FAL or M1A?

E

ED CHAVEZ

New member
I am in the market for a semi .308

I really like the FAL but most audiences here like the M1A, help me choose by giving me the pros and the cons of each. Weight, size and anything else. TIA.
 
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I dont think you can go wrong with either one. I went for the M1A and have not been disappointed in any aspect of it. The customer service is most excellant at SA, also.
I went for the M1A because of reputation, and parts and mags will be plentiful for (hopefully), a long time. The "loaded" versions are very good deals and come with the coupon to buy parts and mags at a reduced rate, (one time purchase only!).
 
You can't get into heaven without an M1A. It's in the Bible somewhere. I think it's the book of Springfield, Chapter 7 verse 62.
 
Yes both are still legal.

-> CA Legal semi .308's-

--->FAL- must remove grip and flash supressor and no 20-round.

--->M1A- no 20, 30-rounders and must have CA-legal so-called supressor.
 
Number one reason for owning a M1A is there are just like holding a full figured gal......just a damn nice feeling
57192_SAM1A.jpg

Number two reason for owning a M14/M1a is that when that full figured gal is not there you still have something big and beautiful to hold
58447_M1Ascp.jpg


Do you get the piont or shall I continue...:rolleyes:

Karsten
 
FAL:
Pros-cheap mags...sometimes as cheap as $5 each. Cheap and readily available spare parts and accessories. Many good manufacturers to choose from, and even the low-end parts guns can be improved to an acceptable quality by a good FALsmith for not that much money. Very ergonomic (at least if you get a light-barrelled one), very reliable, good combat accuracy (groups aren't as tight as a comparable M1A but I can sit out at 150 yards or so and toss aluminum cans in the air with iron sights). I prefer battle rifles with a pistol grip, YMMV. Field strips more easily than any other combat rifle I've ever seen, very simple to disassemble and reassemble. Has a bolt release catch.

Cons-Most scope mounts are not very stable due to mounting on the dust cover. Heavier than the M1A. Iron sights are not optimal, although I think they are good enough for combat. Trigger pull is a bit heavy. Prebans are very expensive.

M1A:
Pros-Very accurate and reliable, well-balanced and fairly ergonomic. Lighter than most FALs. The best iron sights on any combat rifle made IMHO. Mounts a scope fairly solidly. Trigger pull is very nice. You can have a flash supressor on a postban, and you can buy a preban without breaking the bank.

Cons-Very complicated to break down, especially if you take out the op rod. Mags are much more expensive than FAL mags---usually $32-40 for used, $50 for new. Accessories are a bit more expensive than FALs. Doesn't have a bolt release catch, so M1 thumb is a danger. Doesn't have a pistol grip, but that is a personal thing, YMMV. Newer M1As use more cast parts than older ones, so you have to watch that.

Basically, it depends on which rifle feels best to you. I have both and I like the FAL better, but I also think the M1A is a fine gun.
 
I disagree with the statement that the M1A is difficult to take down.

1) You don't need to take it down for your usual cleaning. If the rifle is bedded you should keep the taking down to a bare minimum.

2) I can take down my M1A, including the op-rod, very swiftly. It was hard for a while because the takedown notch was poorly machined and prevented easy removal of the op-rod. After breaking it in, it is a lot easier. It's a matter of preference I guess.


Also, the cast parts issue is probably over blown. How many stories of cast parts failures have you heard?

The M1A/M14 doesn't have an adjustable gas system that you have to mess with.

Karsten, you need to stop posting pornography in this forum, even if it is of a very attractive full figured lady. :D
 
I disagree with the statement that the M1A is difficult to take down.
2) I can take down my M1A, including the op-rod, very swiftly. It was hard for a while because the takedown notch was poorly machined and prevented easy removal of the op-rod. After breaking it in, it is a lot easier. It's a matter of preference I guess.


I can only give my experience. The FAL I was able to figure out disassembly the first time I looked at one, with no manual. The M1A it took several times with someone showing me in detail.


Also, the cast parts issue is probably over blown. How many stories of cast parts failures have you heard?


A couple.


The M1A/M14 doesn't have an adjustable gas system that you have to mess with.


Never had to mess with the one on the FAL unless I was faced with crappy ammo. Never had a jam with a FAL, have had a few with the M1A.
 
Of the two choices, as battle (not match) rifles I think they are both excellent. I prefer the FAL but it is primarily because of cheap parts and mags. I like the two leaf rear sight with large and small apatures. I also like the adjustable gas system. You don't have to fidddle with it while using your normal ammunition. If you want to shoot either very soft or very stout loads, change the gas port to match the load and function will be normal. M1 types tend to pull case heads with very stout loads and not cycle with soft loads.

Really cant go much wrong with either one as a battle rifle.

Sam
 
RikWriter and Q-Man pretty much covered the pros and cons. My vote goes for a standard model synthetic stock M1A. Once you get the M1A, replace the standard front sight for a National Match front sight, the factory trigger group for a USGI trigger group and shim the gas cylinder. Buy only USGI or Chinese M14 magazines.

Mrs. Different and I are talking about your question, Ed, as I type this. Her response is "M1A! Go for 22 carat not 18 carat." Yes, it is more money but the M1A is worth it IMHO. HTH

Different and Mrs. Different
 
Thanks all.

I really like the M1A. Must set out and now see what model I want to get "standard", "Match", or the "Super Match". The Super Match M1A is real tempting, I have the $$$, it just I need to really think about-it.

--> Which one?
 
I love them both. I do prefer the M1A overall as the sights are better(In my opinion). I am a pistol grip kind of guy, but since you can't have one in California(or standard capacity mags for that matter), give the M1A some serious consideration. I guess the bottom line will be which one feels best to you.

Zane
 
Ed,

considering where you live, I would say M1A. I am currently saving for my M1A scout (VERY soon!!!) . Not sure how easy a grip-less FAL would be to operate. OR, you can buy your FAL, and I'll store here in Vegas for ya for only a modest fee :D
 
I been looking at the scout model also, which is also sold here in California.

But I am looking more at the standard one, I am not looking for excellent accuracy, I am looking more towards tolerance of taking any type of ammo. Just like my AK.
 
I think they are both wonderful. But if I lived in Kali and couldn't have a pistol grip I would get the M1A. Here in Utah, my main rifle is a FAL.

Either way you can't go wrong.
 
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