Heat waves will make the point of aim higher in a scope over a hot barrel. try a scope objective cover extension or something like a tube to see if that fixes it. If I were a betting man, I would say thats it.
The barrel isn't getting so hot that it produces heat waves or mirage. This will happen in less than ten shots. D
That was my first guess. There is no other point of contact with the barrel to screw with the harmonics during heat expantion. Nothing eles could affect the free-float.
The harmonics of the barrel might be off after cutting the barrel down. you could rebarrel and see, there should be anything in the gas system causing this,tuff one to say, you might try differnt ammo and see the results. Is the barrel copper fouled? is the scope mount warping under heat? The DSA mount is extra thick. which one do you have?
"The harmonics of the barrel might be off after cutting the barrel down. you could rebarrel and see, there should be anything in the gas system causing this,tuff one to say, you might try differnt ammo and see the results." This is true. If the barrel crowning is off, then heat can cause the barrel to expand unevenly and the disruption of the gasses leaving the barrel will change between shots and possibly throw the round off. This sounds like such a tiny thing, but most match shooters have bought that pie; correct muzzle crown is extremely vital to consistant shots. A really worn barrel can also cause this and also improper barrel timing, where the bullet strikes the feed ramp and damages itself while chambering.
You could always shut the gas off and remove the piston etc to see if it has an effect of the groups. How do your hanguards fit ? Very tight up front/mismatched pair ? I built and SLR up in the 90s that was all new parts except the handguard and they were a mismatched set. Tight fit....when it had a few rounds down range it wa sall over. Took the handguards off and shot fine. New guards problem fixed. Andy
Thanks for all of the help, guys. I am going to try what you all have suggested. I'll let you know what I find out. Thanks again. David
Built my own FAL G-1 with DSA stocks, FSE fire control group on a Coonan receiver. Totally rugged, accurate and a hell of a lot of fun to shoot!! I'll post some pic's as soon as I can get some recent ones.
I sent the rifle off to Randy of Sledgehammer Arms and he cut the barrel to 18.5", recrowned it, threaded and installed a FH. I mailed the gun off on Monday and had it back Friday of the same week. I got to shoot it today and it is great. I was getting 5 shot groups in the 1.5 to 2 inch range at 75 yards with open sights. Not bad for these old eyes. I am going to try it with a scope this weekend. No stringing as the barrel heats up. If you need any FAL work, I can't recommend Sledgehammer enough. Thanks for all the help guys. David
David, why don't you post Sledgehammer's contact info. I need to send some stuff to him, as I suspect others might also.
E.L., He has a simple web page HERE His email is sledgehammertexas@yahoo.com He was very good at letting me know when he got the rifle and when he sent it back out. His service is truely first class! David
David, I am getting ready to order a DSA FAl but have been going back and forth. I am torn between the Tac Carbine like yours, except with the folding stock. Or the Para Congo with folding stock and 18" barrel. How do you like the Carbine? I have read that the 16.25" barrel is punishing on the ears with a .308. But I can't see where the extra 2" would make a big difference. You say the recoil is lighter than you would expect?
Minute Man, I love the Tac Carbine. Now that I had the L1A1 cut to 18.5, it is almost the same length as the para carbine. I can't tell any differance in the noise level. The handling seems about the same, except that the Tac Carbine is a little lighter. The recoil on both is not bad. It is obviously more than an AR, but it is like a good push, not a punch in the arm. I would say get the one you like the looks of the most as the differences are minor. David
Finally, after 11 weeks it's in! I've got a ton of stuff to learn before trying it out. I feel kind of clutzy just trying to open it... but I must say it feels great -- the balance and sights. Big thanks to Rich at "CGWgun.com" for all the help in getting my first FAL (STG58). He put up with a lot of my stupid questions and misconceptions. He's a very talented man and I'd recommend him to anyone. Here are a few pictures -- the first one's not so good, but I finally got the right bounce from the flash with the others. I might post another set this weekend :^) It's gonna be hard to sleep!
