No, the FN FAL is no longer being produced. FN Herstal, the Belgian weapons manufacturer, ceased production of the famed battle rifle in 2018. Though it served for decades as the standard service rifle of over 90 countries, since it was largely replaced by the AR-15 platform it has become a relic of Cold War militaries.
Collectors and enthusiasts, however, still bring FN FALs to competitions and firearms events, and its powerful 7. 62x51mm NATO round continues to be popular amongst competition shooters. In fact, hobbyists and firearms experts have modified the FN FAL to fire.
308 Winchester, the civilian version of the 7. 62x51mm NATO, allowing it to finds its way into hunting scenarios or onto the range.
Table of Contents
When did FN stop making FAL?
FN (Fabrique Nationale or FN Herstal) stopped manufacturing FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger) rifles in the late 1980s. The rifle was used by over 90 countries for decades, but with the development of newer assault rifles such as the M16, FN decided to shift its focus away from the FAL.
They stopped production for the American market in 1985 and in 1989 for the European market. The FAL continued to be produced in other countries such as Brazil, India, South Africa, and Israel until 2013.
What replaced the FN FAL?
The FN FAL was replaced by the FN SCAR, which stands for Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle. It was developed by Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal and made its debut in 2009. The rifle is available in two versions, the SCAR-L (Light) which is chambered in 5.
56x45mm, and the SCAR-H (Heavy) which is chambered in 7. 62x51mm NATO. The SCAR was designed with the modern soldier in mind and is intended to be more ergonomic and modular than the FN FAL. It features an adjustable stock, interchangeable barrel assemblies, flip-up iron sights, an integrated Picatinny Rail for mounting various optics and accessories, and a variety of fire selector options.
It is also significantly lighter than the FAL, weighing just 6. 7 pounds (SCAR-L) or 9. 2 pounds (SCAR-H) with an empty magazine. Additionally, the FN SCAR is considered more reliable and has a longer service life than the FAL due to its improved materials and manufacturing processes.
Why was the FAL discontinued?
The FAL (or “Fusil Automatique Léger” in French) was a battle rifle developed shortly after World War II and adopted by Belgium, Canada, and several other countries as their standard service rifle. It was a reliable and versatile weapon, typically chambered in.
308 (7. 62x51mm NATO) or. 303 British and capable of semi- or full-auto fire.
However, the FAL eventually began to be phased out of military service in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a new generation of smaller, more compact assault rifles such as the M16 and AK-47 began to become more prevalent.
Due to their smaller size and lighter weight, these weapons were more suitable for use in the jungles and other confined spaces of modern warfare. Additionally, their higher rate of fire, and more efficient use of ammunition made them preferable to the FAL in certain engagements.
Ultimately, the FAL found itself unable to compete with the newer rifles, and was soon phased out of military use as newer weapons became more numerous and widespread.
Who makes a modern FAL?
Several companies currently make modern versions of the FAL. In the United States, DS Arms and Century International Arms (CIA) both manufacture models of the FAL. DS Arms produces their SA58 series in both semi-auto and select-fire versions.
The SA58 is offered in a variety of configurations ranging from classic wood furniture to lightweight side folding composite stocks. CIA’s model of the FAL is their FAL SA58. This semi-automatic rifle is based on the original FAL, but features improved ergonomics, materials and more modern features such as an improved Picatinny optics rail and an adjustable Tritium front sight.
Along with these US companies, several companies in Europe and Canada also produce modern FALs. DSA, STEYR, AFN, and Zastava Arms all offer custom and standard FALs. Zastava Arms makes a modernized version of the FAL called M70AB2.
This gun uses a polymer folding stock, adjustable open sights, and a picatinny rail.
Is the FAL worth buying?
Whether or not the FAL rifle is worth buying depends on the preferences and needs of the buyer. For instance, it is reliable and accurate, and its semi-automatic action allows for fast follow-up shots.
It is also easy to customize and known for its durability, making it a popular choice for recreational target shooting and hunting. On the other hand, its heavy weight and large size make it more suited to static shooting positions rather than more mobile engagements.
