Which DS Arms to Get?

[rly45acp]

Cameron, GREAT POST! That's precisely what I was looking for. I'm glad you detailed your problems with the Socom stock, as you just saved me lots of money! I sure didn't doubt your word or anyone else's for that matter.

All the information posted by everyone has been a great help. I'm leaning toward the 16" unless someone can give me a good reason for the extra 2 inches of barrel.

[Buck]

The shortest barrel the engineers at FN could make a FAL run reliably in battle conditions was 17 & 3/4 of an inch... & They have forgotten more about FALs than we will ever know…

YMMV

[rly45acp]

Dang Buck, I guess you gave me a very good reason to go 18". That little bit of information kinda complicates things.

[TOrrock]

Dang Buck, I guess you gave me a very good reason to go 18". That little bit of information kinda complicates things.

When two battle rifle guys are telling you basically exactly the same thing.........

[rly45acp]

I hear ya! Thanks much for the valuable advice.

[Savior 6]

rly45acp, DSA makes nice rifles, but somtimes they use surplus parts. For the exspensive price just make sure they give you new, US Made internals. Might save you from worrying about rusting problems.
I would listen to the pros on the barrel length. I bought a 16", short gas system upper, that both lend to kicking my a** at the range. The fixed stock is a bit more robust and is easier on the shoulder than the Para version. I still prefer the para stock though.

[Dave L.]

I want a Para Congo...

Anyone know the wait time? I heard a nasty rumor that it was 4 months.

[gunadict]

usmadefals.com usually has them in stock. I have never ordered from him myself. I think my local range has some in stock, but they are a little high. I'll call mu buddy up there today and see, you should be able to order over the phone, and have it shipped to your FFL. I believe the wait time is 4-6 months. I got an OSW earlier this year that took over 6 months to get not including the time for the tax stamp. I have not had a single problem with mine. You will not be disappointed in the rifle, I got the quad rail, extended duty mount, and trigger job(which is great), and could not be happier. It is definitely my favorite rifle.

[QuickStrike]

Are the barrels on the congo model chrome lined?

[El Mac]

I personally prefer the 18" barrel, but I also own a 16" barrel.

No worries. You don't get down to 7.62x39mm velocity until you're talking about the OSW, which is stupid short for a battle rifle.

Vickers with his practical FAL set up:

Correct me if I'm wrong Templar, but isn't that one that LAV is holding a 16" with full length gas system?