DS Arms FAL: IMBEL vs. Austrian STG58

dmd1980 · 08-11-2011, 10:07 PM

I plan on buying a FAL within the next 1 to 3 months (depending on how the stock market does) and I'm having a hard time deciding between these two:
DSA IMBEL
DSA STG58 Austrian

I've read somewhere that the IMBEL is better. If that's true then why does the Austrian costs more? I know the Austrian has a steal hand guard while the IMBEL's I'm pretty sure is plastic. What I do like most about the Austrian is the folding bipod that fits nicely to the handguard. Asthetics aside, does anybody know which of the two would be better as far as quality, condition, and getting my money's worth? I'm thinking of putting a variable zoom scope on it and using it for longer range targets.

deadshot2 · 08-12-2011, 06:23 AM

They are both basically "Parts Guns" assembled here in the US. Mostly parts from firearms previously in service in other countries, assembled on receivers made here in US.

Of the two I would go with the "Austrian". It has a new barrel and unless you plan on dumping a lot of rounds down range without cleaning, I doubt you'd see any benefit from the chrome lined chamber of the IMBEL. Many of the IMBEL barrels are not necessarily new, just barrels that haven't been "shot out" yet in service. I'd rather have the new barrel, not one from a "parts kit".

BTW, the extra cost is just about that of a brand new barrel for the FAL. That might just be the "Money's Worth" you are looking for, especially if looking for a "long ranger".

08-11-2011, 10:07 PM	#1
dmd1980 Peashooter Joined: Feb 2011 From: Seattle Posts: 6	DS Arms FAL: IMBEL vs. Austrian STG58 I plan on buying a FAL within the next 1 to 3 months (depending on how the stock market does) and I'm having a hard time deciding between these two: DSA IMBEL DSA STG58 Austrian I've read somewhere that the IMBEL is better. If that's true then why does the Austrian costs more? I know the Austrian has a steal hand guard while the IMBEL's I'm pretty sure is plastic. What I do like most about the Austrian is the folding bipod that fits nicely to the handguard. Asthetics aside, does anybody know which of the two would be better as far as quality, condition, and getting my money's worth? I'm thinking of putting a variable zoom scope on it and using it for longer range targets.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-12-2011, 06:23 AM	#2
deadshot2 Marksman Joined: May 2011 From: NW Quadrant WA State Posts: 288	They are both basically "Parts Guns" assembled here in the US. Mostly parts from firearms previously in service in other countries, assembled on receivers made here in US. Of the two I would go with the "Austrian". It has a new barrel and unless you plan on dumping a lot of rounds down range without cleaning, I doubt you'd see any benefit from the chrome lined chamber of the IMBEL. Many of the IMBEL barrels are not necessarily new, just barrels that haven't been "shot out" yet in service. I'd rather have the new barrel, not one from a "parts kit". BTW, the extra cost is just about that of a brand new barrel for the FAL. That might just be the "Money's Worth" you are looking for, especially if looking for a "long ranger".