It is also more expensive than some comparable alternatives, such as the AR-15. Ultimately, it is up to the buyer to decide whether the FAL rifle is worth considering as part of their arsenal.
Why did the US not adopt the FN FAL?
The United States did not adopt the FN FAL (Fabrique Nationale Fusil Automatique Leger) as its standard service rifle because of a variety of factors, primarily related to timing and technological advances.
When the FAL was released in 1954, the U. S. Army was still using the M1 Garand, which was adopted in 1936. In those 18 years, there had been minimal advancements in military small arms technology and the M1 Garand was still widely seen as reliable and effective.
In addition, the U. S. entered a period of self-imposed protectionism in 1953 with the passage of the Mutual Defense Assistance Act. This act prohibited the use of foreign-made small arms. After that, the U.
S. military began to prioritize the development of its own weapons like the M14 and M16. The M14 was officially adopted in 1957 and the M16 was adopted in 1962.
The FN FAL wasn’t ready for service until the 1960s, but at this point the U. S. military was already fully invested in its own designs, which had the additional benefit of being much lighter and requiring less maintenance than the FAL.
As a result, the United States ultimately chose not to adopt the FN FAL and instead chose to produce its own designs.
Did the US ever use the FN FAL?
Yes, the United States did use the FN FAL. The FN FAL was adopted by the US military in 1957, initially as the main service rifle of the US Marine Corps. It was eventually adopted by the US Army in 1963, making it the official main service rifle of both the US Marine Corps and US Army.
It saw use during the Vietnam War by both the US and South Vietnamese militaries. In addition, it was used by police forces in the US and Canada as well as other countries. It was also used by some special operations forces, most notably the US Navy SEALs.
The FN FAL was said to be reliable, accurate, and powerful, and it’s popularity made it the most widely used military rifle of the post-World War II era.
Is an FN FAL better than an AK?
The comparison between the FN FAL and the AK-47 is an interesting one as both are popular and successful battle rifles. Ultimately, it’s difficult to definitively say that one is better than the other.
On one hand, the FN FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger) has a longer range, is generally more accurate, and is regarded as being more reliable than its AK counterpart. On the other hand, the AK-47 has a much lighter weight, is simple to maintain, and has a higher rate of fire.
Moreover, the AK-47 is a much more readily available weapon.
In conclusion, it’s difficult to say that either weapon is definitively better than the other. It really comes down to personal preference and the situation at hand. For example, if a soldier was in a mountainous environment and engaging long-range targets, the FN FAL would be the probably the more suitable weapon.
However, if a soldier needed a lightweight rifle that could be used for close quarters combat, the AK-47 would be more suitable for the task.
Which is better G3 or FAL?
The answer to whether G3 or FAL is better largely comes down to personal preference, as they both bring unique advantages and disadvantages to the table.
The G3 is a German-designed, Cold War-era battle rifle known around the world for its robust design and reliable performance. Its features include a roller-delayed blowback system, heavy fluted barrel and built-in bipod.
It is a dependable and accurate battle rifle that has unparalleled reliability and is generally easier to clean and maintain than the FAL while being able to fire more rounds in a given time frame.
The FAL is an iconic Belgian-designed semi-automatic battle rifle produced in large numbers and adopted by numerous nations. It is a powerful and accurate rifle that is capable of firing the same rounds as an M14 or M16-style battle rifle but with significantly less recoil due to its gas-operated system.
It also has a strong and durable design and is easy to disassemble and reassemble.
Ultimately, either the G3 or FAL will make a great addition to any firearms collection. Both are dependable and effective in combat situations. Some shooters may find the G3 more readily available and more reliable while others may prefer the FAL’s power and accuracy.
The decision ultimately boils down to individual preference.
How accurate is a FAL?
The FN FAL is a very accurate and reliable rifle. It is considered to be one of the most accurate semi-automatic rifles ever created, delivering consistent accuracy at distances of up to 600 meters. With the right adjustments and ammunition, the FAL is capable of consistently hitting small targets out to 400 meters without fail.
