FN FAL

The FN FAL (French: Fusil Automatique Léger, English: Light Automatic Rifle) is a battle rifle designed in Belgium in 1953 by Dieudonné Saive and manufactured by FN Herstal.

FN FAL
A standard FAL (50.00 model) produced by FN
TypeBattle rifle
Place of originBelgium
Service history
In service1953–present
Used by90+ countries (See Users)
WarsSee Conflicts
Production history
DesignerDieudonné Saive
Designed1947–53
Manufacturer
Produced1953–present (Production stopped by FN Herstal in 1988)
No. built7,000,000
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications (FAL 50)
Mass4.25 kg (9.4 lb)
Length1,090 mm (43 in)
Barrel length533 mm (21.0 in)

Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
.280 British
7mm Liviano
ActionShort-stroke gas piston, closed tilting breechblock
Rate of fire650–700 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity840 m/s (2,755.9 ft/s)
Maximum firing range800 meters
Feed system20- or 30-round detachable box magazine. 50-round drum magazines are also available.
Sights
  • ramped aperture rear sight (adjustable from 200 to 600 m/yd in 100 m/yd increments)
  • post front sight

During the Cold War the FAL was adopted by many countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), with the notable exception of the United States. It is one of the most widely used rifles in history, having been used by more than 90 countries. It received the title "the right arm of the free world" from its adoption by many self-proclaimed free world countries. It is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, although originally designed for the intermediate .280 British.

A license-built version of the FAL was produced and adopted by the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth as the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle.

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