Perhaps a stupid FN FAL question

[El Mac]

I'm not up to speed on FALs...but in looking at DSA's website it lists the STG58s and the SA58s....

What is the difference? Which is preferable and why?

Thanks!!!

[Gutshot John]

It's kind of what you're looking for.

Essentially the SA 58s are made from all new parts whereas the STG58s are parts kits put together and finished on a new receiver with US compliant parts installed and refinished. Likewise the SA58s are built on an alloy lower and the STGs are built on a steel lower and is a bit heavier.

I believe the STG barrels are by default chrome-lined with 7.62 chambers and the SA58s are .308 chrome/moly (not chrome lined).

Generally speaking they're both excellent guns. I've owned both.

[mashed68]

STG58 is the austrian military spec version, it has metal bi-pod cut handguards. The SA58 is DSA's own version of the FAL.

[Buck]

The gun you really want is a Springfield SAR 48... 100% factory made FAL with a forged steel receiver that was built on an assembly line that is (was) licensed by FN for the Brazilian military…

They can still be had for a little over a grand if you look...

Just my .02

B

[El Mac]

Interesting. I have heard the in-house built DSA FAL was the cat's ass as it was built on better (CNC) machinery, with better steel and fully heat treated...

[Gutshot John]

Any qualitative difference between a SAR48 and a SA58 is negligible.

Both made on milled receivers on original machinery and both are military quality.

There's probably a higher "cool" factor with the springfield since they're pre-ban and a lot of guys like the brazilian receivers.

If you find one for around $1000, buy it. Most I see are in the $1500+ range.

You'll pay about $11-1200 for a new SA58.

[ChetnikTX]

Not sure about the SA's but the STG's can have the short gas system. Do some research on short vs. long then make your choice. The short system on my DSA STG carbine leaked like a civ. Granted its been running great since I sent it back to DSA for a re-sodder, but I dunno I just don't trust it to hold up for the long term. Nothing against DSA, they make a damn fine FAL.

[El Mac]

Thanks to all...I've already decided against a short gas system....

[torquemada055]

Well, dont sell the short gas system short just yet.
It is a well balanced and usefull tool for up close and personal. Especially the ones built by Adam762 of the Falfiles, I've never heard a bad thing about his builds and the workmanship is excellant.
Same can be said for a Para.

My family has 6 FAL's in different configurations including an L1A1 Aussie, 3 carbines, 1 Para and 1 short gas Inch Para.

They are all fun to shoot and have a nitche to fill.

Unfortunately, my Wife and Daughters didnt tell me that they thought they we too heavy and wanted XM-177 style AR's until after I had already got them all built.
So now, I have to buy more stuff for them.

[Cameron]

Thanks to all...I've already decided against a short gas system....

Why?

I have both and much prefer the shortened gas system that DSA makes.