Post
by ThePitbullofLove » Mon Sep 12, 2005 10:59 am
Just a caveat-
Basically all FAL's are built from parts kits, with the exception of some DSA models (and even then some of the parts are surplus). Of late, Century has been using domestically produced barrels on their rifles. More recent Century builds seem to be fairing better in terms of quality than earlier builds have.
Keep in mind that all Century built FAL's are NOT created equal.
Some run perfectly fine, others have "issues".
On the bright side, most of the Century gun's "issues" (if they have them) can be easily fixed by a person with a modicum of gunsmithing ability.
Century used to build on Imbel receivers, and these are the most desirable of Century guns, as the receiver is actually FN licensed.
Century also built on Hesse receivers and these are some of the least desireable.
In between falls the Century branded receiver. Early models had poor feed ramp geometry known as "unibrow". Rather than having two feed ramps (semi-circular), Century installed one "rectangular" feedramp that often caused feeding problems. There was no cheap fix for this; if you had issues it cost $ to fix it.
They've since replaced that design, I believe with a more traditional feed system.
While Century built receivers are considered to be the least desireable on the market, they are servicable and safe for the most part, and these days, they're much cheaper than DSA and Entreprise, and can actually be found unlike Dan Coonan and Imbel.
Century built guns ofer a great starting point for a shooter who's not ready or inclined to build his own rifle, or unwilling to pay $800+ for a DSA or Entreprise, or a 'smith built gun. Like I said, some have issues, most are easily fixed, and resale value on the Century guns is below par for other FALs, but I think they're an awesome value...a lot of bang for the buck.
For the record, both my FAL's are 'smith built, however I have several friends with Century guns. One fixed his problem by installing a pin that Century "forgot" to install in his gas system. Another had to send his rifle off to a 'smith for some major work. In the end both have accurate and reliable rifles. I know others who's rifles ran well out of the box. At the price, I wouldn't be too concerned with taking a shot. (pun intended) As always, YMMV.
...............................................
life is the crummiest book I ever read,
there isn't a hook,
just a lot of cheap shots,
pictures to shock,
and characters an amateur would never dream up-Guerwitz-1994
