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.

 

 

 

 

5 so-called home defense experts.

5 so-called home defense experts

We have all met this guy in light conversation in the office or gun club. He is the resident expert on home defense. He includes statistics and talks in a raised eyebrow you should agree tone. His firearm of choice is the only viable option and will argue like a politician to secure his point, they are the “So-Called Home Defense Experts”

Now keep in mind that this is my perspective and humble opinion. Please let me know if you have a similar experience.

AR-15 Guy:

 This guy wants you to believe that every home defense situation is a quick trip back in time to Vietnam. He does not go into detail about tactics or specific ammunition, just that the black rifle fires an enormous amount of rounds and is great for running off large gangs of thugs.

Reality—The AR-15 used properly is an excellent home defense firearm. Depending on the basic layout of your home--that will determine the ammo and training you will need to ensure success and save the lives of your loved ones.

 Comrade AK-47:

He believes that when you have to absolutely kill every mother-F*&#@ in the room the AK is the weapon of choice. This person will swear up and down that the very sight of the AK will cause a fecal explosion in the pants of the nefarious infiltrator and he will run from your home in fear.

Reality—Once again no mention of training or ballistics with the AK. With the scores of variants in the US, it stands to reason that this firearm is in the average household. However, understanding the firearm is understanding the difficult nature of it as a home defense firearm. The AK fires a round that is roughly equivalent to a 30 caliber brush gun. Again, study the dimensions of your house and the material that lines your walls to ensure there will be little to no penetration.

 Shotgun Noise:

“The very sound of a shotgun will make them stop. That noise-you know-the sound of a shotgun racking a round in the chamber will send chills right up the spine. You see I’ve never had to use ol’ Betty here, because her bark is worse than her bite.” We all know this guy when looking for the best home defense firearm. He is orally passing down the same old story he heard from someone in a bait shop or gun club. This person cannot be reasoned with, nor can they give specifics to the follow-up question; what if they don’t run?

Reality-The shotgun is a superb home defense firearm. It does have some disadvantages such as weight and bulk. Not everyone in your household will be able to shoot or handle a 12 gauge shotgun. Who said it had to be a 12 gauge, more and more people are using the 20 gauge as a viable shotgun option for home defense. It’s light enough and still packs a punch. As for the noise, it may or may not work. Are you willing to bet your life on it? Train, train and more training. No your rounds and your shotgun and various distances within your home. A normal shotgun pattern will stay tight until after a certain distance, so unless you live in a mansion, just aiming in the general direction will not suffice.

Dirty Harry The Revolver Guy:

 

Usually an old timer who once fired a pistol in the air to scare away some “damn” teenagers in his yard. This man will go on and on about how the revolver holds just enough rounds to do the job until the cops show up. I once heard a man at a local gun club exclaim, “If I can’t get him with 6 then I deserve to die” WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY MAN?

Reality-The revolver is one of the oldest home defense firearms in the world. It rarely jams and can pack a mean punch to anyone looking to inflict harm. Not to mention, it does strike an intimidating pose with its iconic standing with Americans. All that aside, how quickly can you reload the revolver? Will you bring extra ammo with you while clearing room to room in your underwear? How do you clear a jam? The revolver is a great defense firearm but needs very special attention to fire and accurately acquire your intended target, especially at night.

 

…Of The Highest Caliber:

 

“I only need one shot to put ‘em down. That’s why I carry a *insert highest caliber possible*. Sure I don’t have a lot of bullets, but don’t need ‘em”. We ALL know this person. They scrutinize and peal back the reasons why you shouldn’t own a smaller caliber firearm. They put no stock into any ballistics except their chosen bullet. It would be easier to get two opposing politicians to agree on pro-life/pro-choice than change his mind.

Reality- Plain and simple situation dependence. I cannot say for certain that one shot is what you will need or not need in a given situation. However, police, military, and many shooting courses will teach follow up shots. The reason is simple, in a home defense situation you will be afraid or at least the adrenaline will be coursing through your body. This makes it very difficult to calmly place a single accurate shot. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a single well placed shot will do the job. If you are truly in fear for your life and your loved ones, then you must fire until the threat has been dealt with. That means out of your home or no longer moving.

 

The reoccurring theme to debunk most of these would-be experts is training. There are many companies that dedicate time and effort that properly train you to defend your home and your family. When it comes to firearm selection, use what you have, but be well trained with that firearm. If the only firearm you can afford is a Highpoint 9mm, then become the unequivocal guru on that firearm. Know the limitations and advantages in your household. As always be aware of your domestic floor plan. Train at night and during the day. If truly serious, then it should be no different than drilling your family for a potential fire.