Welcome everyone to the 177th edition of ‘Hot Gat or Fudd Crap?’, one of our many series here on TFB. If you’re new to the series, this is where we look at the most obscure firearms that are actually for sale and ask the question – is this Gat a sweet deal or only has a Fudd appeal?  Each week the TFB staff weighs in with their thoughts, but readers get the final say in the poll at the bottom of each article.

In our last edition, our poll showed that you, the readers, decided the engraved TriStar T-120 was fudd crap.  

HGFC – Turkish Treasure or Engraved Displeasure? — Poll Results

At this time the original auction has ended with the engraved TriStar selling for $405.  Congratulations to GunBroker buyer RON1231.  We wish you the best with what you’ve deemed Turkish treasure.  

In this week’s edition of HGFC, we look at a FAL-themed AR-15 chambered in 6.8 SPC. As is tradition, this wood-clad AR is currently up for sale on GunBroker with a Starting Bid of $1,425 and No Reserve.  

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP?

Classic FAL Aesthetic or Poetically Pathetic?

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Classic FAL Aesthetic or Poetically Pathetic?

Let’s see what the Staff had to say about this week’s offering:

“No FAL style mag cut. Fail” – Nick C.

“This gun is absolutely ARFAL” – James Reeves

“A powerful example of the lengths men will to go in order to get non-bipod cut FAL handguards” – Daniel Y.

“Now bit the bullet and cutaway most of the mag well! – Matt

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Classic FAL Aesthetic or Poetically Pathetic?

Selling this right arm of the free world themed gat is GunBroker seller BUYSELLGUNS, located in Pompano Beach FL.  Let’s see what they had to say about this custom 6.8 SPC chambered AR-15.  

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Classic FAL Aesthetic or Poetically Pathetic?

You are bidding on an auction from www.pompanopawn.com/store & www.pompanopawn.net Any Questions please email DIRECTLY pompanopawn@yahoo.com all my Gun Broker messages go to junk/spam.  This is a Rare Custom Rifle Built by Bruce Dow in Dade City Fl.

This rifle was built by Bruce Dow of Dow Arms in Dade City, FL.  Carbine length gas system, 20″  Barrel chambered in 6.8spc Rem . Side charging handle.

The entire upper was made by Dow to look like an FAL. Front sight and regulator from an FAL were used(regulator does not function as gas adjustment). Forearm and barrel nut are custom to this rifle.

Walnut forearm and stock.

2 stage trigger. This rifle will come with 6 mags
Great for Hog hunting and more!

No sales to California! Buyer pays $45 for Shipping and Insurance payment methods cashier check, money order, direct deposit or wire transfer we now accept visa/mc/discover/amex/ add a 3% FEE Thanks for looking!

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Classic FAL Aesthetic or Poetically Pathetic?

First things first, I’ve always despised lookalike guns.  I understand FALs are expensive, but if you really want one, why not just save up for the real thing.  The craftsmanship is certainly there, and the wood furniture looks good, but it’s what’s underneath that’s confusing.

I’m indifferent when it comes to side charger AR-15 pattern rifles.  I like the idea, but I always find myself wishing there was a regular charging handle at the rear.  It’s the gas system and barrel that are the most confusing items on this build.  With a 20-inch barrel, why not go rifle-length gas system?  And without a threaded barrel, this gun has all sorts of assault weapons ban vibes.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Classic FAL Aesthetic or Poetically Pathetic?

Don’t get me wrong, rifles like this are a perfect example of where the AR-15 platform shines.  You get to pick or build whatever your heart desires.  For better or worse.  There was a time when 6.8 SPC was touted as the next big thing.  This seemingly brief period of time left behind plenty of 6.8 SPC relics that you’ll occasionally find on the market today.  I’m sure someone in the comments will tell me how awesome this caliber is, but I’m still not convinced.  I’ll stick to 300 Blackout and 223/5.56 for the time being.

However, I will say this.  At the end of the day, 6.8 SPC seems to be really great at being in stock at my local sporting goods store when a pandemic hits and there’s a run on ammo.  Other than that, I’d be hard-pressed to recommend it.

Certainly, every rifle has worth, but at just under $1,500 to start, I think the price might be too high for this FAL lookalike.  Of course, I could be wrong and for that reason, I leave it up to you, the readers, to decide.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Classic FAL Aesthetic or Poetically Pathetic?

What do you think?  Is this FAL-themed AR-15 a Hot Gat or strangely misguided Fudd Crap?  Be sure to let us know in the comments below, and cast your vote to let us know if this Custom FAL15 6.8 SPC is a Hot Gat or Fudd Crap: