The FN FAL, the right arm of the free world

[4thWatch]

The FN FAL is classified as a Battle rifle, it fires the 308/7.62x51 which is a full size, full power round. Called "the right arm of the free world" because it was used by over 90 countries and often found itself fighting insurgent communist forces who were equipped with the AK47/74.

The FAL is a big, brutal rifle that's built like a tank. It saw action in every kind of weather and proved itself a very capable rifle. Most countries used a semi automatic version as they found that the 308 round was just to powerful to use in full automatic with any accuracy. Interestingly the FAL was used on both sides of the Falklands war with the Brits using the semi auto version and the Argentines using a full auto model.

The FAL is more exspensive than the PTR91 (see PTR91 article for info) with an entry level price of about 1000 dollars. The real price will most likely be about 1700 dollars or more if you want the best parts used in your rifle. You can buy FAL's that are made of new parts by DSA or rifles built with military surplus parts. Used FALS can be found on gun broker and Guns America.

FAL's can be purchased with barrels between 16 and 21 inches, the shorter barrels are easier to carry and lighter but loose some bullet velocity. You can also find FAL's with folding stocks known to most as para's. With a 16 inch barrel and folding stock can make the FAL a smaller package than you would think possible.

I have a DSA FAL made with all new parts, and sporting a British L2A2 suit scope. The FAL has a big manly personality, very over the top. It has a very specific sound when fired that you would imagine sounds like any other 308 but it doesn't it's quite special more like an angry bark. It's kick has some authority and you know your using a real full size round when you squeeze the loud button.

The FAL is what I like to call battlefield accurate, no it's not a "sniper" rifle but at most engagement ranges the bullet will fly straight and true if you aim right. The arguments over MOA, and sub 1 inch groups are silly. I like MOM or minute of man, can you hit an average size man at 100 to 300 yards with regularity. The FAL will do just fine at that thank you.

With the picatinny dust cover that DSA makes you can mount just about any modern optic though I'd suggest a 1-6 variable power scope suitable for close to medium range. The 1 power setting allows you to use the scope as a red dot CQB device which is very handy.

Pros: Durable, well built, large round, easy to use, easy to clean, battlefield accurate. Just really cool....huge personality.
Cons: More costly, magazines are more exspensive and can be hard to find, heavy, might be a bit much for a smaller person to handle.

Below is a great video made by the NRA and Mr.Colin Noir about the FAL, it's family friendly so enjoy.

 

[MrJim]

I'd love to fire one~~I've handled a lot of arms but never an FAL...IIRC they have an adjustable gas block?

 

[4thWatch]

Yup, adjustable gas block for various ammo and how dirty the rifle gets. Also (although I've never seen it) a grenade launcher supposedly so you would need it to essentially be a bolt action of sorts. I've shot everything through mine from cheap stuff to hand loads and I've used it over seas as part of my business.

It functioned flawlessly with mil surp magazines, I use mostly Austrian or Israeli.

 

[MrJim]

I just saw a CAI Imbel FN FAL for sale...$850 seemed a bit high but I've valued arms enough to trade...

 

[4thWatch]

850 for a FAL if it's in good shape is a pretty good deal. They are really simple operationally so If it's smooth to rack and looks like it's been cleaned I'd go for it. I do have connection though with a lot of FALS for sale (my company actually still employs them in field) and I get quantity discounts. I might be able to get you a very lightly used FAL from our Arsenal that's made with all new parts. We ordered quite a few FALS about 3 years ago and they were the 1700 dollar DSA model with a forged lower and bull barrel. They all look like the top pic of mine. I might even have the rare L2A2 suit scope in a box back in one of our storage units I got 4 of them in trade for a hand gun I wasn't using. Just PM me if your interested and I'll go out to our storage barn and go through the company safes.

 

[98cwitr]

idk...why would I trade in my AR for a FAL?

 

[civilwarbuff]

View attachment 165146
The FN FAL is classified as a Battle rifle, it fires the 308/7.62x51 which is a full size, full power round. Called "the right arm of the free world" because it was used by over 90 countries and often found itself fighting insurgent communist forces who were equipped with the AK47/74.

The FAL is a big, brutal rifle that's built like a tank. It saw action in every kind of weather and proved itself a very capable rifle. Most countries used a semi automatic version as they found that the 308 round was just to powerful to use in full automatic with any accuracy. Interestingly the FAL was used on both sides of the Falklands war with the Brits using the semi auto version and the Argentines using a full auto model.

The FAL is more exspensive than the PTR91 (see PTR91 article for info) with an entry level price of about 1000 dollars. The real price will most likely be about 1700 dollars or more if you want the best parts used in your rifle. You can buy FAL's that are made of new parts by DSA or rifles built with military surplus parts. Used FALS can be found on gun broker and Guns America.

FAL's can be purchased with barrels between 16 and 21 inches, the shorter barrels are easier to carry and lighter but loose some bullet velocity. You can also find FAL's with folding stocks known to most as para's. With a 16 inch barrel and folding stock can make the FAL a smaller package than you would think possible.

I have a DSA FAL made with all new parts, and sporting a British L2A2 suit scope. The FAL has a big manly personality, very over the top. It has a very specific sound when fired that you would imagine sounds like any other 308 but it doesn't it's quite special more like an angry bark. It's kick has some authority and you know your using a real full size round when you squeeze the loud button.

The FAL is what I like to call battlefield accurate, no it's not a "sniper" rifle but at most engagement ranges the bullet will fly straight and true if you aim right. The arguments over MOA, and sub 1 inch groups are silly. I like MOM or minute of man, can you hit an average size man at 100 to 300 yards with regularity. The FAL will do just fine at that thank you.

With the picatinny dust cover that DSA makes you can mount just about any modern optic though I'd suggest a 1-6 variable power scope suitable for close to medium range. The 1 power setting allows you to use the scope as a red dot CQB device which is very handy.

Pros: Durable, well built, large round, easy to use, easy to clean, battlefield accurate. Just really cool....huge personality.
Cons: More costly, magazines are more exspensive and can be hard to find, heavy, might be a bit much for a smaller person to handle.

Below is a great video made by the NRA and Mr.Colin Noir about the FAL, it's family friendly so enjoy.

The performance seems along the lines of a BAR in auto mode.... especially the reload. Must have incredible stopping power.

 

[4thWatch]

idk...why would I trade in my AR for a FAL?

That really depends on what your seeking. The AR is a fine system, I'm not a fan of it but that's my issue from working in laces where the range if the 5.56 is to limited for me. I'm betting that the AR you have is just fine for what you want unless you want more power and range.

If your expecting things to happen at about 500 yards or less, or not to have to shoot through heavy brush, wood, vehicles etc than the AR is fine. If you like your AR and your comfortable with it and it meets your expected needs then stick with it. You can always get a 300 blackout upper for a tad more power and the have the use of 2 different rounds depending on your needs.

 

[4thWatch]

The performance seems along the lines of a BAR in auto mode.... especially the reload. Must have incredible stopping power.

The great thing about the FAL is that it turns cover into concealment. The 5.56 just doesn't get good penetration, even heavy foliage can create issues for it but the .308 will travel through a lot of things and do it farther out. The FAL does have a BAR personality that was a good way to put it. Usually in any team I send out more than a few guys will choose the FAL/M14/G3 just because they trust the 7.62x51 and don't want to get out ranged in a fight.