Opinions on FN/DSA FAL .308

kg4kpg · Dec 28, 2012

I'm looking at one and wanted some opinions.

Thanks,

Chris

fordnut · Dec 28, 2012

They are heavy and kick like a mule....

Well, you wanted openions....

I would rather save my money for either an M1 Garand, or, an M14.....But, That is just me...

Steve

PANZER22 · Dec 28, 2012

I agree with fordnut.......The FN 308 takes a lot of getting used to....Like most of the war rounds and the heavy hunting rounds there is considerable kick...Like with the M 1 and M 14 you have to practice the proper way to shoulder the weapon....If you don't get it right you get a sore shoulder.

If you don't mind how much is being asked for the rifle?

Dan

jgodfrey · Dec 29, 2012

I have one of these and really like it. The 16.5" barrel has significant recoil and is loud as crap but a ton of fun to shoot. It is hard for me to campare it to an m1a as it is a different shooting experience. The pistol grip is a nice feature, as is the bipod. The carry handle gets in the way sometimes. The mag and bolt release take some getting used to but not a problem. The rifle breaks down with the flip of a switch and the bolt carrier group slides right out, making cleaning a breeze. The action cover can be replaced with an integrated picatinny rail for about $75. Accuracy is good enough but I have never shot it from a bench. Boston's Gun Bible ranks it and the M1a as the best battle rifles out there. If you buy one, be sure to get a metric variant(FN,DSA). DSA is the way to go. There is little difference in them and FN other than price. Stay away from other variants and manufacturers. If you're thinking of buying one and taking the plunge, do it. If you end up not liking it, they are desirable rifles and shouldn't be hard to sell. There is a reason the FAL is the most issued battle rifle in the world. I personally prefer the m1a when it comes to .308 but they are more expensive and I have a bias toward US military rifles. Hope my rambling is helpful.

BenMara · Dec 29, 2012

shot one, rather have a FNAR

Ritter Gottes · Dec 29, 2012

If the gas system is set properly, it is a pleasure to shoot. I suspect that the gentlemen who think the recoil is too much fired an FAL with an improper gas system setting. Mine is an absolute pleasure to shoot. I highly recommend one.

To the OP... is this the one listed on ARMSLIST? I have been eyeballing the one on there quite heavily! LOL
If you have any FAL questions OP, feel free to PM me.

Cheers!
RG

Dave29461 · Dec 29, 2012

I have shot a FAL and a Cetme and found the recoil to be no more offensive than any other .308 military rifle and more pleasant than most sporting rifles in that caliber. The gas system setting, as mentioned, is the key to accuracy and felt recoil. Muzzle brakes help too. Just my own opinion.

Clicker · Dec 29, 2012

I guess I need to double check the gas setting on mine as it's been years since I've shot it. If memory serves it thumped me pretty good but then again I'm a wuss.

armaborealis · Jan 2, 2013

I went to a four day rifle class and someone on the line had one. We swapped rifles for a few strings. It is definitely a stout 30 cal rifle. It was manageable though, but you could definitely feel it. The ergonomics/pistol grip were pretty handy too.

If a 30-cal semiauto battle rifle is your thing you could do a lot worse.

armedpig · Jan 2, 2013

FALs are awsome. I have 2, and am working on getting another built.

As mentioned above the recoil is not bad once the gas system is set properly and the ergonmics are quite nice. The gas system is not hard to adjust. If it is over gassed, not only will you get alot of recoil but you could also do damage to your gun. They are a joy to shoot and come in many different flavors.

The carry handle can be removed, and a filler piece inserted. Or you can have one built on a receiver that does not have the slot for the handle(Dan Coonan makes some)

Older DSA guns are ok, if they were built by DSA. It is the same with Entreprise, guns they built are usually ok, but I would not build one on a stripped receiver. Century guns are hit and miss. Try to find out if it was a kit build or a factory built gun.

Most parts are interchangeable between metric and inch pattern rifles withe the exception of Israeli rifles. Alot of Israeli parts are interchangeable, but some are specific to Izzy guns. Metric guns will only use metric mags, Inch guns can use both inch and metric mags.

Buy it, if you don't like it and it is on a decent receiver you shouldn't have any problem getting rid of it.

Chili · Jan 10, 2013

My FALs are a joy to shoot, even the 16" carbine. I can't really add too much to what jgodfery, armedpig and ritter gotes have said, other than if your are going to get one, buy it NOW!!! I built 4 FALs over the years, 3 on DSA receivers and one Entreprise. If you want to shoot one, let me know.