When buying a FN FAL, which do you prefer, inch or metric?
FN FAL
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A true inch pattern FAL is less common on the used market. They would generally be from British commonwealth countries. The L1A1 is the most common. The major difference is the magazines. The metric magazines are far more common, and many "inch pattern" civilian L1A1's were built on imbel metric receivers so don't work with inch mags. There are other parts that are not interchangeable as well. I believe the metric mags fit the inch rifles but the inch mags wont work in most metric rifles.
https://www.dsarms.com/images/faqimg3.gif
Below is from DS Arms website FAQ https://www.dsarms.com/t-faq.aspx#divForm
- How do I tell the difference between a Metric and Inch pattern?
- L1A1 Barrel profile at the breech has a longer taper.
- On the Metric the gas block ears are closed on both. The L1A1 Gas block ears are open on each side & front sight post has a set screw at the face of the gas block.
- Magazine tooth on the L1A1 inch pattern is a much larger squared protruding lip. The metric has a small radius protrusion. The corresponding relief in upper receiver will be cut as a deep channel on the L1A1 all the way across the inside of the engagement surface. The Metric upper receiver will have a small semicircular notch in this area that will match the protrusion on the Metric magazine.
- The L1A1 Lower receiver has extensions where the buttstock meets the back face of the lower/trigger housing. These extensions have a radius as they form into the buttstock tang. On the metric the back edge is straight vertical line. Also on the L1A1 the trigger plunger assembly is housed in the pistol grip. On the metric rifle the trigger plunger is mount on protrusions on the bottom of the lower. The internals are also different.
- L1A1 Bolt hold open shaft is slightly larger than metric shaft.
- L1A1 charging handle slide bar is slightly thicker than the metric version. L1A1 can be shaved down to fit a metric receiver.
- Bolt & carrier groups will interchange as complete assemblies however extractors and firing pins do not interchange.
- Muzzle end barrel threads are 9/16 24 TPI right hand on the L1A1 but left hand on most metric versions. Some Belgian rifles can be found with either or. Early Belgian rifle can be right hand.
- Top covers on the L1A1 have 2 protruding ears on the bottom rear that fit into recesses milled into the upper receiver. Metric top covers do not have these ears.
- The above does not list all the differences but does cover the major ones. For more, please refer to the FAL Rifle Book by Blake Stevens.
https://www.dsarms.com/images/faqimg3.gif
Below is from DS Arms website FAQ https://www.dsarms.com/t-faq.aspx#divForm
- How do I tell the difference between a Metric and Inch pattern?
- L1A1 Barrel profile at the breech has a longer taper.
- On the Metric the gas block ears are closed on both. The L1A1 Gas block ears are open on each side & front sight post has a set screw at the face of the gas block.
- Magazine tooth on the L1A1 inch pattern is a much larger squared protruding lip. The metric has a small radius protrusion. The corresponding relief in upper receiver will be cut as a deep channel on the L1A1 all the way across the inside of the engagement surface. The Metric upper receiver will have a small semicircular notch in this area that will match the protrusion on the Metric magazine.
- The L1A1 Lower receiver has extensions where the buttstock meets the back face of the lower/trigger housing. These extensions have a radius as they form into the buttstock tang. On the metric the back edge is straight vertical line. Also on the L1A1 the trigger plunger assembly is housed in the pistol grip. On the metric rifle the trigger plunger is mount on protrusions on the bottom of the lower. The internals are also different.
- L1A1 Bolt hold open shaft is slightly larger than metric shaft.
- L1A1 charging handle slide bar is slightly thicker than the metric version. L1A1 can be shaved down to fit a metric receiver.
- Bolt & carrier groups will interchange as complete assemblies however extractors and firing pins do not interchange.
- Muzzle end barrel threads are 9/16 24 TPI right hand on the L1A1 but left hand on most metric versions. Some Belgian rifles can be found with either or. Early Belgian rifle can be right hand.
- Top covers on the L1A1 have 2 protruding ears on the bottom rear that fit into recesses milled into the upper receiver. Metric top covers do not have these ears.
- The above does not list all the differences but does cover the major ones. For more, please refer to the FAL Rifle Book by Blake Stevens.
Metric is the only way to go.
There is more of a potential for problems with anything inch.
Unless you are a inch FAL mechanic and can do all the necessary fitting.
There is more of a potential for problems with anything inch.
Unless you are a inch FAL mechanic and can do all the necessary fitting.
Steve_In_29
Member
FALFiles.com is the fountain of knowledge.
I have both inch and metric. I like the folding charging handle on the L1A1 I've never had issue with any of my fals. I have Austrian, Israeli, British and a Para with modern touches. I think the design is pretty robust. There are parts and service available for any Fal.
Remow2112
Member
Check out Mark @ Arizona Response Systems. The guy has forgot more about FALs then most people ever know. Good dude and does quality work and is an Arizona local. He used to be on the old board.
Dan...
Dan...
CappnTripps
Member
Metric mags are easier to find 
Sadly, the prices have gone up. Guy at the last show I was at wanted $40 each...no thanks.
Sadly, the prices have gone up. Guy at the last show I was at wanted $40 each...no thanks.
hairygreek
Member
Moses mags are pretty good...
seems like there are way more metric rifles and the new DSA stuff is built metric.
seems like there are way more metric rifles and the new DSA stuff is built metric.
hairygreek
Member
They are still on the DSArms website, not sure if you can buy direct any more.Conelrad said:
brandyspaw
Member
I've been getting out of 308 battle rifles (as well as other guns) and been selling off guns since I've retired. It's mostly been due to simplifying and downsizing for retirement but with the 308 battle rifles its also because of higher ammunition costs since the surplus ammo supply has dried up.
The only FAL I have left is a build done by CourtinFL (from the FALfiles) using an Imbel kit that he cut the barrel and modified the gas system for an 18 inch length. Its my favorite FAL even though it certainly wasn't the best FAL I've owned. I like it because I prefer the 18" barrel length on 308 rifles. It needs a refinish but that also means its a knock around gun and it'll likely be with me to the end.
The only FAL I have left is a build done by CourtinFL (from the FALfiles) using an Imbel kit that he cut the barrel and modified the gas system for an 18 inch length. Its my favorite FAL even though it certainly wasn't the best FAL I've owned. I like it because I prefer the 18" barrel length on 308 rifles. It needs a refinish but that also means its a knock around gun and it'll likely be with me to the end.
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