The FN FAL: Right Arm Of The Free World

by
posted on March 2, 2022
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 Many of their firearms were outdated or worn.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

World War II Production Poster
World War II Production Poster

"The Gun Plant:" How General Motors Armed American Troops In WWII

America's "Arsenal of Democracy" relied on commercial manufacturers re-tooling to make the firearms necessary for American troops to fight across the world. A major contributor to the war effort was the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors in Michigan.

Trio Of Deals Launch Holiday Savings Season

With the 2024 holiday season approaching right around the corner, companies such as Smith & Wesson, Silencer Central and Taurus are announcing this year's best savings with rebates, BOGO offers and more.

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms P99 AS Final Edition

Walther Arms celebrated its groundbreaking P99 polymer-pistol design with the P99 AS Final Edition before discontinuing the design.

New For 2025: Savage Arms Stance XR

Going into 2025, Savage Arms has announced a few major updates to its Stance micro-compact handgun design.

Vincent Hancock: Most Decorated Men’s Skeet Olympian In History

American men’s skeet competitor Vincent Hancock made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as the first Olympic shooter to win four gold medals in the same individual event.

Review: Riton 5 Primal 15-45X 60 mm

The 5 Primal spotting scope is a compact, angled-viewing optic designed to be as condensed as possible.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.