FN FAL

Sitting around with a number of gun aficionados, the question was submitted, “What rifle besides our beloved M16 rivals the AK in distribution and commie notoriety?” The answers varied but one stands out as true, the FN FAL the right arm of the free world. Originally designed by Fabrique National as the Fusil Automatique Léger ("Light Automatic Rifle") or FAL. It was the hammer for good guys everywhere to fight the red menace of communism. 

Design and Influence   

 

Designed in the mid-1940s post WW II it was strongly influenced by the German StG 44 and the Russian STV-40. In fact, it has a similar gas operated feature with a short-stroke piston. The very first design was developed in the 7.92 x 33 Kurtz. The same intermediate cartridge used successfully by the German Sturmgewehr 44-the Grandfather of modern military assault weapons. However, with limits on post war ammunition supplies FN grabbed the attention of the British Commonwealth looking for a new battle rifle chambered in .280. Obviously FN was on this like a fat kid on a cupcake, but politics and the formation of NATO saw things a tad bit different. Post WW II saw the United States in a very powerful position to dictate policy and an “in the weeds” influence over standard battle rifles. At the time the US was the only power on the planet that kept the Soviets in check after the war. War-torn Europe was in no condition to face the Soviet war machine and so the US pushed hard for the .30 Cal Lite round to be the standard NATO round, which we know and love today as the 7.62 x 51 NATO. It is also noteworthy to mention that the FN FAL was strongly influenced with John Browning’s designs. Dieudonné  Saive (pictured below) the creator of the FN FAL completed work on John Browning’s high power 1935 and was more than likely inspired by Browning’s genius to create the FAL.

 

The right arm of freedom fades away hard

 

The FAL was distributed or made by over 90 countries. Wherever AK barked its distinctive rapport, an FAL was more than likely to answer. It served in a number of conflicts and still serves in some capacity with many third world nations.  The bottom line is that it did the job and truly helped stop the spread of geo-political instability in a number of disputed regions from the late 50’s to the 80’s and sometimes to our present. Fortunately or unfortunately speed is a soldier’s friend and weight is his enemy. And weight my friend is something the FAL has in abundance. With the weight between 9.5-13 lbs it is a heavy little lady to lug through any environment and to carry the massive 7.62 x 51 was an added burden.  Countries eventually looked for a more sound option, namely the 5.56 NATO. Lighter and more compact, the round offered more versatility in the field.  However, the FAL did have a very unique clash with itself during the short skirmish between the UK and Argentina over those (Mother)-Falkland Islands. One of the few times the same rifle was pitted against opposing forces the British prevailed and simply out-soldiered the Argentinians. Although the rifle served well in many countries its weight and cumbersome length contributed to the retirement of the rifle and the adoption of bullpups and lighter carbines.

 

Where Can I Get One?

I know what you are thinking, “Thanks for the history lesson. Where can I buy one?” The answer, everywhere. You may not find it in your local gun shop, but the internet is full of good deals. However, this is where you will have to do a little research and determine the type of FAL you may want. Determine if you are looking for an “inch” or “metric” FN FAL, then go to the FAL Files http://www.falfiles.com/forums/ and ask away. This forum has a ton of expertise from builds to where you can purchase an FAL for a decent price. Once you purchased one or in the process of a build take a look at http://www.dsarms.com . DSA Inc offers a number of parts and accessories for your FAL build or to put a little lip stick on the girl before the big range day. Gunbroker  http://www.gunbroker.com usually has some very good deals but this is where the research will  come in handy from the FAL files. With prices ranging from 500 to 2,000+ it behooves one to get the facts straight.

 

Wrap it up folks!

I personally own an Israeli FAL and have never regretted ownership of this great piece of history. Sarah (my FAL) is not a tack driver but she is a ton of fun to shoot and after emptying a 20 round mag of 7.62-I can see why it was such an effective rifle against the AK. It is a great addition to any collection and its rugged design will allow this rifle to be passed down to the next generation. Have fun be safe and stay on target.