FN-FAL .308

J

johnpfern

Inactive
What's the consensus on the FN-FAL? I have a buddy who needs some cash and wants to sell it to me for a good price- $700 and in great condition. I haven't fired the weapon yet but I know it's a battle proven rifle and has a good reputation for accuracy and reliability.
 
If it is an original FN, I will buy it if you don't. Tell your friend to PM me and I'll send him money yesterday.
 
If you give him only $700 for a Fabrique Nationale FAL, you need to report to jail afterward because you stole it for that price.
 
I doubt it's an FN for that price. More likely a Century Arms model, in which case, that is still a good deal, assuming it was assembled properly.
 
Don't give up just yet. That's a good price nowadays even for a CAI sporter.
Some of those rifles were excellent shooters under the skin too if you get my drift.
Do exercise reasonable prudence with a CAI though.
 
The FN Fal, license built by Steyr/Austria, so a "Steyr STG 58" was my service rifle at the army. I happened to be the best shot in my company and could bring 6 shots on an area the size of a pack of cigaretts at 300m (328yd) with iron sights. The target was torso size of course (cant see so small things at 300m), but the group was in the center and that small.

The FAL / STG 58 is a gread rifle. However, I like my Steyr AUG (Steyr STG 77), our current service rifle even more.
 
If you can, take it to the range and fire at least 20 rounds thru it. That should tell you if the rifle was built properly.
 
A gunsmith bud of mine built up a FN-FAL for me and I think the things are fantastic rifles.

I would say just check the fit and finish of the thing, if things are tight that is good.

And as Seven High said, see if you can shoot it.
 
Basically I agree, but. Not just shoot it, actually test stuff on it.

45 degree piston test.
Remove gas plug, piston & spring.
Remove bolt & carrier.
Remove dust cover.
Close stripped action.
Angle at 45 degrees muzzle UPwards.

The piston should slide freely fully towards the butt.
change angle to 45 degrees DOWNwards.
The piston should slide all the way out the end of the gas block.

This checks for bent/binding gas piston, & correct timing (alignment) of the action & barrel.

Look at sights. Is rear sight pretty much centered in the dovetail? It should be.

Take a cleaning rod section & "T" handle. Run into recoil spring tube in buttstock.
Does it slide freely & smoothly? It should. Any snags, catches & so on indicate the 2 springs are binding.

Fire 2 X 10 round groups from a cold bore. First round loaded by slingshotting the handle to drop the bolt. last round should empty magazine.
@ 100 yds if the group is 3 1/2 tall by 2 1/2" wide it's good.
 
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