FAL or G3 clone

J

jb26

New member
Which one is more accurate and which one is more reliable? I've never seen a direct comparison of the 2. How does each one function?

Also, is there a 16-18" barrel available for either one? The only one I have seen is a FAL from ARS.

Finally where are there good prices for these? I've looked at Century and AIM.

Thanks A lot.

Joe
 
Have an R1 (FAL) parts gun assembled by a dealer and a CETME (as well as a DSA SA58 and an HK91). The R1 and CETME are about the same in reliablility, and accuracy. My R1 (without a muzzle brake) does kick a little more than the CETME(with a brake). I have yet to compare the SA58 (with a brake) to the CETME in terms of perceived recoil as I've said I would from another thread.

Both are very fun shooting guns for considerably lower prices as compared to their real or more well known lineage (i.e., true pre-ban FNs and HKs). The CETMEs have had problems in the past concerning the barrel and/or front sight assembled at a cant that affects the windage of the rifle. Mine, however, was assemble correctly for the most part as it was zeroed out of the box at 200yards, IIRC. I say for the most part as the barrel assembly was welded very slightly crooked to the receiver. (You have to really look closely down the top of the receiver to the muzzle to notice the 3 or 4 mm bend to the left at the muzzle. Oddly enough, it shoots straight.)

The FAL is boringly rugged and simple. I did have one unusual FTF that has not happend since. Disassembly is a bit more easier than the CETME. It also has more surplus and current parts available for it as well as very cheap 20 round mags (as low as $5 used). CETME 20 round mags are also cheap (<$20 new) but still not as cheap as FAL mags.

The R1 and CETME are my 'beater' counterparts to the more expensive DSA and HK and are the ones I shoot more often. Try to get both if you can. Just do a little mote research on what to look for in the CETME before buying. The FALs are a little less likely to be screwed up when built.
 
Ugh. Just checked AIM. It appears they are out of FALS, as you had implied in your original post. HK (factory stamp not gauranteed) mags going for as low as $8/ea for 10+ mags.

Check Gun List and Shotgun News for rifle prices.
 
J&G has FN-FALs for $418. My friend bought one (last year when they were $528) and it shoots wonderfully.
 
Accuracy is comparable but the G3 might have the edge. Depends on who builds it.

I have a Century with a stainless receiver that I wouldn't sell or trade for anything. (Well maybe an MSG90). The only bug in the rifle was that Century welded the shelf in the trigger pack in the wrong position which causes ejection problems. Common problem with Century G3's.

Century CETMES suffer from front sight problems. Some shooting as much as 8" left or right with full correction made.

Not all Century guns have these problems, but from the posts I read at other boards, many do. I fixed mine myself. It was no big deal, and I didn't trust Century to do it in a timely manner.

Century will fix anything they screw up, but their reputation would be better if they would just do it right the first time and hire some real 'smiths as opposed to the trained monkeys they have working for them now.
 
Both designs are accurate and reliable; if you're looking at a post-ban parts gun, the keys are the quality of parts (especially receivers) and who built it.

Standard barrel length of a G3 type is already pretty short at 17-3/4".
 
Technically G3 is more accurate than FAL because G3, being roller locked, has no gas tube attached to the barrel, whereas FAL has a gas tube attached to it's barrel. In practice it depends, some FALs are more accurate than some G3s, but probably G3 is on average slightly better in accuracy than FAL. Realiability is very good with both guns, most other semiautos are less reliable than G3 and FAL. The only clear disanvantage I have noticed in G3 compared to FAL is that G3 becomes dirtier faster when shooting, and is harder to clean.

Barrel length for standard G3 17.75 inches, for standard FAL it is 21 inches.

What is better depends on what one prefers. Some like blondes, other brunettes, while both are beautiful. Between G3 and FAL, I have choosen G3 (original HK), but am not saying it is better for everyone.

Ossi
 
I have a factory G3 type, but if I was to get a cheap shooter, I would go with the the FAL. If something is messed up on a G3, it's probably permanently welded in a messed up condition. The FAL is all machined parts that can be replaced, reassembled or even remachined as necessary to get it right. Stuff like a canted barrel would drive me nuts.

Accuracy wise, the G3 type has an edge, depending on barrel wear. The FAL is a little more ergonomic.

It comes down to pride of ownership-I'd rather have a solid looked parkerized rifle rather than an out of spec painted rifle, all else being equal. If this is your Serious Purpose rifle, spend more money and get the earlier Greek made SAR-8 G3 type or something from DSArms for a FAL. Otherwise, it's just for fun, though it may prove up to the challenge.
 
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