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Firearms Technical Trivia, April 2001:
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6. OBSERVATIONS ON COMPONENT QUALITY
When it comes right down to it, the list of component needed to assemble a FAL is pretty short. You'll need:
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626.962.8712 |
(Dealer) |
We received
two type 3 receivers from Entreprise. Both of them were well finished
in a dark gray parkerizing and all barrels indexed perfectly. However,
the ejector block on the first receiver had been mounted ever so slightly
higher than the forward edge of the locking shoulder recess. As a
result the locking shoulder would not seat properly. A call to Entreprise
explained the situation: This feature was not uncommon on early Entreprise
receivers and was intended to minimze the set-back effect upon initial
firing. However, it did require the customer to fit the receiver.
Customer feedback indicated that this was unacceptable to those building
kit guns at home. As a result, Entreprise redesigned the receiver
so that the ejector block geometry was identical to that of the originals.
All of the earlier receivers were witdrawn, to be used only in the manufacture
of complete guns by Entreprise staff. That is to say, while there
is nothing wrong with these receivers, they may present challenges which
the home assembler is not prepared to face. We accidentally received
one of these receivers.
The second Entreprise Type 3 receiver was identical to the first, with the exception of the ejector block geometry. Assemly with this receiver was as easy or easier than with the Imbel receiver or the Type 1 Entreprise receiver. We believe this receiver to be indicative of the typical quality of Entreprise receivers. |
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626.962.8712 |
(Dealer) |
The Entreprise Type 1 receiver displayed a combination of painstaking manufacture and finish. Our StG58 test barrel indexed perfectly to the 11 o'clock position, and torqued to position perfectly. Headspacing went equally smoothly. In fact, the whole barreling and headspacing operation was completed in under fifteen minutes. All radii and geometries were proper and correct. Fit of all parts to the receiver was excellent. If you're looking for a Type 1 receiver with which to build a special FAL, this one gets our vote. This receiver was a quality piece that compared favorably with the Imbel receiver in all respects. |
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626.962.8712 Dealer Warehouse
Sarco,
Inc.
AIM,
Inc.
Century
Arms
Federal Arms Corp
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(Dealer) $218.50
$218.50
$229.00
$249.87
$219.00 |
We had the
opportunity to inspect Imbel type 3 receivers supplied by Entreprise Arms,
Dealer Warehouse, AIM, and Century Arms. Sarco's receivers are identical
to those from Dealer Warehouse. All the Imbels we saw, whether they
had the "gear logo" or the "military 1/8" lettering" were exceptionally
well made and finished. Visual inspection indicated that all
geometries were proper. The finish was an attractive dark grey parkerizing
that was slightly rough to the touch.
The Imbel receivers were notable for their exceptional ease of use. Barrels indexed properly, locking shoulders went in correctly and without undue effort, and the disassembly latches fit well without any need for corrective action on the assembler's part. Magazines locked in correctly, and at the right height for proper feeding. Indeed, the worst thing one could say about the Imbel receiver is that it forces one to use an additional domestically manufactured part! |
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763.780.8780 Wholesale
Guns & Ammo
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Ugly, ugly ugly! But once you look beyond the worn finish and the spattered paint, there is an eminently serviceable gun trying to get out! Additionally, we prefer the handguards on these guns, which are not shaped or relieved for the bipod, and the gas plug which has an integral grenade launcher sight. These kits practically require that you refinish the assembled gun, and you might need to purchase a new gas tube, but they still represent an incredible value. |
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763.780.8780 Inter-Ordnance
Classic
Arms
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$249.95
$169.95 |
The former
lingua franca of the FAL builder. These kits are usually in very
nice shape, and generally have the vast majority of the original finish.
The standards of manufacture and of fit and finish are very high - these
are quality parts, make no mistake about it. Additionally, the StG
kits have features that endear them to many people. These include
a folding bipod, a straight line stock, and stamped steel handguards.
Most StG kits require the removal of the receiver stub.
If the assembled gun is going to be refinished, there is some question as to whether the additional expense of an StG kit is justified. On the other hand, if you have to have an StG. . . . |
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724.727.2648 |
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These kits are from Chilean military rifles (Brazilian M964's) that were purchased in 1975 in anticipation of a border war with Argentina. They are identical to late production FN 50.00 FAL's. In the event, the war never took place. As a result the rifles were in excellent, almost new mechanical condition with finish wear commensurate to being carried around a good deal. The kit we saw was no exception. The bore was almost new, and all the internals showed little if any use. Standards of manufacture are very high. Exterior finish is a black epoxy paint (stoving) over a phosphate finish. Finish wear was concentrated on the front third of the rifle. |
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(Trigger, Hammer, Sear) |
847.277.7258 |
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No discernible difference from originals. Drop in fit. |
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(Sear, Hammer)
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626.962.8712
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Intentional cosmetic differences from originals. Drop in fit. |
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847.277.7258 |
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No discernible difference from originals. Drop in fit - most of the time. Slightly larger in diameter, which makes up for wear in the gas system, but may bind in tight gas tubes. |
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626.962.8712 |
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Intentional cosmetic differences from originals. Drop in fit. |
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847.277.7258 |
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Identical size and shape to originals, but a different texture and feel. Plastic is softer, with a matte finish and a matte texture. Molding lines visible on front and rear straps. Works with original nut and accepts cleaning kit. |
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724.727.2648 |
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These are the grips being produced by Israel Arms (IAI) Similar in size and shape to originals, but slimmer in cross section, and raked more sharply to the rear by a degree or two. Not scalloped for selector, so moving selector to full auto position is impossible. Comes with original cleaning kit. Grooved for cleaning kit retention wire. As a result of the slimmer contour and difference in angle, the cleaning kit will not fit into the grip if the original nut is used - a replacement nut is supplied for this purpose. Plastic is, as with the DSA grip, softer than the original, and sports a matte finish. Molding lines visible on the front and rear straps. |
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626.962.8712 |
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See Test Fire and Muzzle Brake Selection |
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847.277.7258 |
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See Test Fire and Muzzle Brake Selection |
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See Test Fire and Muzzle Brake Selection |
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626.281.8283 |
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No discernible difference from originals. Drop in fit. |