The FN FAL: Right Arm Of The Free World

by
posted on March 2, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
DS ARMS Jungle Warrior Carbine FAL rifle gun black firearm right-side view

The FN FAL was developed when Communist Bloc global domination was a very real possibility. Europe was recovering from the devastation of World War II, and the majority of nations near Russia had their militaries disorganized, disbanded or in serious disarray. Many of their firearms were outdated or worn.

What became known as the Cold War cooled by diplomacy, but improvement and standardization of small arms and ammunition of nations in Communism’s crosshairs played a significant role. A big part of that effort first appeared in 1946, when Belgium-based Fabrique Nationale produced the first Fusil Automatique Leger (Light Automatic Rifle)—the famed FN FAL often called the “right arm of the free world.”

American Rifleman named it No. 8 of its list of top-10 infantry rifles in the world. It was adopted by 66 countries, capable of select fire and used 20- or 30-round magazines. The original design chambered .280 British, but it was later tailored to run the 7.62x51 mm NATO cartridge preferred by the U.S. military—or 7.62 NATO. The vast majority were in that chambering, which provided a logistical advantage to allied nations that fielded the gun. To say the FN FAL arrived at the right time is understatement.

FN FALs were produced by Fabrique Nationale, and several other companies other license, from 1953 to 1988. The gun’s gas system was adjustable and used a piston system of operation. A number of variants were created, some considered extremely collectible. One of the reasons for the price tag is a quality that is backed by Belgian metallurgy. As Anthony Vanderlinden explained for our readers, “There is no harder and longer wearing steel than what is found on a FN.” You can expect an original from the company to run more than $6,000 right now.

D.S. Arms (DSA) offers a variety of modern FALs, in patterns that emulate some of the legendary gun’s most popular models. Its Jungle Warrior Carbine (seen above), for example, has a 16 1/4" threaded barrel, fixed stock and is patterned after FN’s production run for Bolivia. It’s chambered in 7.62 NATO and comes with adjustable iron sights. The receiver is finished in matte-black Duracoat and MSRP is $1,550. The company has a total of 27 versions available.

Latest

Clockwork Basilisk Book Review F
Clockwork Basilisk Book Review F

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Preview: BKL Technologies Model 260

BKL Technologies is a well-regarded manufacturer of scope mounts and rings for airguns and rimfire rifles in particular, offering several different lines of products depending on the optic and mounting interface being used.

Gun Of The Week: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

We're on the range with one of the most iconic rimfires in America–only this time, it's got a high-tech twist. This is the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber, a lightweight and modernized take on a classic plinker.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.