FAL rifle

[JJ Kelly]

Anybody open up the gas port hole in barrel or modify
gas system in any way?

[gunnut69]

Why would you?? The FAL design was after the far edge of its abilities and opening the port could cause higher bolt velocities and that's usually a bad thing.. Also the FAL has a gas regulation system so the action caqn be tuned as is?? Why do you ask?

[JJ Kelly]

Hello,

let me explain, I have (2) DSA FAL rifles in .308 cal. both guns have barrels
that are 16 1/4" and function fine 4 clicks from totally closed. I would like
to have more room for adjustment, so if there is a total of 14 click adjustments
from totally closed to completely open I would like the gun to function fine
when it is at least half way open.  The gas port in the barrel is .10935 or 7/64,
it is said it can be opened to.120 but no bigger than .125 or 1/8. I want to know
is there anybody that has experience doing that.

[parkergunshop]

Question is why open up the port at all, seems like that you are going in the wrong direction?   I for one would not drill a larger hole in any barrel gasport.  Opening the hole up too big to the point the adjustments can't compensate would have to  be corrected with a replacement barrel.

See this website for details:

http://www.survivalblog.com/2007/11/letter_re_comments_on_fal_rifl.html

[AtlLaw]

I have my GewIzzie, A GEW with Izzie furniture, with the barrel cut to 16.5 inches and I don't think I had the port opened up on it.  'course it's been laying on my workbench for over 4 years now, unassembled since I got it back from being refinished.  So naturally I haven't shot it.   

As I remember from my FAL days, there was quite a bit of discussion over on the FalFiles on this subject.  Don't quote me, but I think there were a number of members who had the port opened up and listed the correct size for the shortened barrels.

Which reminds me.  I have GOT to assemble that Argie kit I also have...     I won't tell you how long it, a new Imbel receiver and Penguin furniture have been laying around... 

[JJ Kelly]

Thanks for the impute, Parker, I want more gas into the gas system and your
correct that if the hole in barrel is too big the gun will cycle too hard with the
setting in full open the 14 Th position. I just ordered drill bits in the following
sizes: #35-.1100, #34- .1110, #33-.1130, #32-.116, still need 3mm-.118 and
#31- .120.  I planned on going slow, making the hole one step bigger, shoot the
gun to see where the setting will be. The goal is to have the gun function with
gas setting around 10 to 12 clicks from closed. WHY? So as the gun gets dirty
and fouled from hard use, I then can close the system to insure it will still
cycle.

[gunnut69]

I would bet the hole is the size it is to allow for erosion as the rifle was designed as a select fire weapon.  Has this problem happened for you now that makes this necessary?

[JJ Kelly]

I have a DSA SA-58 and a DSA STG-58, both have 16 1/4" barrels, both function very
well with the gas port set on 2 which is only 4 clicks from being closed. These guns
are semi-auto rifles, not select fire, DSA built them with a gas port size 7 / 64. I want
more gas so that they will function at a setting of 4 or 5. My question is: has anyone
done this before here on this site and how did they do it; hand tools, hand drill or
drill press.

[Dixie Dude]

I thought the gas ports were designed to be opened up if they are shot a lot and it gets dirty.  Opening them up lets it continue to function until time to clean.  I guess the short barrels have less pressure than a longer barrel and need a larger hole.

[gunnut69]

JJKelly- the answer appears to be no and I and Parkersgunshop both agree that it is most unwise to do so. If you do so as has been pointed out it is possible to create a dangerous situation that would need to be remedied by a new barrel or installing a restrictor.. I would say that it can be done as you said with progrssively larfer size drills but there is no value for its completion. The general rule is 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it!'..

[JJ Kelly]

I'm Happy, AtlLaw was right, the info was on FAL Files. I opened the
gas port hole to .116 and now it works the way I wanted it to.  The
gas setting set on 4 1/2, half way open, ejects cases apx 6' while
dirty. I was firing 168gr match and 147gr ball from different countries
and the gun ran great. I hope this info helps someone else, these forums
are great to gain knowledge and help others, thanks---JJK

[EMC45]

How do these do with cast bullets?

[gunnut69]

Most gas operated firearms are not reccomended for use with cast slugs as the lead fouling can extend into the gas system. Still I've seen 30 cal M1 Carbines used succesfully with cast slugs although they are more of a problem to clean up after.

[nicholst55]

Most gas operated firearms are not reccomended for use with cast slugs as the lead fouling can extend into the gas system. Still I've seen 30 cal M1 Carbines used succesfully with cast slugs although they are more of a problem to clean up after.

I beg to differ.  With proper load development, many gas guns are shot with minimal, if any, leading in the gas system.  That includes M1 Garands, M1As, SKS, etc.  While I don't know of anyone shooting cast in a FAL, there's no reason why it can't be done.