accurate FAL build or buy?

[bicyclewrench]

I'm debating an FAL. I've always wanted a full size battle rifle and I'm thinking that one may meet my requirements. I want to be able to engage targets to 300 yards.(about as long as I would ever want to shoot whitetail) Which means (to me) a scope. I'll be using this rifle as a back up whitetail gun, groundhog gun, and primary plinker. I would like at LEAST 1.5 moa. I DON'T care about flash suppressors bayonet lugs or any of the other tactical adornments. So I'm debating weather to build this rifle or buy it. Will I be able to build anything that accurate with no armorer background? I'm very good with my hands, but I also understand the value of expertise. I noticed that
DSA builds them in .243, would I be able to build one in that caliber? I'm open to input, but please if you're not talking from personal experience don't muddy the waters.

 

[erict]

I recently picked up a FAL. I found a TON of useful info at falfiles.com.

Those guys can tell you everything you need to about buying/building a FAL.

 

[DMK]

I built both my FALs. They aren't the hardest rifles to build, but they aren't exactly easy either. There's a lot of little tricks just to get it functioning and "service rifle" accurate. If you want to make it a tack driver, you really need to be prepared for a lot of studying, trial and error, and maybe a little black magic.

In fact, some say the FAL isn't capable of MOA accuracy, but some very talented gunsmiths, very patient home builders and experienced companies like DSA can make them. Be prepared to spend some money on quality aftermarket parts like a good barrel and maybe a free float tube and/or scope mount.

 

[Thefabulousfink]

If you have more money than time/patience DSA is the way to go. They can build you a very nice and accurate FAL to your specs, but it will cost you $$. For a high-end DSA tac-driver I would estimate around $2k. You can save a little money if you bargain hunt for parts and have one of the excellent smiths on the FALfiles build and tune it for you. The cheapest way is to buy or build a basic fal ($600-$900) and spend a lot of time and effort to study and make your own modifications.

Even doing your own work, you probably won't get a MOA FAL for less than $1500. (after-market parts, hand loading equipment, and tools). Don't let this discourage you, my FAL build this year cost under $800 and it gets @ 3MOA without any after-market parts and surplus ammo.