As some of you may have seen or recalled, back in the spring I posted a thread on 7.62 NATO / 308 rifle opinions and options. At that time I was pretty set on a FAL, and was basically looking for a "talk me out of it" type discussion.
As a result of that thread, I had the opportunity to try @C. Stockwell 's FAL and at that point, I knew it was the right choice for me. I've shot M1As and AR-10s, but for me, the FAL is where it's at for 7.62 NATO.
I decided on an R1 clone, to copy the FALs seen in Rhodesia during the Bush War. Through FAL Files and GunBroker, I was able to source a good amount of original Rhodesian parts. DSA, as it so happened, had a waitlist/pre-registration for R1 clone receivers. I basically bolted out of a work meeting to place my order when the notification went out--I believe the batch sold out in about 35 minutes. While cobbling the parts together I delved into the history, reading Ian Smith's memoir Bitter Harvest: The Great Betrayal among other material to gain a better understanding of the period.
I ended up sending my parts off to Arizona Response Systems / gunplumber - for those in the FAL and AK community, you are likely familiar with his name and the reputation of his work. I received mine last week--about 4 months after I sent in my parts. I am very pleased with the results. So, without further delay, here's the pics:
That is an original Rhodesian magazine.
Here you can see the reproduction South African proof (M over U). The other side of the upper features a faux SA crest sanitation mark as well. The trigger housing / lower receiver is an original Rhodesian "A series" receiver.
The Rhodesians added an "RA" prefix and numbers to their parts typically, in addition to the numbers from the original manufacturer.
Here's a picture of the bolt carrier. Both the bolt, carrier, and top cover in this photo are original Rhodesian:
If you look closely on the magazine, you can see "31874" scratched into the paint among some other numbers:
With its "buddy" - an FN-made Browning Hi-Power I recently acquired.
Another facet of the R1 rifles are the combination gas plug/grenade launcher sight, as seen here:
And also the combo muzzle device:
I was pleased with how many original Rhodesian parts I was able to source. I think it really helps make it feel more authentic.
You may have also noticed the cut carry handle in some photos. The story I have heard is that a soldier had a case ricochet off his, with the case hitting him in the eye and blinding him. After that, many R1s had their handles cut off, leaving only the stem.
Here's the sight-in target provided from ARS (2 shots, 2 shots, 3 shots on the bottom):
It was pretty effective against my water jug ZANLA terrs this afternoon:
Thanks for reading, now crank up the Troopiesongs, and break out the short shorts!
As a result of that thread, I had the opportunity to try @C. Stockwell 's FAL and at that point, I knew it was the right choice for me. I've shot M1As and AR-10s, but for me, the FAL is where it's at for 7.62 NATO.
I decided on an R1 clone, to copy the FALs seen in Rhodesia during the Bush War. Through FAL Files and GunBroker, I was able to source a good amount of original Rhodesian parts. DSA, as it so happened, had a waitlist/pre-registration for R1 clone receivers. I basically bolted out of a work meeting to place my order when the notification went out--I believe the batch sold out in about 35 minutes. While cobbling the parts together I delved into the history, reading Ian Smith's memoir Bitter Harvest: The Great Betrayal among other material to gain a better understanding of the period.
I ended up sending my parts off to Arizona Response Systems / gunplumber - for those in the FAL and AK community, you are likely familiar with his name and the reputation of his work. I received mine last week--about 4 months after I sent in my parts. I am very pleased with the results. So, without further delay, here's the pics:
That is an original Rhodesian magazine.
Here you can see the reproduction South African proof (M over U). The other side of the upper features a faux SA crest sanitation mark as well. The trigger housing / lower receiver is an original Rhodesian "A series" receiver.
The Rhodesians added an "RA" prefix and numbers to their parts typically, in addition to the numbers from the original manufacturer.
Here's a picture of the bolt carrier. Both the bolt, carrier, and top cover in this photo are original Rhodesian:
If you look closely on the magazine, you can see "31874" scratched into the paint among some other numbers:
With its "buddy" - an FN-made Browning Hi-Power I recently acquired.
Another facet of the R1 rifles are the combination gas plug/grenade launcher sight, as seen here:
And also the combo muzzle device:
I was pleased with how many original Rhodesian parts I was able to source. I think it really helps make it feel more authentic.
You may have also noticed the cut carry handle in some photos. The story I have heard is that a soldier had a case ricochet off his, with the case hitting him in the eye and blinding him. After that, many R1s had their handles cut off, leaving only the stem.
Here's the sight-in target provided from ARS (2 shots, 2 shots, 3 shots on the bottom):
It was pretty effective against my water jug ZANLA terrs this afternoon:
Thanks for reading, now crank up the Troopiesongs, and break out the short shorts!
![[cheers]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/018.gif "Cheers [cheers]")
![[smile]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/001.gif "Smile [smile]")
