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m14 vs FAL select fire. Which one should I purchase


NFA amnesty
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Hey guys, thinking of purchasing a FAL and wondering the pros/cons between that weapon and the M14.  From all the youtube time I have spent on research, the M14 has better sights and more accurate.  The FAL has less recoil and more controllable on Full Auto.  The metric mags for a FAL are more expensive than for the M14 along with parts.

I want something "fun" to shoot on FA so leaning towards the FAL.   

What say the collective?

 

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Great question.  I have the same question, but don't have the transferable FAL in hand yet.  I've had a semi for years, but have not shot it.  I think in the end, the M14 is easier to accurize, etc., but I think the FAL while not as accurate is likely a more robust battle rifle overall.  I doubt the recoil is much different and I have M14s that are modified with lower recoil, so it can be done.  The mags are about a wash, 40-50 for FAL mags and a bit less for decent GI M14's.   There is the .22 kit for the FAL's if you're into that kind of thing.

Decent M14 parts are not real cheap.  I have not looked into FAL parts yet.  The good news is all of it is readily available for now.   My goal is to do a M14, FAL, and G3 shoot off at some point in the future?

I'm currently reading the FAL book series...but it's thick and FAL will be here before I finish?   Also interested in other opinions.

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Shot both.  Carried a M14/M21 in the service and put many rounds down range.  I think the M14 is more robust and can be made more accurate.  The FAL, to me is easier to shoot in full auto, but that could be because of the pistol grip.  I like them both.  I think the M14 is a little cheaper too.  

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I think the FAL is more enjoyable in full auto as compared to a full auto M14. This is based on shooting a F/A FN FAL and a F/A US military TRW M14.

I would pick the M14 the as winner when shooting sem-automatic.

Edited by Bridgeport28A1
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On 8/29/2024 at 10:13 AM, TSMGguy said:

I don't believe that one is clearly superior to the other. Both have their places in a collection.  

Well then.... he should get both. It's just money!

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1 hour ago, Rekraps said:

Well then.... he should get both. It's just money!

Right!

 

Edited by TSMGguy
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I have a DS H&R M14 and an LIA1, I had an HK G3.

My comment is simply... shoot a .308 / 7.62 on full auto before you buy one.

That being said, I like M14s for their history and being U.S. issue, but 90 countries adopted the FAL only one adopted the M14

In my book, there is lots of info on both rifles including the T48 (US FAL) and early attempts at making the M1 Garand full auto, as well as all the weapons developed and tested for the 1950s "Light Rifle Program"

m14 cover lores.jpg

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31 minutes ago, Frank Iannamico said:

I have a DS H&R M14 and an LIA1, I had an HK G3.

My comment is simply... shoot a .308 / 7.62 on full auto before you buy one.

That being said, I like M14s for their history and being U.S. issue, but 90 countries adopted the FAL only one adopted the M14

 

m14 cover lores.jpg

You think the BAR in the video you made, is more enjoyable than a M14 full auto?  It was the end of the fiscal year and we had to burn up our allotment of ammo.  I can't remember how many cases of 7.62 we had to shoot.  I had two privates behind me loading mags while I burned thru at least a case, mostly full auto.  The rifle never jammed and I carried that same rifle for about two years without ever replacing a part.  Even when I left the sniper position, to become a squad leader. I carried the M14.  

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No comparison, the BAR is a good bit heavier, thus easier to control, I cannot shoot an M14 like that. Its not so much muzzle rise as it is recoil.  

I also have the M14E2 stock, bipod, and muzzle comp, which doesn't help much. The pistol grip on the E2 stock, FN FAL and G3 does help with control. 

I admit I am somewhat spoiled by mostly shooting M16s and subguns.

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I've been lucky enough to have burnt through a lot of ammo out of each of these rifles.  A lot of it in full-auto.  In as-issued condition, they are equally accurate.  For snap-shooting, I prefer the FAL as it has better ergonomics and balance for that.  The M14 is better for prone semi-auto fire.  In full-auto, it's not contest.  The FAL is much more controllable as long as you get your body behind it (true for all shoulder-fired full auto).

As far as parts and accessories go, I still see lots of parts and mags for the FAL at reasonable prices  Surplus mags can still be found at ~$20 each, and there are surplus 30rd mags if you want them.  M14 parts are out there, but replacing the full-auto parts can be a chore, and spare bolts can be pricey. 

Given the price of these rifles these days, I'd advise you to take a trip to a place that rents them both and shoot a couple of mags through each to make your own mind.  Wives are generally amenable to take a trip to Las Vegas if you buy tickets to a couple of shows!  :-)

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I will take your advice.  I am heading to Vegas in October, to go to the Big Sandy.    It's been 30 years or so, since I shot either in full auto.  In the meantime, I am looking at M1/2 carbines, no thanks to Franks video.

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  • 5 weeks later...

Here's my own Eden Imports all Australian L1A1. It's semi-auto only, as they all were.

 

 

Edited by TSMGguy
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3 hours ago, ranger1385 said:

Nice rifle!  The wood looks like new.  Are those inch or metric?  

Inch, thru and thru!

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  • 4 weeks later...

I went the FAL route, as should have the U.S. Military!!   I do like the history of both and amused Belgium refused to allow Germany to build there own FAL under license since it was still the early 50's and only a few years removed from the war.  I would have said "NUTS" to them too. :)

Can you tell I was with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile).

 

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9 hours ago, NFA amnesty said:

I went the FAL route, as should have the U.S. Military!!   I do like the history of both and amused Belgium refused to allow Germany to build there own FAL under license since it was still the early 50's and only a few years removed from the war.  I would have said "NUTS" to them too. :)

Can you tell I was with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile).

 

Of course we all know that the post WW2 USA was top dog (oh for the days!) and the FAL lost out to silly "American stuff is better" arguments by porky generals. And there you have it. 

2/13 Infantry, 8th ID, Manheim FRG

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There are still many H&R T48 rifles stored, brand new, at Anniston Army Depot. Hope that someday these are legally released and made available for purchase, probably thru an auction process. They would certainly go for six figures!

T48 THE AMERICAN FAL RIFLE - Small Arms Review

Edited by TSMGguy
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