Teach me about the FAL

[QuickStrike]

So what are the Pro's and Con's of the Inch vs. Metric patterned FAL's?


I've been playing with the idea of ordering a rifle from DSA with an L1A1 receiver...

[TOrrock]

So what are the Pro's and Con's of the Inch vs. Metric patterned FAL's?


I've been playing with the idea of ordering a rifle from DSA with an L1A1 receiver...

The "Inch" or "Commonwealth" pattern rifles have better ergonomics than the metric rifles; the selector is larger and easier to use, the cocking handle folds flat against the receiver, and the magazine release is larger and easier to hit.

Having said that, DSA will sell you an Inch style selector for the metric rifles, and you can also get a folding cocking handle for a metric rifle as well.

It really depends on what you're looking for in the rifle. The metric rifles have so many spare parts and accessories on the market for them that the Inch pattern rifles are generally relegated to a "fun" rifle, something to have because you want it. They are very serviceable, but there is a lack of spare parts and accessories for them.

[Davesrb]

The "Inch" or "Commonwealth" pattern rifles have better ergonomics than the metric rifles; the selector is larger and easier to use, the cocking handle folds flat against the receiver, and the magazine release is larger and easier to hit.

Having said that, DSA will sell you an Inch style selector for the metric rifles, and you can also get a folding cocking handle for a metric rifle as well.

It really depends on what you're looking for in the rifle. The metric rifles have so many spare parts and accessories on the market for them that the Inch pattern rifles are generally relegated to a "fun" rifle, something to have because you want it. They are very serviceable, but there is a lack of spare parts and accessories for them.

While the above is accurate, I do suggest you try Inch vs. Metric if possible before you buy. I like inch selectors, but I can't stand the inch furniture. The Metric fits me better, to the point that I don't even shoot my Inch patterns anymore, except the heavy barrel.
As to receivers, I have 17 FAL's, with builds on Imbel, Century, DSA, and old Entreprise. All work flawlessly, but thats due to the quality of the build.

Davesrb

[TOrrock]

Below are two FAL's, one Inch, the other Metric, that are from my collection. Both are close clones of classic rifles that would have seen service from the mid 1960's on.

Commonwealth L1A1, British Pattern. The receiver is an early Entreprise that has been massaged to work well, and the parts are British surplus. The Entreprise receivers have the lightening cuts of the Australian L1A1, but that's a cosmetic difference.
















Brit troops in Northern Ireland during the Troubles:






Rhodesian R1. This is the basic pattern that Rhodesia and South Africa adopted. The base rifle is a DSA StG-58A, which is built on a new DSA metric receiver with a pristine Austrian StG-58 parts kit. The handguard is a true veteran of the African bush wars.












Rhodesian cavalry trooper:

[Davesrb]

Nice pictures! That shows the differences well. The grip angle and pistol grip shape are slightly different and the length and shape of the buttstock are as well. Many people love the Inch pattern, but I much prefer the metric.

My favorite variant, G1's early and late versions:


My favorite range guns!

Davesrb

[Longshaor]

is Enterprise Arms still in business? Their website hasn't been updated since '07 and most of the links are dead. Are they OOB or have they just moved? Thanks in advance!

[M4Fundi]

Rhodesian cavalry trooper:

[/QUOTE]

They were called the Grey Scouts. I worked with a former Grey Scout for awhile and he told me their motto was

" A second class ride is better than a first class walk"

They used Bushman trackers on the ground in a v-formation out in front and when they made contact they would dismount (Bushman would hit the weeds & later collect the horses) and the Grey Scouts would fight on foot.

[VooDoo6Actual]

Rhodesian cavalry trooper:

They were called the Grey Scouts. I worked with a former Grey Scout for awhile and he told me their motto was

" A second class ride is better than a first class walk"

They used Bushman trackers on the ground in a v-formation out in front and when they made contact they would dismount (Bushman would hit the weeds & later collect the horses) and the Grey Scouts would fight on foot.[/QUOTE]

Good stuff !

I learned Combat Tracking from one of the best alive today David Scott Donelan.

A Selous Scout / Grey Scout and a living plethora of knowledge on Tracking, SPOOR and Ambushing a Quarry...

Giving credit where credit is due...