Starting a FAL build........Ah... What have I gotten myself into NOW?

[scottflys]

Hi. Starting a FAL build. Never, ever, built a rifle. The kit I bought is an Argentean Model IV with IMBEL receiver. Ordered Gunplumbers Workbook and DVDs to use during the build.

Know absolutetly nothing about FALs. Shot one a week ago and loved it. A buddy just "picked up" a SCAR 17 (yes I'm already plotting to relieve him of it.....SOMEHOW) but can't afford one.

Suggestions on how to finish it out? Secrets? Need to know issues?

New to this kit build stuff.

All replies are appreciated!

[skytrooper173]

From my cold dead hands Scott!

[R4 fan]

Go here: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/index.php Plenty of info.

Personally, I'd send it here and get back a reliable work of art: http://www.cgwgun.com/fal-services.aspx

[scottflys]

Ah come on trooper G. It would be well taken care of!

[TFA303]

Go here: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/index.php Plenty of info.

This^ The Gunsmithing and Build-it-Yourself section has several lifetimes worth of knowledge.

Here's a basic way to do it:
Head over to the Marketplace section on the FAL Files and buy a Metric kit for starters, then read Gunplumber's book to start getting an idea of which US parts you want.
Then get a receiver and start accumulating tools.
Hand-assemble the thing a few times and fantasize about what it'll look like when it's done.
If torquing and headspacing the barrel starts to seem like more critical an operation than you want to tackle, CGW or ARS will probably do just that part for you, letting you do the more drop-in parts of the assmbly yourself.
Once she's all put together, she deserves a refinish.
Then, start figuring out what your next build will be. This is addictive.

On second thought, stop now while you still can.

[scottflys]

Thanks for the info. I found the kit on FAL Files. I've registered on there but haven't gotten blessed to post yet. It's been 5 days already.

[scottflys]

The kit arrives in a few days! Any suggestions on finishes? Fitting it out? Shot that SCAR that my friend got today. B@d@ss rifle. Now really plotting to liberate it from him!

[powder_burns]

I've built a FAL. The rifle turned out fine and the project was fun. I built mine as a fixed stock para. I contracted the barrel chop, threading and gas port work. Have fun with it.

[scottflys]

Thanks. I'm still figuring out how I'm gonna finnish it. 16 inch barrel for sure though.

[EDELWEISS]

Thanks. I'm still figuring out how I'm gonna finnish it. 16 inch barrel for sure though.

Why 16"? I know short is the new "in thing"; but having humped a L1A1 with what must seem like a yardstick of a barrel plus another ruler for a flash hider by todays standards, I can honestly tell you it wasnt bad at all. It balances well with the 21" barrel and if you actually carry it in the field instead of just to the range, youll get used to it. My only real complaint of the longer barrel was when using civilian vehicles and even LandRovers in the passenger area, then getting in/out in a tactical situation was sometimes awkward--but doable. Plenty here will tell you a shorter barrel is better for Urban use, and I would too; but I will also tell you that you CAN still do just fine IF you practice.

One of the real advantages of 308 over x39 and 556, is its ability to turn what would otherwise be cover into concealment with ventilation. Once you start chopping the barrel, you give up velocity.

Don't be a cutter--stick with what works and if you absolutely insist on something shorter at least stick with 18inches. Remember what the Doctor said before the sex change operation. "Once I cut it off, I cant put it back on......."
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...emotional-pain