CAI L1A1 Sporter Made in Canada?

mtallman

mtallman

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Hey guys,

There is a L1A1 sporter at a gunshow I was thinking about picking up (the show is done tomorrow so it would be great for some fast feedback if possible).

My question is pretty simple. It is Marked CAI and L1A1 Sporter on the right side of the reciever, and Made in Canada on the right side of the magwell right at the bottom. The rifle has a black thumbhole stock and shortened barrel with no flash hider/muzzle attachment. Does anyone know the history of these rifles? I would assume they were brought into Canada and put into a new reciever stamped Made in Canada?

Thanks,
Matt
 
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Does it look like this?

174.jpg


image from proxibid, found on google.
 
These were the same as the regular L1A1's that CAI sold, except with the US style "non-assault weapon" stock fitted. The CAI's were mostly mix masters built on either Brit or Aussie receivers, with various Commonwealth parts fitted. If you got a good one it would shoot well, many were not so good. Now it doesn't really matter, since you can't shoot them at all. Prohib laws suck.
 
As far as I understand these are made from L1A1 parts on an Imbel Receiver. There have not been any new FAL receivers made in Canada since the 8L series. curious about the "Made in Canada" stamping.
 
Pblatzz said:
Does it look like this?

174.jpg


image from proxibid, found on google.
Click to expand...


Yeah, the gun is exactly like that except that the barrel is shortened to about an inch past the front sight.

Here's a quick picture I snapped. Sorry, it's hard to make out.
2zocb4y.jpg


How difficult would the swap to a wooden stock and pistol grip be?
 
Do you have 12(5) on your licence?

You do realize that it can't be shot right,(cannot get LTATT for it) plus it has zero collector value?

Sorry to say for the vendor but I'd leave it there.

BTW, how long is the barrel? I'm hoping more than 18 1/2".
 
Sorry, should have mentioned. I'm living in the states. I know the rifle doesn't have collector value, it would just be a shooter.
 
"...Marked CAI..." That'd be Century Arms International. Well known for assembling assorted rifles out of parts bins with zero QC. Both models of Lee-Enfield without bothering to ensure the headspace was safe. FAL's with a mixture of inch and metric parts. It may or may not actually work. It's literally a luck of the draw thing. Century assembled FALs are discussed regularly on U.S. forums. Some function just fine. Some are nightmares. Not made in Canada. Just assembled in Quebec, by unskilled people. The thumbhole stock was invented to get around U.S. laws of the time. Seems to me SA Inc. made an FAL copy with the same style of stock, for the same reason.
Personally, I wouldn't touch any rifle Century had anything to do with.
 
sunray said:
"...Marked CAI..." That'd be Century Arms International. Well known for assembling assorted rifles out of parts bins with zero QC. Both models of Lee-Enfield without bothering to ensure the headspace was safe. FAL's with a mixture of inch and metric parts. It may or may not actually work. It's literally a luck of the draw thing. Century assembled FALs are discussed regularly on U.S. forums. Some function just fine. Some are nightmares. Not made in Canada. Just assembled in Quebec, by unskilled people. The thumbhole stock was invented to get around U.S. laws of the time. Seems to me SA Inc. made an FAL copy with the same style of stock, for the same reason.
Personally, I wouldn't touch any rifle Century had anything to do with.
Click to expand...

f:P:

Please do not take anything said above to heart. Assumptions mostly.

There 10's of thousands of Century (or Firearms International) sold guns in Canada. Other than some ammo, I'm unaware of any major problems. They were generaly upfront with their descriptions as to condition.

Go ahead and buy it if the price is right. I'd turn it into a para config.
 
You mention the barrel extends just past the gas block. Do make sure it is at least 16+ inches long to meet US requirements.
 
tiriaq said:
You mention the barrel extends just past the gas block. Do make sure it is at least 16+ inches long to meet US requirements.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the help guys.

Just checked back and the rifle has a 16.5" barrel. It was at a great price, but i think i am going to hold off for a DSA in classic wood configuration or perhaps an L1A1 if I can find one for a decent price. My dream rifle would be a C1A1, however they are like hen's teeth down here.
 
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