Problem with my L1A1

I recently purchased a L1A1 at a gunshow that looks to be in pristine condition. It has been built on a IMBEL receiver brought in by Century Arms.

The specific problem is that the rifle will not cycle in the semi-automatic mode but only single shots

I have stripped it and inspected everything I can think of but after reassembly and testing it today at the range, it still won't cycle.

I am using the Indian 7.62 NATO rounds and they work perfectly in the other FAL I own so do not suspct the ammunition.

I have tried the gas settings at all positions. The gas tube plug has two positions it can be fitted in - the one side of the plug has a groove on the outside - I am not sure what is the correct position for this groove but hav tried it both ways.

Can someone give me a few more ideaas of what to check for?

Shoot it with the top cover off and see whether the breech block carrier at least STARTS to move. If it does, then you know that it's a gas problem. You just ain't getting enough! Look at the gas plug and if it's an L1A1 type, then the curvature MUST lead the gas from the barrel, rearwards through 90 degrees, into the gas cylinder. If that is in its correct position (the opposite is to STOP the gas during grenade firing or when firing a few blanks so that you don't get the gas parts dirty.............)

Don't be fooled into thinking one sort of ammo will function another rifle either! Many things will cause it to not cycle but if there is a bit of gas getting through, it might not cycle but you'll see the breech block and carrier start to move.

I'd say start by using some RG ammo and if this doesn't function it, check the gas cylinder for splits at the gas block end

Thanks Peter, I'll see if I can get back to the range today, if not it'll be next week. I don't have any RG ammo, but do have some South African so will see if that makes a difference.

If there's stiull a problem, bring it down to the Armourers shop and we'll see what we can do................................

It might be a bit easier for me to bring it to South Carolina if you are visiting anytime in the near future :)

This may sound stupid , but make sure the gas block is in the open position, maybe it might be as simple as that

I don't think any suggestion is stupid - I'm not sure about the correct nomenclature but assume by gas block being in the correct position you are referring to what I call the gas plug. That's the pices that you remove to take out and clean the gas piston?

That is correct, the gas plug should have the hole aligned with the barrel gas port hole to operate in semi mode. the line on the gas plug should be facing up. Make sure the hole in the plug is open, if so like peter said you are losing gas pressure somewhere, probably in the ends of the gas tube , I've seen some real sloppy ones.

Just bring it to the Armourers shop during the week, with the customary bag of tea bags, jar of coffee, carton of milk and a packet of biscuits (cookies to you wild colonials...) and I'm sure that Sgt XXXX will have it sorted by lunch time. Then in the afternoon, we can go to the 25 yard range and give it a damn good blasting ....., er, I mean range test!

FAL manfunction,

1. Indian ammo is crap and is often the problem.

2. Gas position?

3. Regulator setting.

We all know Century ALWAYS means quality......

Is it a short cycling problem, ejects but doesn't pick up a new round?

I've also seen a gas tube out of position and pin jammed in place.