Building an FAL

np307

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So I've been kicking this idea around for a couple years now and would like to get some input from those here who have done it. I've done some research and reading, but any information you have to contribute would be appreciated.

http://www.cruffler.com/trivia-April01-background.html
This article seems to be a good starting place, but I'm wondering where the best places to source parts and pieces are. Also wondering if maybe the window in which this could be easily done has passed me by.

Thoughts, opinions?
 
Building just one probably wouldn't be worth buying the tools but you might could borrow them. Get the dvd or book from Mark Graham at ARS ( Arizona Response Systems ). He also goes by Gunplumber on FALfiles which is a good place to find what you need.
It's not really that hard to do, timing the barrel and setting the headspace is the two most critical things in building a FAL but if I can do it you can also.
Just to warn you up front that Mark/Gunplumber can be a real arrogant a** but he knows his stuff, he is strictly business and not one to chit chat.
 
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garyd1961. are you also on falfiles?

np307, assembling a FAL is a bit more challenging than putting an AR together but not that hard. Do you have a solid table and/or a strong 4"+ vise? If so, here are the steps:

  1. Get one of the IMBEL FAL kits gunplumber is selling. It is the best kit and the best price you can get, period. He is running out of them as we speak; you will regret not getting it.
    338.jpg
  2. Resist the urge to chop the barrel to 16" and thread it for an AR flash hider. There are plenty of ARs in many calibers that can do that.
  3. Get a receiver, which is also known as UPPER receiver by AR fans. The proudly made in the US ones are from DSA and Conan new and Century Arms and other people used. If you have no American pride, look for one made by IMBEL, a 3rd world country (Brazil) manufacturer, receiver or get into its group buy at falfiles. This is the place not to do chest thumping, for the Brazilian receiver is the one the others are measured against; there is a reason why they sell for almost 2x what the US ones go for. Now, if you can't get an IMBEL, that is not the end of the world; just be prepared to do some fixes for it to work. Or you might be lucky and get one that is in FN specs.
  4. Mount and headspace the barrel. All you need is receiver + barrel + bolt + bolt carrier. And tools. When you are ready for tools let us know.
  5. After the above is done, everything else is easy peasy. In fact, you might then start worrying about 922r. Since you bought a metric FAL in item 1, there are tons of suppliers of American-made parts; this is the time you should do some chest thumping which will also keep the ATF guy away.
  6. Shoot it.
 
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garyd1961. are you also on falfiles?

np307, assembling a FAL is a bit more challenging than putting an AR together but not that hard. Do you have a solid table and/or a strong 4"+ vise? If so, here are the steps:

  1. Get one of the IMBEL FAL kits gunplumber is selling. It is the best kit and the best price you can get, period. He is running out of them as we speak; you will regret not getting it.
    338.jpg
  2. Resist the urge to chop the barrel to 16" and thread it for an AR flash hider. There are plenty of ARs in many calibers that can do that.
  3. Get a receiver, which is also known as UPPER receiver by AR fans. The proudly made in the US ones are from DSA and Conan new and Century Arms and other people used. If you have no American pride, look for one made by IMBEL, a 3rd world country (Brazil) manufacturer, receiver or get into its group buy at falfiles. This is the place not to do chest thumping, for the Brazilian receiver is the one the others are measured against; there is a reason why they sell for almost 2x what the US ones go for. Now, if you can't get an IMBEL, that is not the end of the world; just be prepared to do some fixes for it to work. Or you might be lucky and get one that is in FN specs.
  4. Mount and headspace the barrel. All you need is receiver + barrel + bolt + bolt carrier. And tools. When you are ready for tools let us know.
  5. After the above is done, everything else is easy peasy. In fact, you might then start worrying about 922r. Since you bought a metric FAL in item 1, there are tons of suppliers of American-made parts; this is the time you should do some chest thumping which will also keep the ATF guy away.
  6. Shoot it.
Yeah, I'm good on the vice and work bench. Thanks, that info helps a lot. The fact that's it's different and more challenging than an AR are what draw me to it.
 
Yeah, I'm good on the vice and work bench. Thanks, that info helps a lot. The fact that's it's different and more challenging than an AR are what draw me to it.

Well, once you get your first FAL built you can then go for the more interesting ones, like the one that would require you to get this shirt:
rhodesianarmyshirt.jpg
 
One of mine was pre-chopped to 16". Should I be shamed?

+1 for gunplumber....
 
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One of mine was pre-chopped to 16". Should I be shamed?

+1 for gunplumber....

If it makes you feel happier, go to the mirror and shame yourself! ;) Otherwise, if it works fine, it does work fine.

Now, there are still some full size barrels out there. Was yours metric or Inch?
 
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Gunplumber is an arrogant douche. We have one of the best FAL guys in the US in Dallas NC CMP ARMORY.
 
Gunplumber is an arrogant douche. We have one of the best FAL guys in the US in Dallas NC CMP ARMORY.
True, but he's been quite busy dealing with family issues, from what I've read over at the 'Files(his own posts).

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120AZ using Tapatalk
 
True, but he's been quite busy dealing with family issues, from what I've read over at the 'Files(his own posts).

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120AZ using Tapatalk
Moses, that is- And yes, gunplumber is arrogant.
Seems you pays your money and takes your chances- douche or long waits...

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