Should I sell my FAL?

[usp_fan]

I have a kit built FAL that I am considering parting ways with. It is an IMBEL reciever built up with an Argentinian parts kit. The barrel has been trimmed to 18" and (after the ban) threaded for a flash hider.

I built this gun several years ago just for fun. Parts kits were cheap and it gave me something to do over the winter months. The rifle is reliable and robust. It is battle rifle accurate. It is a solid platform and one of the best (I believe) .308 battle rifles. But I just don't enjoy shooting it a lot. It is fun, but my AR is fun too, and a lot more controllable in rapid fire.

Lately, I've been eyeing a Smith & Wesson Mountain Gun in .45 colt or a good heavy barreled bolt gun in .308, or a Garand, or a light weight commander--you get the idea.

So help me in my thought process.

--usp_fan

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

A good FAL is a great thing to have on hand in case you need it. Much better gun than an AR in terms of ruggedness, reliability and effectiveness in combat. Everyone needs to have at least one .308 caliber battle rifle, and you have a damned good one. Don't sell it. Save up for the other stuff instead.

I couldn't vote because none of the choices expressed my sentament. If you had one up there that said, "Keep it. Everyone needs one good .308 battle rifle," that would be my vote.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

If you're comfortable in the knowledge that your AR is a field-worthy rifle and not a dainty range queen, then I'd sell off the FAL to fund ammo/training for the AR (coming from a .308 enthusiast and someone who's not a fan of the AR/5.56). If your particular AR isn't really something you'd want to trust for defense or SHTF, then sell the FAL and get another battle rifle (M1A, PTR91, etc) that you would trust for such a role and enjoy shooting. Another option is, if you don't completely trust your AR, to sell both and get a better AR and a couple of helpful goodies like an ACOG or Aimpoint, etc.

If you get into practical shooting sports with the AR, you'll have a pretty big 'gear' bill racked up in no time that your FAL sale could also fund.

Basically, I'd personally rather have one rifle that I know, use and trust than a couple of rifles that I'm 'ok' with.

Tough decision, good luck with it.

 

[JShirley]

Consider carefully. Those two sound like good and complimentary pieces, not an either/or deal.



John

 

[DMK]

Don't sell it. You'll be sorry (especially since you built it). I rarely sell guns, but I sold a Marlin Camp 9 a while back to finance my first AR. Now, I'm still not a fan of pistol caliber carbines and I'm glad I've got the AR, but I every once in a while I miss plinking with that Marlin. I should have just saved up the money.

 

[Artful]

Parts kits will only go up in price now - receivers also - as both have been singled out by big brother. I'd say save you beer money for a new toy and hang onto that FAL - (want to ask about the Izzy Heavy Barral FAL I sold cheap as I could always find another cheap - right?)

 

[ny32182]

I'm a big AR fan, but if I could only keep *one* rifle for the rest of my life, it would be a FAL. Don't sell it. It can get the job done in a wider variety of situations than just about anything else out there. I love my SA-58 and wouldn't part ways with it.

Plus, I have a personal rule against selling any gun that I am *totally* happy with.

 

[arizcowboy]

The Garand is the only gun on your list I would consider replacing the FAL with. Just as powerful and all American.

 

[444]

I don't think you should sell anything.
Save up and buy more.

I am privilaged to own an FAL, a G3 clone, an M1A, an AK, M1s.................... BUT, if TSHTF, I would be bugging out with my AR. No question.
If it came down to that decision for me and I HAD to sell one, the FAL would go and the AR would stay. But, there is a real good chance that you will regret it. Keep both, and save.