Considering first FAL... need help

[jbsumner2]

This is my first post and potentially first FAL. I have a local offer to trade for an FAL and I dont know much about them but have always been intrigued. I know this would probably be better posted on the FAL files but im not a member over there.

Seller has told me he purchased in the mid 90s and rifle was put together by a gunsmith. He says its a British L1A1 built on an Imbel receiver. Pictures he has provided are below.

Im a frequent reader on the forum so hoping to get some good information from everyone. Just trying to get a rough idea of value so i can determine if this is a decent deal for me and also overall quality of a rifle like this. Really appreciate the help in advance!

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[CRAMBONE]

L1A1s are inch pattern and mags and parts are gonna be harder to source and more expensive, from what I’ve read and been told. I think Imbel receivers had a decent reputation. I’d ask for a test fire though since it’s a parts gun.

[xtriggerman]

I have 2 FAL's and they are iconic battle rifles. The Imbel receiver is top notch Brazilian made under FN license. DSA is selling there new basic metric FAL for about $1K. So you have to figure a home built L1A1 like that pictured falls into the 6-7 hundred category. The L1A1 has in my opinion some pluses and minus's against the metric version. The Gas regulator is a nicer unit on the L1A1 with numbered gas port positions as opposed to no actual port position markings on the metric. I like the fold down sight on the Inch over the fixed but I like the push button elevation lock in on the metric. From there on the Metric gets the upper hand with a better mag release, bolt hold open, more comfortable trigger and grip along with a less obtrusive safety switch. I guess it boils down to how much value you have going into the trade as long as the guy guarantees the L1A1 shoots well with no issues. DSA has a limited life time warranty.

[jbsmwd]

IF its an inch pattern RECEIVER you can run both Metric and Inch pattern magazines. IF its a metric pattern RECEIVER then only metric pattern magazines(unless the INCH pattern magazine has been modified). Metric pattern receivers have a small round cut out for the magazine to fit in too. (its the small piece of metal sticking out of the front of the magazine). Inch pattern receivers will have a much larger shelf for the larger tab that is on Inch pattern magazines. You should find out what type of receiver you are buying for latter magazine purchases should you want to get more.

check out the FAL Files.

[jbsmwd]

also look at the feed ramps there should by 2 ramps( left and right side for staggered feed magazine) not a single "uni-brow" feed ramp. If its has a "uni-brow" feed ram then more than likely its not an Imbel receiver. "uni-brow" receivers can be made to run but they are not ideal.

[lowprone]

I would just find a Springfield SAR 48 and be done with it.
Itajuba factory pre ban forged receiver, metric, prices are very reasonable, now,
who knows about tomorrow

[sig1473]

That's not an Imbel receiver. I can see "Canada" marked on the receiver. That is more than likely a Century cobbled together FAL. I think the guy is being less than truthful IMHO.

[jbsumner2]

Thank you very much for the feedback everyone! After taking this all into consideration, I am definitely going to pass. I was questioning the Canada marking as well.

It's very helpful to receive all your thoughts and I believe you saved me from a bad trade.

[mack7.62]

Jeepers lots of negativity here, go join the FAL Files and do some research, points to ponder, not all CIA guns are disasters, some early CIA builds used Imbel or Argentine receivers that were not marked, price on a CIA unmarked receiver rifle should be substantially lower than many others. If it has twin feed ramps, if barrel looks decent and if you can shoot it to confirm function and you can get it for less than $600 and you want a FAL to play with learn on then I would consider it. If you are looking for one to fulfill the battle rifle role and for serious use I would look for a better quality build.

[RetroRevolver77]

Delete.

[Bret]

I would just find a Springfield SAR 48 and be done with it.
Itajuba factory pre ban forged receiver, metric, prices are very reasonable, now,
who knows about tomorrow
Reasonable or not, that's a $2500+ rifle. I had a Springfield SAR-4800 (thumbhole version of the SAR-48 with no flash hider). It was factory built by Imbel. The chamber was grossly oversized and headspace was excessive. I built an STG-58 from a kit on an Entreprise receiver. Because it's way more accurate than the SAR-4800 and doesn't destroy brass like the SAR-4800, I sold the SAR-4800. The bottom line here is that while "factory" built is better as far as collectability and value goes, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get a better performing rifle.


