Having the appropriate support gear for your weapon is a priority for the Survivalist.
My good friend Bergmann and I were talkin’ about parts/survival gear storage locations on the weapons we both use, and I told him that because my Para FAL’s use the M-4 style stock and have no buffer spring, the whole tube was empty, and I use it to carry among other things, spare essential weapons parts. He immediately told me I needed to post something about it, considering how great it is to be able to carry essentials on your weapon, without it having a ton of pouches or extra parts hanging off of it.
Both of these Para FAL rifles use the M-4 style, hollow tube stock. No buffer spring in it means lots of storage area.
Here it is short and sweet. and in pics.
The space available in the M-4 style stock buffer tube on the Para FAL. Keep in mind, those of you with other rifles which use the M-4 style stock, but require no buffer spring (Example: AK’s) can do the same thing with your rifles.
The original style FAL pistol grip also has some storage space that I put to good use.
Remove the Phillips head screw with your multi tool, there is no tension ring like on a regular AR/M-4 style stock needing a special wrench.
There is a hole (red arrow) drilled through the stock tube that the Phillips head screw hole (yellow arrow) lines up with when you’ve screwed the stock in as far as needed, and keeps the stock at the correct position/attitude.
Various essential springs and parts (firing pin w/ spring and complete extractor) on the left side column go into the stock tube. The spare tritium front sight with allen key and a sight adjustment tool go into the pistol grip (bag on right side).
The stock filled with parts and ready to be reattached to the folding mechanism.
Here’s the video my Buddy Bergmann did on how he outfitted his M-4 with survival gear. below is the first of the four part series he did on “Total Utilization” of your gear.
Hopefully this post will give you some ideas of how to better utilize the storage space you might have on your weapons to carry extra essential parts you might need. As I said, this one was short and sweet.
JCD
"Parata Vivere"- Live Prepared.
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An excellent way to use ‘dead space’. The Spanish FR-8 bolt rifle has a somewhat similar storage compartment below the barrel, where the bayonet stud is attached. Not quite a spacious as the above, (its maybe 1/2″ in diameter x 5″ long ?), I keep a chain bore patch, a single BIC lighter and three stripper clips (unloaded of course) inside it. More vital parts specific to this model could be inserted (Mauser 98s are not completely bulletproof). The cool thing – this tube can be removed and not affect the firearm at all, except for possibly changing the ammunition’s… Read more »
Yeah, I remember the FR-8’s I had having that tube under the barrel. I loved the “Tank tough” irons on that rifle, especially when the battle rifle I was using at the time was an HK-91 (sight picture).
So I’m interested in the FN FALs you show in some of your articles. Do you prefer FN FAL over an M4, or does it matter based on the situation? I read your article about compact firearms for carrying around during normal life on the homestead, but honestly this is one of those “please tell me what to buy” type scenarios. I’ve done some reading on the subject but the opinions are plentiful, I’ve always been attracted to FN FALs but stayed away because they are more pricey, but I’m willing to save up and invest if you suggest them.… Read more »
Thanks. OK, here’s my 411. If I needed something super light and relatively short, or my whole group was using AR’s, I’d go with my 11.5″ AR. The 11″ FAL OSW isn’t “light”, but it’s super compact, soooo. I started using shooting FAL’s about 31 years ago, and started buying and using them 29 years ago. I have owned a number of them, and consider the Para models as the “Go to” version in any barrel length, simply due to how compact it makes it. I believe the 16″ and 18″ models are the best compromise between size and range.… Read more »
Thanks for the info, EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I feel silly asking questions like this because I need to lose weight (slowly chipping away with PT and work around the new property) and I don’t want to come off as a mall ninja or armchair gunfighter (silly mental image). I know my limits, I want to improve said limits, but this kind of information really helps me and my family/neighbors understand the small stuff we don’t think about. I honestly understood keeping you have a rifle within reach, but never thought I should buy something more compact and… Read more »
I will add that it looks like Atlantic Firearms is actually selling a few models from DSA, but I’m not sure.
They are, but they’re always back ordered. I went through AIM, see comment with link below.
Devin,seems you moved to a new area,perhaps join if you have not if one around a local gun club,folks as you get to know them many times willing to let you try out one of their rifles and you just make new friends.I will also say in many areas some gun clubs rent out firearms,if doable in your area perhaps a good way to “try before you buy”. As for getting in shape besides working your land just hike your area,is amazing how quickly gets you in better shape and learn your more about your region,can add pack and weight… Read more »
Thanks James, that’s a good suggestion, I need to find a club, I was a member of another one when we lived in WA before the county closed them down after they had been open for a 100+ years. Idaho is great for firearms, but people can be more reclusive here, so it takes time to get to know people, even immediate neighbors. I will definitely do that. As for hiking, we have 7 acres of forested property with a creek running through it, I’ve been walking (hiking) up and down our hill which is a 100 ft drop over… Read more »
The spare parts and tools I carry for my AR-15 are: -Buffer spring (Mainly needed if you know you have high round count on the current one and could need to replace it soon) -Firing pin -Castle nut wrench (All my AR’s have the nut properly staked but every class I go to some one else’s stock comes loose so I bring this to help them out) -Lube I also have a small zip lock bag with most of the extra lower parts like detents and springs in case we have to take something apart and one gets loose never… Read more »
Off topic but great news,POTUS has pardoned the Hammonds,though late a bit of actual justice.JC,would like to think authors including you pushing the petition not once but twice and those who signed said petition may have helped,the smalls add up!