Furthermore, the FAL includes adjustable sights that can help the shooter properly adjust zeroing for a better accuracy performance. The design of the FAL allows for tweaking various parts of the gun, such as the stock, barrel, trigger, and sights allowing experienced shooters to make barrel length, twist rate and bedding alterations, which contribute to its incredible accuracy.
Finally, when the FAL is properly maintained and taken care of, it can provide a very accurate and consistent performance, capable of hitting many small targets.
Can you shoot 308 out of a FAL?
Yes, you can shoot 308 out of a FAL (also known as the FN FAL, or Fabrique Nationale Fusil Automatique Léger). The FAL is a battle rifle first developed after World War II by Belgium’s Fabrique Nationale.
The FAL was designed to fire the 7. 62×51mm NATO round and was adopted by the British Army in 1954. The FAL is also chambered in a variety of other calibers, including the 308 Winchester, which is also known as the 7.
62×51mm NATO. While the FAL is most often used with the 7. 62×51mm NATO round, it can also fire the 308 Winchester, making it a very versatile weapon for hunting and target shooting.
What is the newest FN pistol?
The newest FN pistol is the FN 509 Tactical. This 9mm striker-fired tactical pistol was designed for compatibility with a multitude of accessories and is perfect for duty, self defense and home protection.
It features a 4. 5-inch cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel with a recessed target crown and fully adjustable iron sights. It is a Polymer frame model and has an extended stainless steel chassis which helps reduce muzzle flip and improves accuracy.
The FN 509 Tactical is also equipped with an optics mounting system, allowing you to add a mini red dot sight. Additionally, it comes with two magazines – a 17-round and 24-round extended magazine – providing plenty of capacity.
This reliable and durable tactical pistol has a reputation for being one of the best FN firearms on the market.
What gun is better than an AK-47?
The question of whether one gun is “better” than another is subjective and something that people often debate. Ultimately, the answer to this question really depends on a variety of factors and what someone’s specific needs and preferences are.
That being said, there are a number of guns that some people might consider to be “better” than an AK-47. Some of these include the AR-15 and M4 style rifles, which are popular among military personnel, law enforcement, and civilians alike.
The modern ergonomics of the AR-15 or M4 make for an easier shooting experience and the rifles generally offer more accuracy over the classic AK-47 design. Additionally, the M4 platform can be customized to meet a shooter’s individual preference and holds more rounds than the AK-47.
In addition, popular sniper rifles like the M24 and M40 could also be considered “better” than an AK-47, as they are designed specifically for more precise long-range shots and can hit targets over a mile away, while the AK-47 is optimized for short to mid-range close quarters combat.
Ultimately, it is tough to say which gun may be considered better than an AK-47, as it depends largely on the user’s needs and preferences.
Does any military use the FAL?
Yes, a number of militaries have used the FAL (short for Fusil Automatique Léger, or Light Automatic Rifle) over the years, including the Belgian and British armies, the Malaysian and Indian armies, the Sri Lankan and Nepalese armies, and the Argentine and Chilean armies.
The FAL has been adopted by various other nations throughout Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East as well.
Originally developed in Belgium in 1947, this gas-operated, self-loading rifle was first adopted by Canada in 1949 and was officially adopted by the British Army as the SLR (Self-Loading Rifle) in 1958.
It was among the world’s first automatic weapons to feature a “staggering” and selective fire mode, allowing it to fire either in semi-automatic or fully-automatic mode. It first saw widespread use during the 1950s and 1960s in conflicts like the Suez Crisis and the Vietnam War, and it remained a popular weapon until the 1980s.
The FAL has seen a resurgence of sorts in recent years, with a number of militaries opting to keep and maintain what were once aging stockpiles. Thanks to its long service life, large magazine capacity, and reliable construction, the FAL is still seen as a capable and powerful weapon for modern warfare.
As such, the FAL continues to be popular amongst militaries around the world and is actively used in several major conflicts.