That's not an Imbel receiver. I can see "Canada" marked on the receiver. That is more than likely a Century cobbled together FAL. I think the guy is being less than truthful IMHO.
I have a Century FAL (in 5.56x45 no less) that has an Imbel receiver and is marked Canada, so they do exist. It's likely true that it was put together by a gunsmith, but you don't know if the Century gunsmith was a monkey or not.

[RetroRevolver77]

delete

[SteyrAUG]

Imbel with a L1A1 kit or Stg 58 kit are common early FALs.

But they come in all kinds of flavors.

Sometimes the receiver was imported by Century Arms but the build was done by somebody else, potentially this could be an excellent rifle.

But sometimes the build was done by Century Arms and it's not a matter of Century didn't know how to cobble a FAL together, the problem is they used Z grade parts kits and pot metal crap 922r compliance parts.

The problem is it can be very difficult to determine who actually did the build. Generally metric is preferred to inch pattern rifles because parts and magazines are more available. Also metric kits (especially Steyr made) were brought in in much greater quantities so there is a better chance of getting a rifle made from a parts kit in VG or better condition.

Unless you can absolutely verify who did the build, I'd try and source a DSA made Stg 58 with a factory Steyr barrel, those are usually in excellent condition. But keep in mind DSA sold receivers and a lot of other people used them for Stg 58 builds so you'd have to find some way of verifying it's a DSA built rifle.

[jsbhike]

Needs more pics, but more than likely Imbel.

https://falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291046

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/L1A1_Self-Loading_Rifle

I can't see the floor plate well enough to tell which magazine is in it.

The butt and grip are Maranyl which were pricey the last time a saw any for sale. Can't tell if the pistol grip popsicle stick is there and what kind of screw.

Fairly sure the forearm is not an original L1A1.

The barrel appears to be full length so that makes me think a legit L1A1 parts kit on a Century imported Imbel upper. If correct, that is a plus since it is the original barrel threading and cut for the flash hider locking key along with not having a rebuilt pistol grip stud (Century had to mill the stud off for their thumb hole stocks.) If correct, :D that is likely also a plus since Century didn't have a hand in setting the breaching washer(barrel timing) or the locking shoulder(sets head space).

It does have an L1A1 bolt carrier, but Century occasionally stuck non L1A1 bolts in them which will work although not as smooth.

[GNXII]

DSA from the 90's is the way to go.

[Ready.Fire.Aim]

In the days of cheap parts kits, FAL build parties were common.
Anyone with a little aptitude could build a FAL cheap, FrankenFALs with mixed parts were common items at gun shows.

Unless you can shoot it ~200 rounds to verify it runs, I would avoid it. Much better off getting a DSA or one from a known builder.

I have a few FALS. Imbels, Austrian, and a DSA.
Also have a Century receiver FrankenFAL L1A1 that runs perfectly fine.

All soft shooters, much easier than a G3. Not noted for accuracy like an AR10 but reliable rifles.

Good luck !

[lowprone]

I have seen Springfield SAR 48 rifles sell for sub 2K $ on falforums marketplace in the last 90 days.

[jsbhike]

In the days of cheap parts kits, FAL build parties were common.
Anyone with a little aptitude could build a FAL cheap, FrankenFALs with mixed parts were common items at gun shows.

Unless you can shoot it ~200 rounds to verify it runs, I would avoid it. Much better off getting a DSA or one from a known builder.

I have a few FALS. Imbels, Austrian, and a DSA.
Also have a Century receiver FrankenFAL L1A1 that runs perfectly fine.

All soft shooters, much easier than a G3. Not noted for accuracy like an AR10 but reliable rifles.

Good luck !

Not sure about currently, but DSA went through a few years where reviews seemed to be on par with Century Angry Beavers.

[PenderMedic]

My best most reliable and accurate FAL was my first many moons ago, A Century R1A1 ....Was the cheapest way to go at the time, and since then went through more higher end FALs, including a springfield....but my CAI R1A1 with imbel receiver has always been the bees knees....I Got lucky I guess, because I have heard of many problems With CAI in the past. But wouldn't trade mine for anything

[Firefly]

Time is not on your side. I miss my STG 58. It was Austrian with Imbel receiver.

If you just had to have a FAL, get a DSA.

If it were me, I’d likely get the standard 21”.

Dubya really killed off the parts kit scene but that’s another story.