So I've shot both the CETME and the FAL (I know the G3 and CETME aren't exactly the same, don't shoot me!) and I like both for different reasons. I think FALs are good guns, definitely better IMHO than the AR-10s I've shot (look guys, I just don't care for ARs, I'm not attacking you or your likes) for me. I own a C308, not a FAL, for a few reasons:
1. Cost. It costs less.
2. Accuracy. As others have stated, the G3 family just generally shoots better. Part of that is that there's no gas system hanging off the barrel (Yes, cocking tube and stuff, but those aren't the same) - you can't have a true free-floating barrel if there's anything hanging off it (That's why I laugh when people claim that ARs can have it - it's not exactly true). The difference is probably one of degree, and dependent on the comfort of a shooter—anyone with enough time on any gun can get used to the eccentricities of the firearm.
3. Easier to clean. No gas system. Just the barrel, bolt, and muzzle brake.
4. Reliability. Simpler system, less moving parts for me to worry about.
5. Ergonomics. I actually like the CETME/G3 cocking tube, mag release, etc. I hear everyone wax poetically about what they prefer, and that's all good. There's no objective answer here.
FALs are cool though because they seem a bit easier to make at home, and they definitely feel like solid, powerful guns especially compared to the M14 (which feels a bit delicate to me for some reason) and the AR-10. I think they're reasonably reliable and accurate weapons. I think it's also possible to appreciate them without buying into politics. I can appreciate other's guns (i.e. ARs, AKs, or bolt-actions) that they own without worshiping the ground they lay on.
1. Cost. It costs less.
2. Accuracy. As others have stated, the G3 family just generally shoots better. Part of that is that there's no gas system hanging off the barrel (Yes, cocking tube and stuff, but those aren't the same) - you can't have a true free-floating barrel if there's anything hanging off it (That's why I laugh when people claim that ARs can have it - it's not exactly true). The difference is probably one of degree, and dependent on the comfort of a shooter—anyone with enough time on any gun can get used to the eccentricities of the firearm.
3. Easier to clean. No gas system. Just the barrel, bolt, and muzzle brake.
4. Reliability. Simpler system, less moving parts for me to worry about.
5. Ergonomics. I actually like the CETME/G3 cocking tube, mag release, etc. I hear everyone wax poetically about what they prefer, and that's all good. There's no objective answer here.
FALs are cool though because they seem a bit easier to make at home, and they definitely feel like solid, powerful guns especially compared to the M14 (which feels a bit delicate to me for some reason) and the AR-10. I think they're reasonably reliable and accurate weapons. I think it's also possible to appreciate them without buying into politics. I can appreciate other's guns (i.e. ARs, AKs, or bolt-actions) that they own without worshiping the ground they lay on.
