I am interested in FN and FN variant semi-auto 7.62 rifles. I've always found them interesting and now that I'm able, I'd like to purchase one. My problem is that there seems to be as many variantions of the FN at there are variations of the Mauser 98. What are the popular models and what do I need to look for? Are the CETME rifles any good? I've been told that CETME cartridges weren't loaded as hot as commerical .308 Win ammunition; does this mean I would have to down load any handloads I work up for an FN auto rifle?

The rifles I found online are:
FN FAL
H&K
CETME
Stg 58

The variations available are bewildering; can someone help me with some clarity? I plan on buying some literature and reading up on them between now and the first of the year, but if one of you old hands could kinda point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

I have been wanting a SAFN rifle for many years in 30/06. Many years back Shotgun News had an ad for the selective fire parts. I always figured it would be as simple as converting a M-1 carbine to M-2. Not someting you would want to be caught with but very simple and very reliable.

http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl09-e.htm

Hi Jason,
The FNFAL is a very good rifle. It has an adjustable gas system so it can digest any .308 load just fine. The CETME and HK-91(G-3) have fluted chambers and really wear the cases. For the money, get the FAL. The STG 58 is just the Austrian version of the FAL and they are some of the best made of the FAL family. There are many versions of the FAL. Metric versions generally are any except the British, Canadian, or Australian which are Inch pattern. I have my favorites of both patterns. For more information, try the forums at falfiles.com

Mike

The CETME rifle is loads of fun, but it r*pes brass like you wouldn't believe. I've shot both Lake City, and the South African surplus through my rifle, and the SA is way more accurate, and both functioned just fine. (and both are loaded with nice, toasty military loads)

The CETME's are hit or miss. I bought mine from a friend who couldn't get it to work. (bolt would jam to the rear). As it turned out, the guide rod w/ the return spring was bent, and it held the bolt to the rear. CETME's often have quirky little problems like this.

The FAL that I shot, was wore out, and I didn't care for it at all. But it's a bullet proof design. But so is the CETME. And the HK-91 is even beefier than the CETME.

I'd reccomend checking out the FN/FAL and the CETME forums to find out about their problems, strengths and weaknesses.

Best of luck in your decision.

mike

Either the FN/FAL or the G3 are great rifles, you justed have to learn there ins and out.

I've got a SAR-48 Springfield Armory copy and it's very nice. I like the feel of the FN much more than the HK. (IMHO)

I have had a couple of FN's and found the best ones to be those from Lithgow in Aus. They are refered to here as the FN FAL L1A1. derf

You Yanks are restricted to having an after market semi-auto only receiver, which in my mind detracts from the authenticity and as one Canadian military Armourer told me, is apparently unsafe. The big difference is that he semi-only receiver has no provision for the safety sear, which controlls full auto fire, but is also a safety device that keeps the weapon from firing before the bolt is fully closed.
Grizz

quote:

Originally posted by Grizzly Adams:
You Yanks are restricted to having an after market semi-auto only receiver, which in my mind detracts from the authenticity and as one Canadian military Armourer told me, is apparently unsafe. The big difference is that he semi-only receiver has no provision for the safety sear, which controlls full auto fire, but is also a safety device that keeps the weapon from firing before the bolt is fully closed.
Grizz

WRONG!!! Its called N.F.A. weapons there are restrictions,but not for everyone. As a corporation you can own them as an investment or asset.

Hello;
O.k., so maybe I oversimplified here, but i was referring to the vast majority of FN type rifles on the market, that are available to the Man on the street. The ones we are talking about here. I realize you can go through all the hassles and pay the transfer tax and get the real thing, but these are severely restricted and in some states are not allowed.
My FALs are classified as a prohibited weapon by our illustrious government, but I am allowed to own them because they are grandfathered to me, Something that also gives me legal status to aquire other rifles, such as the AK, in the same classification.
The rifles are intact and unaltered in any way.
Grizz

Can't speak to the subject with much authority but can relate my own experience. Had an ex-Argentine FN in 7X57 for awhile - very nice piece, seemed to be in 'like-new' condition, looked and shot very well with one small exception - it would fire anywhere from one round to emptying the mag with a single trigger pull! Sometimes two, sometimes three, sometimes to empty - you just never knew. I stripped it numerous times, checked out everyting I knew to check per W.H.B. Smith's "Small Arms of the World" and could never find anything wrong with it. After a few months of this a friend wanted to buy it, said he could 'fix it' and I let him hold the piece. Two or three owners later, no one had been able to 'fix it' and I lost track of the piece.
Really a pity, I liked the gun - but I do like to know when I pull the trigger just how many times the thing will fire.

quote:

Originally posted by Collins:
I've got a SAR-48 Springfield Armory copy and it's very nice. I like the feel of the FN much more than the HK. (IMHO)

A 20 y.o. pic of my BM59, HK41, and SAR48.

It is a personal thing. I have owned A Para-Fal and a regular FAL, I prefer the H&K 91.

In regards to the fluted chamber. I did a brass life/accuracy test once, I took 11 cases, all different headstamps. I fired them 10 times each and they were still going strong.

Try to shoot and handle the ones you think you might want. Get the one you lioke the best.

N E 450 No2, good advice, as usual.

Grizzly Adams, If you are worried about the sears in the FAL design, try to track down an L1A1, as these were issued to the troops as self loading, not selective fire, with safety sears intact.

My personal choice? I have fond memories of my old National Match M1A and the 4" groups I used to get at 600m. But then, the last L1A1 I was issued would shoot an honest 2 MOA, which isn't bad at all for a battle rifle with sights on opposite side of a pivot pin.

As previously mentioned, Tex21, get whichever one you like the feel of best, or is least likely to cause any logistical problems (spares, mags etc) for you.
Best of luck with your choice.

One thing to keep in mind is like Grizzly Adams said, the ones we get in the states are "clones." Not that it's a bad thing, but each individual rifle needs to be examined for it's own merits and build quality.

The receiver manufacturer is an important consideration when choosing one of these rifles. I personally would only consider rifles built on three receivers , DSA, Imbel and Dan Coonan (D.C. Industries).

Here is one I just took delivery of. What a sweet rifle! lots of fun. Never was there a more elegant battle field rifle. Yes, I like FAL's!

Terry

Well gentlemen,

I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to this thread. I have decided that I want a DSA SA-58 with the 18" barrel.

What I want and what I can have however are entirely different things...too many irons in the fire at the present to even consider it. Still, I have learned a lot about FAL's and that counts for something!

Thanks all,

Jason, before you give up on your dream, Look at Atlantic Firearms and Impact guns. Both of these have DSA SA-58 rifles for less than $950.00! These are kit guns, but they are built by DSA and they don't use crap parts kit for them. trust me, it's a bagain and they hold thier value VERY well.

Terry

TC1 Nice looking FAL
Of the 2 I owned I liked the Para the best.

Thanks Terry!

I haven't given up. I just have to get school paid down and four Mauser projects out of the way first.

By the end of next year, there will be a nice FN in my safe!

Baboon: You can't make a M2 carbine out of a M1 carbine. It requires a M2 receiver.

I used the common version of the fal ,the fal para and the shot fal commando since i was very young and for 6 years i carried a fal almost everyday it never let me down but its a heavy rifle to climb ,run ,jump rappell ,etc.My fals were very accurate and i believe argentinian versions are the best.Juan