(Dis)Advantages of folding stock FAL?

[MatthewVanitas]

Greetings. I'd never given the FAL too much thought, but recently a really nice FAL w/ FN and Brit military markings turned up in the brigade confiscation room. Needless to say, that piece swiftly made its way to my battalion's "familiarization fire" collection. This particular one has a fixed wooden stock, but a neighboring unit found one with a muzzle-brake and folding stock, similar to the "Congo Para" rifles.

That got me to thinking: what are the advantages and disadvantages of a FAL folding stock? Not trying to go too much into the general fixed/folding argument, but keeping it more along the lines of Para FALS.

What chatter I've seen on line seems to indicate that most FAL folding stocks lock up pretty tight, but I wonder how much it throws the balance off to have such a light stock. I suppose the only advantage would be increased portability, or is there something I'm missing (besides just the coolness thereof).

What with the AWB sunset, I suppose DSA will make make true Congo Para FALS again, and those will bear some looking. Although the folding stock adds about another $300 (!) to the price of the equivalent Congo non-Para FAL.

Would appreciate any feedback on this issue, esp from those who have fired a Congo Para FAL or equivalent. Take care, -MV

 

[tankertom]

I have had complaints from folks firing it that the steel butt plate is uncomfortable. I have gotten pretty used to it and it does not bother me. It locks up tight and is compact when folded.

I have not noticed any real change in balance.

tt

 

[El Tejon]

Own them both. Folder is nice inside IFV, helicopter or such, but makes no difference to me.

Fixed stocks are for shooting and folding stocks are to feed the virus.

 

[MrMurphy]

The FAL stock is noted for solid lockup (the Israelis did a straight copy of it for the Galil stock) but I've never shot a folding FAL, so..... can't answer on that one. I imagine it'd thump a little more. (Lighter weight).

 

[geojap]

i have a dsa sa-58 and an imbel para. when the awb sunsets i'll take the bushing out of my para stock and it'll be a folder again. i've already seen how it functions folded, and the coolness factor is absolutely thru the roof. the only advantage that the folding stock affords is more compact portability. the imbel folding stock locks up really tight; it's completely solid. the para is definitely my favorite rifle in my collection of 30+ rifles.

 

[geojap]

i have a dsa sa-58 and an imbel para. when the awb sunsets i'll take the bushing out of my para stock and it'll be a folder again. i've already seen how it functions folded, and the coolness factor is absolutely thru the roof. the only advantage that the folding stock affords is more compact portability. the imbel folding stock locks up really tight; it's completely solid. the para is definitely my favorite rifle in my collection of 30+ rifles.

 

[Wildalaska]

Guess we should build a 10 inch full auot with a folding stock and have people that love folders touch off 30 rounds in sub zero weather..

But cool nonetheless..

My soon to be finished shorty will have a fixed stock regardless..

WildouchAlaska

 

[El Tejon]

Oh, la-tee-da, there he goes again with his experience and practicality. *kicks rocks, shoves hands in pocket* But, but, Wild, the folding stock looks sooo cool and Iwannacoolgun!

 

[gaven]

i have a fixed stock on my FAL and the recoil spring is in the stock so how does that work with the folding one

 

[Wildalaska]

Oh, la-tee-da, there he goes again with his experience and practicality

Yeah but Im only stupid enough to have done it once...

have a fixed stock on my FAL and the recoil spring is in the stock so how does that work with the folding one

Recoil prings in the top cover

WildparafalsaretheultimatecoolAlaska

 

[rick_reno]

The buttplate needs a piece of foam taped to it; in FA mode they are really punishing.