Over the past seven decades, the FAL has stood as a battle rifle icon. Designed for Fabrique Nationale Herstal by Belgian small arms engineer Dieudonné Joseph Saive, the Fusil Automatique Léger (“Light Automatic Rifle”) is a short-stroke gas piston firearm chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. It entered production in 1953, and variants continue to be manufactured today, although FN’s own in-house production ceased in 1988. In excess of seven million have been made so far, and this gun has seen service in the hands of both military and non-state forces across the globe through dozens of conflicts. Now, to honor its legendary design as the FAL prepares to mark 70 years of production, FN has begun two contests that will allow a select few enthusiasts to get their hands on a piece of firearms history.
FALs @ TFB:
- DSA FAL Sniper System: An Accurized FAL [SHOT Show 2022]
- Larry Vickers & Forgotten Weapons take a look at a Rhodesian FAL
- Argentine Army Receives First Modernised FALs
This iconic design was born in the bygone era of hand-drawn sketches but is still beloved by many today.
FN’s website announces:
Own a part of the FN FAL legacy.
The right arm of the free world has returned, fueled by a recovery project to extend the legendary FN FAL to a select group of historic arms collectors and builder enthusiasts in the U.S. market. 400 FN FAL rifles issued in the 1980s to the Belgian Gendarmerie were decommissioned and painstakingly crated at FN Herstal.
The lower trigger frame, stocks, bayonets and slings in these authentic FAL builder kits have light cosmetic markings from once-issued uses. Metal parts are free of pitting or fatigue, as long-term storage oils preserved the operating character and finish of each component.
The legacy of the FN FAL can be felt throughout FN’s long history, from the FNC all the way to the present-day FN SCAR. Its influence is undeniable and forever changed the landscape of modern firearms.
You could win one complete rifle, or the opportunity to buy an authentic parts kit.The first campaign is a giveaway, with a grand prize semi-automatic complete rifle built on an aftermarket receiver. For the second campaign, you can enter for the chance to purchase one of four hundred authentic FN parts kits, minus a handful of completion components like a receiver and barrel – these can be sourced aftermarket to finish out your firearm. These kits will be released to the selected winning buyers for $899.99 each. See FN’s website to enter. Best of luck, and I’ll see you at the range!