I’m a relative neophyte to the realm of the fabled FAL. A couple of years back I’d secured a DSA version, only to sell it back off in deference to another shiny thing - before I’d even fired it!

More recently, I’ve become the owner of a Century R1A1 Imbel-marked gun. My understanding (keep in mind, neophyte here haha) is that this is hardly considered the premium FAL version to be had. The gun came with one decent steel-bodied magazine, a few polymer Thermold mags, and even another steel mag which I quickly came to realize was configured for an inch-pattern FAL versus my metric.

While the steel mag functioned mostly fine, the Thermolds were misfeed-prone every shot or three. Thus began the search for more magazines.

Surplus mags are, from what I’ve read, the most sought-after. Perhaps I’m looking for surplus mags in all the wrong places, but that supply appears to have skyrocketed in price since my previous almost-experience with an FAL. I actually thought I had a “deal” lined up on a few on another forum; alas, they were already gone as the ad had not been updated!

I had seen some at least nice-looking polymer magazines on DSA’s site, DSA-branded Fusion magazines that were even molded to look more like a factory / surplus steel magazine. They were readily-available and reasonably-priced, so I ordered a few and headed to the range.

While this is hardly a definitive review, I found success with these DSA mags. Zero issues. Well, almost zero. In working with the first one, I found I was getting single-shots out of the rifle for the first few rounds. I’d not experienced this in my previous range session, but quickly / thankfully found that adjusting the gas setting had the gun up and running smoothly in short order.

I restricted myself to 100 rounds even this session but, again, was pleased to find no feeding, ejection, or other problems using the DSA Fusion magazines exclusively. I found in pre-range dry-practice that these magazines initially required a little more effort to seat properly. They don’t give that audible “click” like a metal magazine does. Virtually all of my prior centerfire long-gun experience is with assorted ARs, so I have had (still have) EVERYTHING to learn about the FAL, including getting familiar with magazine-changes.

More to come as future range visits transpire with these magazines. Perhaps they will prove themselves to be a “Magpul-equivalent” a’la the AR world? More to come…








Real riflemen of SF (and I know there are many), please be gentle with me here. This target was shot at a whopping 25 yards haha - I’m sure the gun is capable of far better than this. I was just trying to keep ‘em in the white while also confirming gun and magazine function.

Nice to see they have mags that work now.
I really like the FAL and wish I still had mine.

I always thought they were the coolest looking rifle, beautifully lethal.
Had Imbel and STG kits but no receivers for a while just to have them, they were pretty cheap back then and warehouses of them.
DSA and a couple others had receivers with most being total crap.
DSA ones were about $400 for a type II but I used New Imbel type III Gear Logo ones that I was getting for about $200.
Not counting the tooling it cost me about $300 (with 922R) for Imbels and around $400 for a premium STG.
Milsurp ammo was around $100 for 1,600 rounds delivered so it was cheap to feed the beast too.

Only FAL thing I have now is the left side Rhodie handguard that I just found when I put up new shelving and was going through stuff.
Those were cool kits and had history.

My last version was an Imbel kit with a South African Para lower that was well used.
I reamed the pin holes and installed brass bushings for the folder and it was like new, only older.
I picked up some Aussie handguards, steamed out the dents, cleaned them with wood soap and some Linseed oil to finish.
Looked great and didn't get smoking hot.

quote:

Originally posted by powermad:
Nice to see they have mags that work now.

…didn't get smoking hot.

Yes, indeed - I’ve read some less-than-flattering remarks on some earlier versions of these mags.

As for the heat - you ain’t kidding! May bring an oven mitt the next time I shoot more than 40 rounds at a session haha. Or just another gun to plink with while this one cools!

Get a set of Imbel handguards and you'll be good to go. The STG handguards are cool, but not really practical.

Vince

^^^ Thank you and shall-do!

Surplus steel mags are your best bet. Join the falfiles forum and peruse the Marketplace. Surplus mags come up for sale frequently. You can also post a want to buy ad, and you’ll find some.

I also found a few old FAL mags at gun shows.

Good luck and enjoy you riFAL!

^^^ Thank you - I’m newly-registered over there and will have a look!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TheFrontRange, September 19, 2022 10:17 PM