MIA
There has been plenty going on around the world that is worthy of comment. Unfortunately I have waited so long to do so that it would take me a couple of days to get it all typed up! So today I’ll skip the depressing and discouraging world news and get to some fun stuff.
I ordered two Imbel kits from Tapco and they arrived last Monday. The finish was literally gone on the end of the barrels, from the gas block to the combo device (muzzle break/flash hider) but the metal and furniture is all in truely excellent condition. The bores are smooth, not pitting or bulging.
With current regulation being what it is, and with the new ATF guidelines on “de-milling” a FAL, I called Jon at Tapco and ordered 2 more kits. The next morning Tapco posted that the kits were gone (3/14) so I am glad I did.
FAC is back ordered on Dan Coonan’s great Type I receivers so they won’t likely even ship until April 4th. It seems their special on these has created more demand than they could accomodate but they are getting caught up now.
The big question now is what configurations to build. I’m only starting with 2 type I receivers (when the arrive) and still have decisions to make. My current leaning is to do one in either the original Belgium or SA (R1) configuration and the second in an Israeli light carbine. The cost and availability of the Israeli furniture will probably be the deciding factor…
As for the 2nd set of kits, they’re likely going to be for put-away at this point. Given the status of Stg58 kits the Imbel kits willl only increase in value. Especially once Dan’s and DSA sell out of their remaining inventories.
I have put off doing these builds for years due to lack of time and cash. Now that I’m actually in a position to follow through the good stuff is disappearing thanks to the political climate in Europe and the hijinks of Customs via ATF.