DSA Para FAL?

[TooFarGone]

Hey guys. I've been looking hard at a serious-business .308 semi-auto to help round-out the collection.

At first I was looking at a Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad, but decided that wasn't really what I was looking for after all. I don't want an AR-10 either; I imagine at one point I'll end up building an SR-25 clone, but that's much farther down the road.

So then I looked at a PTR-91, which has the advantage of cheap mags, but everything else you could hope to put on it seems way overpriced. So that's probably out.

So I stumbled onto the DS Arms FAL's. They're almost twice as expensive as any of the other options, but everything I've heard about them so far seems to be very positive.

So, I have a couple of questions about them. Such as, other than the small change in velocity, and I'd imagine a slightly quieter report, is there any reason to go with the 18" barrel over the 16.25" version? Also, what's the difference between a "Type 1" and "Type 2" receiver?

And on the DS Arms site, it says not to shoot steel-cased .308 out of these rifles. Is this the usual manufacturer's liability thing, or will it actually hurt the FAL to digest Wolf on a not-too-regular basis? I'm budgeting in buying a couple 1k round lots of DAG or Lake City .308 as the main practice ammo as I can afford it, but the Wolf is a little cheaper, and after all the DAG/Lake City gets bought up, it might be the only cheapie .308 around for a while.

I'd like to use this rifle as a sort of "serious" fighting carbine for <500 yards, which is about as far as I'm comfortable shooting out to with irons. After that I'm really more comfortable using some kind of optic, so I guess I could track down a SUIT to go on top.

What say you guys?

[Sarge45]

Originally Posted by TooFarGone

So, I have a couple of questions about them. Such as, other than the small change in velocity, and I'd imagine a slightly quieter report, is there any reason to go with the 18" barrel over the 16.25" version? Also, what's the difference between a "Type 1" and "Type 2" receiver?

And on the DS Arms site, it says not to shoot steel-cased .308 out of these rifles. Is this the usual manufacturer's liability thing, or will it actually hurt the FAL to digest Wolf on a not-too-regular basis? I'm budgeting in buying a couple 1k round lots of DAG or Lake City .308 as the main practice ammo as I can afford it, but the Wolf is a little cheaper, and after all the DAG/Lake City gets bought up, it might be the only cheapie .308 around for a while.

What say you guys?

Some say the 16.25" barrel guns are a little less reliable because of the shorter barrel and timing issues. I don't have any personal experience with this, just read a few posts regarding this. I have my eye on a 18" conversion to my DSA 21" (50.61 model) as I think this is the ideal length myself.

I am curious about the Wolf ammo thing too. I tried to call them last week and ask about it but got hung up on "hold" and finally gave up waiting on them. I would love to shoot the cheaper stuff if possible but won't until I know the risk.

The DSA para is an excellent gun. Well worth the money in my book.

ETA: Forgot to add the link to your question about the receivers. http://www.dsarms.com/text/faq5.htm#2

[HILLBILLY7.62]

Get a Type 2 receiver, they are stronger, stiffer & IMHO the best looking receiver made for a FAL - A Type 3 is the strongest, DSA doesn't sell complete rifles with Type 3 receivers but they have Type 3 receivers for sale, mine just came in this week & it is machined flawlessly, i test fit a new FN lower & a mint Steyr carrier & they fit perfect - Buy a like new STG 58 kit, a Type 2 receiver & have it built by a well known smith & you'll have a better rifle than you can buy from DSA - Good luck, Jon