Workbook

GUNPLUMBER'S INTERPRETATION

The FAL does not have all of the 20 listed parts. It has no mounting block, barrel extension, operating rod or

disconnector. Nevertheless, Ed Owens, former director of ATF Technology Branch, decided that a cocking

handle is an operating rod. The fact that the two parts are as similar as a golf club is to a tomato does not sway

him, but that’s what we have to work with. So the FAL has only the following potentially "imported parts"

(1) Receiver

(2) Barrel

(3) Muzzle attachment

(4) Bolt

(5) Bolt carrier

(6) Gas piston

(7) Trigger housings (lower receiver)

(8) Operating rod [sic]

(9) Trigger

(10) Hammer

(11) Sear

(12) Buttstock

(13) Pistol grip

(14) Handguards

(15) Magazine body

(16) Magazine Follower

(17) Magazine Floorplate

That is 17 “evil” parts – 7 of which must be replaced with US made parts. I have examined all of the US FAL

parts on the market and recommend DSA for best quality. Harold Shinn of First Son Enterprises made some

good parts too, but they are no longer readily available. While replacing magazine floorplate and followers

(Hesse, Enterprise, Federal Arms) for two of your US parts will be initially less expensive, I do not recommend

it. First, the magazine is the weakest link in a semiauto rifle, and second, by the time you've replaced the parts in

a handful of magazines, you will have reached the cost of another part that would not restrict you to converted

magazines. Based on cost and availability, pick 7 of the following US parts.

hammer, trigger, sear (DSA, sold as a set only)

gas piston (DSA only)

plastic pistol grip (DSA, Hines, FSE, Century Arms)

muzzle brake (DSA, TAPCO, Entre'prise) or nothing on muzzle

cocking handle (DSA, TAPCO, Schneider)

plastic handguards (DSA)

wood stock, wood pistol grip, wood handguards (Ironwood Designs).

plastic stock (DSA, Penguin)

receiver (DSA)

There are other higher priced "exotic" parts, such a aluminum lower receivers, match barrels, and free-floating

handguards to consider as well, but the above items are the most cost-effective means of compliance.