What should I look for when buying an L1A1?

[Mark Ritchie]

I was browsing in a local shop this weekend when I noticed an FAL-type rifle hanging on the wall. It had the black finish, with the black plastic furniture, a standard length-barrel (24"?) with flash hider and bayo lug. The tag, from where I was standing, said L1A1, $895. I understand that's a very good price if it is an actual Commonwealth import, but not so good if an illegally pieced-together parts gun.

I've half made up my mind to get it, since thanks to the ATF it's now or never. What should I be looking for in checking both wear and tear (like bore condition, etc.) and in verifying its legality?

 

[Destructo6]

$900 sounds far to cheap for a pre-ban. True pre-ban FALs should cost a bit less than pre-ban HKs: in the $2000 neighborhood.

Inch pattern (commonwealth) parts and magazines are a bit harder to find and are more expensive than metric stuff.

Ask for an itemized list of US-made parts. The count should come to 7, if the receiver is imported, 6 if domestically made (corrections, anyone?). If they can't/won't, it's probably a can of worms.

You could probably buy a Century FAL, built on the excellent Imbel receiver for about $600. IF the Century gun is less than perfect, the price difference is enough to account for rework or cleanup. Otherwise, that's a lot of magazines and LBE, maybe even a SUIT sight.

 

[beemerb]

IF its a L1A1 there are parts kits advertised right now in shotgun news for 100.00.You now have all the spare parts that you need.
Check the right side of the reciever of this rifle.If it says SPORTER on it its illegal.It has preban parts on a post ban reciever.
I have 2 L1's and we just finished a friends up.Depending on when they made them can be good or bad.The things that are normaly wrong are,headspaceing,gas system not sealed and barrel indexing.All can be corrected with not much work or expense.
If you buy it get American Gunsmithing Instutes FN-FAL tape.It is a fantastic tape and basicly will tell you how to build one from kit form.Well worth the 29.95 plus shipping.
Any question email me direct and I will try to help.

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Bob--- Age and deceit will overcome youth and speed.
I'm old and deceitful.