Need some FAL advice...

[lloydkristmas]

Got a buddy of mine shipping off soon and is trying to thin out his gun collection. One that I have been eyeing is a Paratrooper style FAL carbine. He's had it for a few years, I've seen it in action and I know it works well, but I'm totally unfamiliar with this type of rifle so I want to be educated before I make an offer on it.

Here is the info he gave me on the rifle:

"I built it with an army SFC
it's a nodak receiver
south african lower
imbel upper (barrel almost intact)
US made parts: FH, PG, FCG, bolt/BC"

I dont want to mess with posting a pic right now, but externally, its in good shape, no glaring cosmetic issues.

Based on the above description, can any of you battle rifle experts tell me more about this gun, and what a reasonable offer might be? We're pretty good buddies so he wont try and stiff me but I dont want my offer to be insulting either.

Thanks

ETA this is the only picture I have of the weapon, I dont know if this helps at all

http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac40/FNHKSIG/FAL.jpg

[TOrrock]

The Nodak receiver would tell me it's a DCI, Coonan receiver, which are some of the best cast receivers out there, BUT, he then goes on to say an Imbel upper, which is a forged receiver.

Someone's confused.

[lloydkristmas]

Hmm ok I'll see if I can get some clarification. Which of those two is better, cast or forged?

I'm not too concerned about the gun running well, I know it does. I'm most interested in the ballpark value.

Thanks Templar

[TOrrock]

Unless someone spent the time and money to cut the receiver with Type 1 lightening cuts, then it's a Coonan cast receiver.

I'd prefer a forged DSA or Imbel receiver, but if I'm going to go cast, the only one I'd go with is the Coonan.

That might be an Imbel barrel, find out if it was an original Para length or if it was cut down from a surplus barrel.

I'd like to see close ups of it. I'm not aware of any South African Para lowers that came in the country. Doesn't mean it didn't happen, but I haven't seen it.

[lloydkristmas]

I sent him a text seeking clarification on some of the questions posed.

Meanwhile here are the only other two pics I can find of the gun.

http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac40/FNHKSIG/FAL4.jpg

http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac40/FNHKSIG/FAL3.jpg

[lloydkristmas]

Me: "So you said IMBEL barrel right? Is it original Para length or cut down? You said lower is S. African?"

Him: "Imbel Upper parts, SA para lower parts, cut down 16.1in barrel. BFA included"