M14 vs. G3 vs. FAL

chrisgun · 12-02-2007, 04:07 PM

I am having trouble deciding whether to buy an M14, G3, or FAL as a 7.62 Nato semi-automatic rifle.Which one would you think is better?

Colt · 12-05-2007, 09:57 AM

Well the only one i have uch experinence with is the M1A it seems to be the heaviest and best built to me. The FAL is also a fine firearm but keep in mind that they are currently using the M14 in the sandbox!

Mooseman684 · 12-05-2007, 11:46 AM

I have the M1A, the CETME, and the FN/FAL. They are all good weapons, but the M1A to me is the #1 choice.
Highly accurate and reliable , (Mine is a National Match), you won't be disappointed with a Springfield Armory M1A.
Rich

just_a_car · 12-05-2007, 11:51 AM

All excellent 7.62NATO guns. The only one I've shot (and own) is the CETME (pretty much the same as the G3).

I would suggest looking at the CETME (and the G3/CETME forums here) since they are priced at 1/2-3/4 of what you can buy any of those listed at.; read: $500-600.

Gio · 12-05-2007, 11:56 AM

I've got an M1A scout squad and it is very accurate and reliable. Never jamed once. Cant say anything aboutthe other 2 guns though.

jmp8927 · 12-05-2007, 12:37 PM

Considering I don't have any of those three, nor know much about them, I would say grab the G3 just because it looks cooler!

madcratebuilder · 12-06-2007, 07:59 AM

If money is not an issue, then no choice, M1A. Custom build or a SA with NM barrel

Rex Kramer · 12-06-2007, 08:14 AM

The M14 platform and the M14 enthusiast never had it so good.
New mil-spec parts are available and more are on the way, there
are many different stocks available that allow you to set the rifle
up pretty much any way you want.

Go with the M14.

Windwalker · 12-06-2007, 09:45 AM

The M14 is the only one of the group that I have had much experience with but I am well pleased with it.

chrisgun · 12-06-2007, 03:49 PM

Well I understand most people have most experience with the M14. Maybe there is a comparative test somewhere on the web?

knightRider · 12-06-2007, 04:35 PM

fal

Roy Collins · 12-07-2007, 11:50 AM

1. M1a
2. Fal
3. G3

In that order.

Sarge · 12-19-2007, 04:32 AM

Well, lets put it this way - I have an M14/S(chicom M1A), 2 M14 select fire rifles and an FN FAL select fire.
If I had to grab one and run because the world had gone to hell, it would be the FAL. I'd leave the other 3 laying out in the front yard for someone who didn't have a high powered rifle!!! Or was stupid enuf to think he could carry 3.

The FAL is lighter and has less recoil than the M1A/M14.
Some have said that the sights are better on the M1A/M14, but I think it is a matter of getting used to the FAL.
Sarge

tbonecpk · 12-19-2007, 05:31 AM

M1A hands down. there is a saying you get what you pay for. and imho the M1A is the best. yes a bit more spendy but over all a far more superior firearm.

wunhunglo · 12-23-2007, 01:41 AM

I carried(slept with etc.) the British version of the FAL for 7 years and as a combat rifle it never let me down, though I hated the sights. I've also used the G3 in South Africa and it is also a good combat weapon. I currently own a Fulton Peerless M14 and am shooting less than .5 MOA at 600 metres.........I love it.....but if I wanted a "combat" rifle, it would be the FAL or G3.

ma96782 · 12-25-2007, 10:25 PM

I got the M1A and an FAL......I'd pick the M1A for accuracy and the FAL for shooting toughness (plus the cheap magazines). Both are "heavy" in comparison to the AR. But, IF I had to choose........it would depend on where I would be when the SHTF.......in Europe, the FAL......in America, the M1A.

The G3 is IMHO.....just too expensive to field. Parts and magazines would be harder to find.....except in a counrty that had it as a MBR.

Aloha, Mark

just_a_car · 12-26-2007, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma96782

I got the M1A and an FAL......I'd pick the M1A for accuracy and the FAL for shooting toughness (plus the cheap magazines). Both are "heavy" in comparison to the AR. But, IF I had to choose........it would depend on where I would be when the SHTF.......in Europe, the FAL......in America, the M1A.

The G3 is IMHO.....just too expensive to field. Parts and magazines would be harder to find.....except in a counrty that had it as a MBR.

Aloha, Mark

Actually Mark, you're a little 'off the mark'...

