FNFAL virgin....help me pick the right one for my first time.....

[Salt Flat]

82Trooper, Regarding the serial number on the receiver. The serial number location on my Imbel receiver is identical to your picture but is roll marked (impressed). Some of the early CAI imbel receivers were not marked "Imbel" at all. I can't say that I'm a fan of the dot punched markings on these. Many of the Imbel receivers have that great looking "gear" logo and are rolled markings. Salt Flat

[mrclark303]

And while I have your attention, and interest (hopefully), here are a few more pix of the visible markings........more decode hints? Is it safe to assume the "E" anywhere is always for Enfield...and the 2 digits are always the year?

Not unusual to find British Bolt carriers and Breech blocks re-numbered and re-used too, rare on Lithgow's, but very common on British rifles.

[Brian Dick]

It's a typical build using an Imbel upper receiver and mixed but nice looking British parts kit. The Australian trigger is the proof that parts were pulled from pooled stores and no one gave a crap where they were made as long as they worked. I remember when those parts kits were everywhere and dirt cheap. All it took was the receiver, parts kit and a competent builder to assemble them. Most of the builders that are well known bought compete sets of EMERs from me when I had them available. The absolute bible for doing it right. I'm sure if it's built correctly it's good as gold. If it doesn't function perfectly, it's nothing that can't be remedied.

[82Trooper]

1 - what is a “ complete set of EMERS”?
2 - so based on what you guys are telling me this particular rifle seems to be a good choice for me to start. Thank you all for the advice it’s been invaluable to me. Last question that comes to mind at the moment as I would love to switch over to a set of wood furniture what additional parts what I need…as Most of the wood furniture kits I see online are advertised as “no hardware”. Meaning what doesn’t come with the original black pebble stocks and handguard that I would need to add? It’s obvious to me that I needed to butt plate in the mounting screws and hardware as well but what else do I need to consider?

[82Trooper]

...and one more I thought of.....looks like the butt stock removal tool is recommended. Is there a difference here between a "metric"" tool or an "inch" tool?

Can some one point me to a source for the proper inch one?
Thanks again for all the advice and assistance.
Mike

[browningautorifle]

Is there a difference here between a "metric"" tool or an "inch" tool?

Mine was made by a Canadian in training and I used it for every FN that came along. No difference I can see...

[mrclark303]

Trying to swap an L1A1 butt without one has been described as attempting to shove a length of wet spaghetti up a cats arse!

Buy the tool Trooper, an essential piece of Fal kit.

[browningautorifle]

Trying to swap an L1A1 butt without one

The long double spring can be a problem, yes...but it can be defeated by using a piece of bottom wire from coat hanger to guide the springs home. Don't forget to put the cap on first. Better than nothing. Buy the tool, they come available online... Maybe one could be had here from the WTB forum...

[82Trooper]

And another random question....the cleaning kits I see are either a roll or a small tin/plastic box. Was anything typically carrier in the butt stock storage space?

[browningautorifle]

Was anything typically carrier in the butt stock storage space?

CDN issue was a pull through and oil bottle.