Who knows information about STG-58/ FN FAL rifles?

Me

[2nd_Amendment_Defender]

I was looking to buy an STG-58/ FN FAL rifle in the future and was wondering what exactly I should look for. I would like to spend no more than $650 on the rifle. What is my best option? Could I get a good quality FN FAL/ STG-58 rifle for that price?

Also, is there anyway to modify these rifle types to make the pistol grip into a thumbhole stock so I can legally put a flash hider on it?

Are L1-A1 rifles better than STG-58 rifles? Are Heckler & Koch G3 rifles heavier than STG-58 rifles?

I also have a side question for a friend about 20 gauge shotguns. Anybody have any recommendations on a good home defense models of 20 gauge shotguns (he would prefer models which have a stock and not just a pistol grip).

[Mulder]

bang

[2nd_Amendment_Defender]

[Joe Brower]

Personally, I have a DSA SA-58 with the medium contour barrel, no bipod and no carrying handle. I love it, and so does everyone else who I've let shoot it. All metric. Hard to go wrong with a FAL, IMHO. Besides that, perhaps someone else here will have some suggestions.

[demlosers]

Also, is there anyway to modify these rifle types to make the pistol grip into a thumbhole stock so I can legally put a flash hider on it?

In one year, the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban will hopefully become obsolete -- sunset. I believe then you should be able to get a flash suppressor.

[Squantos]

Two other's that have mentioned such a kewl tewl ! Chookter & Jeff Head ...........:o)

Stay Safe !

[Mulder]

Nice rifle.

I eventually plan to buy a battle rifle, and am leaning towards either a Sprinfield M1A or AR-10. I think I'm going to wait and see what happens with the AWB ban next year, as this will affect the price of mags.

[Gringo1]

I think the CETME's are a bit less expensive...but ya can see why in the finish.

[.38sw]

Have you checked out The Falfiles?

My husband has an FN FAL, all properly mutilated with a fixed magazine and muzzle brake, to make it California legal. *sigh*

[nvcdl]

Go to www.falfiles.com - all will be revealed.

You can build your own rifle or buy someone elses kit built gun for $650 or less.

I think ATF decided a few years back that thumbhole stocks had pistol grips but hopefully this issue will be moot after November 2004.

[AdA$tra]

I eventually plan to buy a battle rifle, and am leaning towards either a Sprinfield M1A or AR-10.

I personally have been looking to go the cheaper route. I have been drooling over a Ruger Mini-30 at a shop around the corner.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

Ask here, such is their passion: Black rifles and ugly guns

[11B3]

Just spend a little time going through the Shotgun News - you will find your answers to both questions. There are tons of FN/FAL parts kits, and lots of good receivers out there that enable you to build a good rifle for far less than $650. (Para model costs more.)

If accuracy and dependability are both the top considerations, then you can't build a better one than a para model with a Congo style forend and heavy barrel that is bipod cut. Forget about the thumbhole stock (unless you're in CA) - by using enough US made parts the pistol grip stock is OK. Check out Tapco.com for more specifics, or go to the BATF and read Sec 922. (If you can understand Sec 922, please instruct the rest of us out here.)

[and the horse you rode in on]

I got my first FAL in '62 when Browning imported some. They are marvelous rifles.

I would stick with the metric, because there are far more of them and thus magazines than there are english.

If the assault rifle ban fails to be renewed next year, you can have a flash hider and a pistol grip. In the meantime, ther are thumbhole stocks made that fit. I would rather do without the flashider.

I don't care for the G3. I am still not convinced delayed blowback is an apropriate locking method for a high intensity cartridge. I also don't like what they do to the brass.

[cpdiii]

I have been drooling over a Ruger Mini-30 at a shop around the corner.

The mini 30 and the mini 14 are reliable and nice looking weapons. Their accuracy is not that good. If your target is within 100 yards they will do fine. If over 100 consider another weapon. M1A, AR-10, AR-15, and if you are thinking of a bolt gun there are many that will do the job. The Remington 700 and 710 series available in many different calibers will do what you want done.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

Thread is ongoing there now on the Fal, I even thought it might be you for discussion is running same as your questions. Black rifles and ugly guns........ want to buy a Fal

[11B3]

For all of the best info on how to build FN/FAL series rifles, here is your source: Arizona Response Systems . They know their FN's as well or better than even DSA.

[AlBondigas]

more info & links here

[PatrioticAmerican]

I second the DSA option, but $650 is about half the price needed.

[UncleJeff]

On the shotgun, for his purposes a Mossberg Model 500 is as good as anything made, and several dollars cheaper than some. If intended for use by his wife get the Youth Model. And tell him to forget about heavy buckshot loads, field-load #6s are ideal for inside-the-house ranges, and are much less likely to blow through a miscreant and two walls and cause collateral damage.