended up sending one off to be cut down because I was going to do a PARA kit that I ordered from Falcon Arms. Well come to find out the bolt carrier was all screwed up from the Falcon kit. Ended up getting my money back on all of it. However, I do not regret sending the barrel off to be cut down. It just seems to make it easier to carry with a Rooster sling. Also, took a little weight off of it. Seems like it balances better as well. Yeah I guess I will lose a little velocity, but for me I would rather have the 18" instead of the 21". I just use the 21" for deer hunting. Either way the FAL is awesome. I have owned AR15's, AK's, SKS's, and mini-14's, and would never trade a FAL to go back to one of them.

Sorry for the life story.

alex4922 · #11 April 27th, 2011, 08:59 PM

Hey, I appreciate the story! Especially since DSA let me know today that they are indeed way backordered on the 18 in barrels. I went ahead and changed my order to the 21in and will have my gunsmith bob it a bit. The two FALs I had in the past were parts guns and had the full length barrels. Besides the slightly more than occasional malfs, they always felt just a bit too long. Funny, the salesman I talked with really tried to talk me into going with the 16 in.

Thanks for the input, A