The first range session (And all range sessions to follow) was completed at Blackhawk Range. As you can see from the pic above, the little "Texas Jungle"
Carbine is showing potential. Those were the first 4 shots on paper @ 50yds off hand/standing position
(shots 6-9). 4th round was a called flier (double fire). Shots 1-5 were shot at bare ground while setting gas
system. Subsequent shots were not photographed due to a Hammer/Trigger/Sear (H/T/S) problem. Rest assured the
sights have been adjusted to point of aim. Gas system seems to be stable and regulated about right for just about
anything I care to feed the carbine. First twenty shots were with the surplus South African 7.62X51mm 147gr ammo
that Dan's Sporting Goods sent me
with the parts kit. The carbine fed and ejected the ammo reliably on a gas setting of 4. That's pretty much standard
setting for that load.
The second range session went pretty much the same as the first. We were struggling a bit with the H/T/S
issue. I had received a replacement sear from Harold Shinn of First Son's
Enterprises (FSE) earlier that day and after the 4th or 5th shot, the carbine started to double fire (2-3 shots per
trigger pull) on me again. I promptly put it away to inspect at home once more and contact Harold the next day.
Contacting Harold via email, he offered to have me ship my lower to him to find the culprit and hand fit the H/T/S
for me if necessary. Being as stubborn and hard headed as I am I declined, as I wanted to do this myself. After talking with Harold
on the phone, we determined my problem would be rectified by the new generation of FSE triggers and sears Harold had
coming back from the blueing process. At my request, I opted to wait for a "M03" marked trigger and sear. A short 2
days later a package arrived with not only the "M03" trigger and sear, but also a "M02" hammer (which I already had).
Acting like a youngster on Christmas morning, I promptly tore into the package and went straight to the shop to install
them. As the old saying goes "Third time is the charm" (Get it? "M03" parts... I quack myself up some times =)), after
installing the new trigger and sear and doing a function test to include some steps Harold suggested I do to ensure the
problem had been rectified, I deemed the replacement parts good to go!!!
The third range session could not come quick enough. Being rather tight for free time, I had to wait till Sept 1st to head
to the range to verify what I already knew in my heart was a fully functional FN/FAL Carbine semi-auto conversion. Good
things come to those who wait I'm told, and before the 1st of September rolled around, my handguards, buttstock, pistol grip,
and one magazine came back from Mad Dog 7.62.
The WECSOG gods must be shining on the Bandit 'eh? Check them out!!!
The 1st of September rolled around and I reluctantly went about the task of gathering up the firearms and "what nots" I would
take to the range. Now if you believe that last statement, I got a bridge I'll sell ya in Brooklyn. =). I couldn't get the stuff
loaded in my Ford Explorer quick enough!! As a precaution, I loaded up some tools and cleaning equipment I normally don't take
to the range, just in case. I was determined to fix any problem I *may* encounter with the project at the range. As quickly as the
law allows, I raced towards the range to test out the project and to shoot the other firearms I brought with me. Welp, as it turned
out, the extra tools and cleaning equipment weren't needed nor even looked at while at the range. Check out this 100yd target!
To say I'm pleased with the results would be an understatement. Not only did the FN/FAL "Texas Jungle" Carbine function flawlessly
(with most of my magazines) it was pretty darned accurate too. All shots on the target were at 100 yards except for the one 3 shot string
noted that was fired from 50 yards away as quickly as I could pull the trigger. Marked with a Sharpie are called flyers and arrows pointing
to the groups they should of been a part of. I also encircled the sighting in groups and the various other groups to include arrows showing
their respective point of aim. A total of 120 rounds were thrown down range and only a couple malfunctions that were narrowed down to 2 magazines
were noted. A good day at the range was enjoyed by the Bandito to include the time spent with my pistols, which functioned flawless also (no big
surprise). Final thoughts and "September 11th Ceremonial" Range Session of the project will follow soon. Until then, head
to the final assembly page if you haven't made it there yet, or... Stay Tuned!!!
Shoot Safe!!!
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bandit@wecsog.org
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The first range session (And all range sessions to follow) was completed at Blackhawk Range. As you can see from the pic above, the little "Texas Jungle" Carbine is showing potential. Those were the first 4 shots on paper @ 50yds off hand/standing position (shots 6-9). 4th round was a called flier (double fire). Shots 1-5 were shot at bare ground while setting gas system. Subsequent shots were not photographed due to a Hammer/Trigger/Sear (H/T/S) problem. Rest assured the sights have been adjusted to point of aim. Gas system seems to be stable and regulated about right for just about anything I care to feed the carbine. First twenty shots were with the surplus South African 7.62X51mm 147gr ammo that Dan's Sporting Goods sent me with the parts kit. The carbine fed and ejected the ammo reliably on a gas setting of 4. That's pretty much standard setting for that load.
