Metric FAL gas system

[rambart]

Hello, What is the most reliable gas system for an FAL with a 16 inch barrel, a long (standard) or a short gas system? I do realize you can't simply use one or the other on a given barrel and that the shorter system has a shorter sight radius. Kinda the same thing as an AR15 16" dissipator barrel vs an AR with a 16" carbine barrel. Thanks and I look forward to being on the forum, Bart

 

[HorseSoldier]

Never had any stoppages with my DSA Para with the carbine length system, matching or exceeding my full sized FAL (which is a Century and which has jammed a couple times with really heavy use). So, as hard as I've run them, they're basically the same.

 

[Z-Michigan]

The short gas system made by DSA is likely to be more reliable. But it's also 100% proprietary to DSA.

May I suggest an 18" FAL, which is reliable with the standard length gas system? I have two, they work great.

 

[Motega]

I was in the same position last month and did LOTS of research... from my research (forums, talking with a few gunsmiths, talking to DSA before I purchased, etc.) there is nothing bad about the short gas system BUT like you said the parts aren't interchangeable. I'm guessing in 20 years from now there will still be millions of regular length gas system parts around but short gas system parts won't be as easy to find. That's what informed my decision- as well as a comment by a VERY well known FAL smith that said while 18" is OK, anything less than that is pushing the design to its limits and is less than ideal. I'm not sure exactly what that means but I took it to mean like pushing anything to it's limits whether it is ammo pressures or stereo speakers is less than ideal.

 

[rambart]

Thanks for the replies! Although the short gas system looks cool and would work well as a SBR, the 18" might be the best choice due to parts avalability in years to come. Again, Thanks... If anyone else want to give some feedback, everything is welcome, Bart