I am looking at getting a 308 rifle and have narrow my choice to these two:
DS Arms SA58 FAL
or
Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad
This would just a be range and occasional training rifle. I would appreciate any advice on either one of these rifles.
DS Arms SA58 FAL
This is something that I have thought about as well. What is your reasoning? In my area I am leaning more towards the M1A because I see them more often and parts seem to be easier to find. But I am not set and would also like to here some other thoughts
I have owned SA M1A1 it was great but the FN-FAL is a more modern design and the next 7.62 battle rifle I buy will be a DSA FN-FAL variant .
DSA.
Parts are everywhere, you can still get surplus parts kits if needed.
Much more ergonomic, and honestly I believe the craftsmanship is much better as well.
This couldn’t be any farther from the truth.
Military spec FAL parts are still somewhat plentiful due to the sickening amount of parts kit imported. There are several online vendors (DSA being the big one) that have parts readily available.
On the other hand if you want spares for an M1A you are going have to pay a ridiculously high price for hard to find GI parts.
Example:
GI M14 bolt = $300+
FAL bolt and carrier = $60-80
FAL barrel = $100-150
M14 barrel = $400+
FAL complete lower = $80-100
M14 trigger group and bottom metal = $300+
(You get the picture here)
DSA build an incredible, 100% reliable, highly accurate rifle.
I have a 16" stainless, fluted “para” that out-shoots a 20" Steyr sniper rifle.
Also, there are many more parts avail (cheap), incl. Mags!
AND IT IS MADE IN THE USA!!!
The M14 went into production one year after FN rolled out the FAL. While the FAL was a new design the M14 was based on a design that was 20 years older but proven in battle. There are plenty of good reasons to chose the FAL over the M1A1 but I don’t think the age of the design is one of them. I wouldn’t recommend buying an M&P over a Glock solely because the Glock design is 25 years older than the M&P’s. YMMV.
I was talking about ergonomics thumb safety left side charging handle.
Like I posted before I owned a SA M1A1 loaded edition it was a great rifle.
Springfield Inc M14 variants are not build to the same high standards as a GI M14.
On the other hand, DSA FALs are built as close as possible to to a real FAL.
A more far comparison here is a DSA FAL vs. a LRB M14.
Another FAL vote. If I was smart enough, or had the time to shoot enough, to remain proficient with te AR AND another platform, the DSA SA58C would be it.
They are both good. I would probably say FAL if I had to pick one, but I would be happy with either.
So it looks like the consenus is the Scout Squad…
…joking…I will be ordering a DS Arms SA58 carbine the beginning of May. Thanks to eveyone for responding and the advice.
Be prepared for a 3-4 month wait. It will be worth it.
Battle proven is one thing that the FAL most certainly is.
Based on the rifles I’ve handled from both companies, the DSA guns seem to have better craftsmanship and seem more solid overall. Take that for what it’s worth.
There is a large gun store near me, which in turn is not far from DSA, and the guys at the store said that the DSA guns have very few problems and some of the most satisfied customers.
Go with the DSA. Cheaper & more available parts & mags, great quality:value ratio.
I bought a DSA SA-58 carbine when they were just starting out. The quality is excellent and they are a great company to deal with.
@Templar: Thanks for the link, great article.
AR10 owns them both:D
Until you have to buy parts or mags… 