LVSteve
Member
The FAL is a great weapon, but it has some drawbacks.
First, it is darned heavy compared to an AR type platform.
Second, unless you are prepared to shell out for a new barrel or a DSA built gun, they are not all that accurate.
Third, the gas system is adjustable, but is still unsuitable for off the shelf .308 ammo with a long pressure curve. I think this could be fixed with a modified/new design gas plug but I don't have the resources to try it right now. How DPMS get around this in a 16" barreled rifle with the Stoner system I have no idea, but apparently they do. Ruger have some clever tricks with their SR-762 piston system to deal with this issue as shown in this month's American Rifleman.
I'm not down on the FAL, in fact I love its simplicity. ARs and AKs are downright fiddly by comparison. Then again the FAL is complex compared to a MAS 49/56, but that's another story.
First, it is darned heavy compared to an AR type platform.
Second, unless you are prepared to shell out for a new barrel or a DSA built gun, they are not all that accurate.
Third, the gas system is adjustable, but is still unsuitable for off the shelf .308 ammo with a long pressure curve. I think this could be fixed with a modified/new design gas plug but I don't have the resources to try it right now. How DPMS get around this in a 16" barreled rifle with the Stoner system I have no idea, but apparently they do. Ruger have some clever tricks with their SR-762 piston system to deal with this issue as shown in this month's American Rifleman.
I'm not down on the FAL, in fact I love its simplicity. ARs and AKs are downright fiddly by comparison. Then again the FAL is complex compared to a MAS 49/56, but that's another story.
