FAL barrel length

[R4 fan]

I've been on the FAL Files forever, and can recommend some gunsmiths. I've had work done by Johnny Glover (Moses on the Fal Files). He's done a couple FAL barrels where he cut them down and re-threaded them, and I also had some gas blocks switched out. Flawless work. I believe he works at http://cmparmory.com/ now. I've never had a build done by him though.

For rifle builds, I used Rich from CGW: http://www.cgwgun.com/FAL-Gunsmithing-Price-Guide.aspx
His work is top notch, reliable and your rifle will look like a showroom piece. Here's a Israeli rifle I had built by him. The upper and lower matches, it was the flash that makes them seem different colors:
2w72vte.jpg2wnoktv.jpg

[kihnspiracy]

Gunplumber does nice work.

[twodogstx]

I have a 21 inch full stock FAL , chambered for match ammo that Gunplumber made for me , that is a 1 MOA gun in just about anybody's hands. (Proven, I might add at class in Kingman last year)

[snolden]

take a cue from DSA, they made their SPR (special purpose rifle) 19" barrelled. anywhere from 17.25 to 19" is considered the optimum length to maintain velocity if you are doing any long distance work with this rifle.

that said, I have two 16" and one 21" FAL's. At less than 400 yards, 16" is plenty good. beyond there I like the extra velocity as it makes the shots noticeably easier.

Also ammo choice and gas port setting can make a big difference in the accuracy. I have found some 7.62x51 NATO from winchester that clocks 2750 fps from my 16" guns while most surplus only gets 2800 or so out of my 21". Those two loads are basically identical in accuracy even though there is a 5" difference in barrel length. Basically, learn the rifle and how it reacts to different ammo.

My choice for any FAL is a handloaded ballistic tipped bullet with the charge adjusted so the rifle will run on a gas setting of 5 or 6. That yielded me about 2730 fps.

[M1A's r Best]

I've read that sometimes shortening the barrel may lead to function issues unless the gas port is enlarged. Just something to do some researching on - or ask the guy you pick to do the barrel shortening work.

[cavegeo]

I've read that sometimes shortening the barrel may lead to function issues unless the gas port is enlarged. Just something to do some researching on - or ask the guy you pick to do the barrel shortening work.

Yes, short barrels can be the cause of function issues that is why they came out with the short gas system to improve function with short barrels. Enlarging the port can improve function on standard gas system with short barrels.