G3 mags run $2-$5 (quite a bit less than the M1A or FAL mags), can be had in aluminum allow or steel (for a bit more, around $10-$15) and they are found in abundance at every gun show I've been to.

Parts are easy to find online for both the CETME and the G3. Many companies make many different items on them from the buttstock to the muzzlebreak. Now, if SHTF, it would be harder to find parts, but that's why you stock up before-hand.

RMTactical · 12-26-2007, 04:07 AM

Give me an FAL!!

ma96782 · 12-27-2007, 01:31 AM

just a car,

Sorry........I guess I should have added the disclaimer.........YOUR MILEAGE WILL VARY.

Aloha, Mark

PS...........YOUR MILEAGE WILL VARY.........about the CETME, taken from Wikipedia........

Quote:

Unfortunately, the Century CETME "clone" is so far removed from the original CETME in quality and operation that its function can not be assured by the company, and their reputation has suffered. In the 1960s, the company MARS imported the semi-auto CETME into the US for the sporting market, with original Spanish receiver parts. These early import CETMEs are quite rare and robust, and fetch a price approaching 5-6 times that of a Century CETME. This is primarily due to the very poor quality and reputation of the Century product rather than actual quality of the MARS guns.

And, for the record.....my FAL is a real FN Belgium one and the M1A I own (built by my gunsmith) has a SAI receiver w/ GI parts (except for the Douglas barrel). So, IF you're gonna get a G3 (the semi auto version is the HK91).....may I at least suggest a real German one. Quality isn't always CHEAP. Bottom line.....IT'S YOUR $$$.

sunray · 12-28-2007, 08:25 PM

An M1A is not an M14. It's a commercial, semi-auto only copy with a cast receiver.
When the trials took place in the mid 50's, the FAL beat the M14 hands down in every test except overall accuracy. The only reason it was not adopted was because it wasn't invented Stateside. The M14 was the shortest lived general issue U.S. military firearm ever. The rifles being used by DM's now are not the same rifles. They've been heavily reworked and upgraded.
The FAL in assorted variations, is still going strong in lots of countries. Most Third World now though. It served continuously from the mid to late 50's to the mid 80's in the countries that adopted it.
The Cetme's seen Stateside were built, out of parts bins, by Century Arms. Century has no concept of QC. They don't bother ensuring a rifle they build is safe to shoot either. You might get lucky and get a good one, but it's far more likely that you'll have no end of problems with it. Ditto for ANY firearm Century had anything to do with. The FAL's they built tend to have a mixture of Inch and Metric parts(not interchangeable), may have bad headspace(likely) and come with the wrong mag(maybe inch, maybe metric).

12-05-2007, 09:57 AM	#2
Colt Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 126	Well the only one i have uch experinence with is the M1A it seems to be the heaviest and best built to me. The FAL is also a fine firearm but keep in mind that they are currently using the M14 in the sandbox! __________________ If you want peace or freedom you must prepare for war... -The punisher (modified)

12-05-2007, 11:46 AM	#3
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness...Currently in Holiday, Fla. Posts: 11,004 Images: 2	I have the M1A, the CETME, and the FN/FAL. They are all good weapons, but the M1A to me is the #1 choice. Highly accurate and reliable , (Mine is a National Match), you won't be disappointed with a Springfield Armory M1A. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

12-05-2007, 11:51 AM	#4
just_a_car Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 3,742	All excellent 7.62NATO guns. The only one I've shot (and own) is the CETME (pretty much the same as the G3). I would suggest looking at the CETME (and the G3/CETME forums here) since they are priced at 1/2-3/4 of what you can buy any of those listed at.; read: $500-600. __________________ CETME Owners Group - Founder AK-47 owners Group - Member The Mosin Men Group - Member

12-05-2007, 11:56 AM	#5
Gio Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 805 Images: 8	I've got an M1A scout squad and it is very accurate and reliable. Never jamed once. Cant say anything aboutthe other 2 guns though. __________________ Blow you up.

12-05-2007, 12:37 PM	#6
jmp8927 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Walterboro, SC Posts: 1,329 Images: 17	Considering I don't have any of those three, nor know much about them, I would say grab the G3 just because it looks cooler! __________________ Doing the unexpected makes the unexpected the expected and thus the expected becomes the unexpected.

12-02-2007, 04:07 PM	#1
chrisgun Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mental Gun Heaven Posts: 24	M14 vs. G3 vs. FAL I am having trouble deciding whether to buy an M14, G3, or FAL as a 7.62 Nato semi-automatic rifle.Which one would you think is better?

12-06-2007, 07:59 AM	#7
madcratebuilder Cranky Old Fart Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 1,334 Images: 3	If money is not an issue, then no choice, M1A. Custom build or a SA with NM barrel __________________ lawyers defend rights... Soldiers provide them.

12-06-2007, 08:14 AM	#8
Rex Kramer Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 469	M14 The M14 platform and the M14 enthusiast never had it so good. New mil-spec parts are available and more are on the way, there are many different stocks available that allow you to set the rifle up pretty much any way you want. Go with the M14. __________________ Danger Seeker The future is dark, take off your shades.

12-06-2007, 09:45 AM	#9
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 4,263	The M14 is the only one of the group that I have had much experience with but I am well pleased with it.

12-06-2007, 03:49 PM	#10
chrisgun Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mental Gun Heaven Posts: 24	Well I understand most people have most experience with the M14. Maybe there is a comparative test somewhere on the web?

12-06-2007, 04:35 PM	#11
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,877 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 11	fal __________________ God doesn't give rights. Men have to fight for them.

12-07-2007, 11:50 AM	#12
Roy Collins Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Louisville Kentucky. Posts: 317	1. M1a 2. Fal 3. G3 In that order.

12-19-2007, 04:32 AM	#13
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 258	Well, lets put it this way - I have an M14/S(chicom M1A), 2 M14 select fire rifles and an FN FAL select fire. If I had to grab one and run because the world had gone to hell, it would be the FAL. I'd leave the other 3 laying out in the front yard for someone who didn't have a high powered rifle!!! Or was stupid enuf to think he could carry 3. The FAL is lighter and has less recoil than the M1A/M14. Some have said that the sights are better on the M1A/M14, but I think it is a matter of getting used to the FAL. Sarge

12-19-2007, 05:31 AM	#14
tbonecpk Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego Cal Posts: 1,590 Blog Entries: 2	M1A hands down. there is a saying you get what you pay for. and imho the M1A is the best. yes a bit more spendy but over all a far more superior firearm. __________________ "Speak softly but carry a big stick" -Teddy Roosevelt

12-23-2007, 01:41 AM	#15
wunhunglo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: currently "Sunny West Africa" Posts: 2,306	I carried(slept with etc.) the British version of the FAL for 7 years and as a combat rifle it never let me down, though I hated the sights. I've also used the G3 in South Africa and it is also a good combat weapon. I currently own a Fulton Peerless M14 and am shooting less than .5 MOA at 600 metres.........I love it.....but if I wanted a "combat" rifle, it would be the FAL or G3.

12-25-2007, 10:25 PM	#16
ma96782 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 28	I got the M1A and an FAL......I'd pick the M1A for accuracy and the FAL for shooting toughness (plus the cheap magazines). Both are "heavy" in comparison to the AR. But, IF I had to choose........it would depend on where I would be when the SHTF.......in Europe, the FAL......in America, the M1A. The G3 is IMHO.....just too expensive to field. Parts and magazines would be harder to find.....except in a counrty that had it as a MBR. Aloha, Mark

12-26-2007, 04:07 AM	#18
RMTactical Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rocky Mountains Posts: 176	Give me an FAL!!

12-28-2007, 08:25 PM	#20
sunray Banned Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 98	An M1A is not an M14. It's a commercial, semi-auto only copy with a cast receiver. When the trials took place in the mid 50's, the FAL beat the M14 hands down in every test except overall accuracy. The only reason it was not adopted was because it wasn't invented Stateside. The M14 was the shortest lived general issue U.S. military firearm ever. The rifles being used by DM's now are not the same rifles. They've been heavily reworked and upgraded. The FAL in assorted variations, is still going strong in lots of countries. Most Third World now though. It served continuously from the mid to late 50's to the mid 80's in the countries that adopted it. The Cetme's seen Stateside were built, out of parts bins, by Century Arms. Century has no concept of QC. They don't bother ensuring a rifle they build is safe to shoot either. You might get lucky and get a good one, but it's far more likely that you'll have no end of problems with it. Ditto for ANY firearm Century had anything to do with. The FAL's they built tend to have a mixture of Inch and Metric parts(not interchangeable), may have bad headspace(likely) and come with the wrong mag(maybe inch, maybe metric).