Fabrique Nationale FN FAL

The FN FAL (Fusil Automatique Legere) is regarded as the best of the FN automatic rifle designs to date. The FN FAL became the weapon of choice for NATO countries when the 7.62mm NATO round was accepted as the standard ammunition round for the West, thus leading to over seventy countries ordering the weapon for their frontline inventories.

The base weapon is well-liked for it's basic reliability and practicality - this is a no frills weapon system. The system can be recognizable by the straight 20-shot ammunition cartridge and overall basic design and a wire or full buttstock.

Initial variants of the FN FAL did not feature a automatic fire selector, thus later models incorporated this feature into the design. The cocking handle is interestingly placed on the left hand side of the weapon so the firer (if he is right-handed of course) can keep his grip on the trigger handle while cocking the weapon.

One of the reported drawbacks of the system is the tendency for the weapon to climb when fired, given that it is of a lightweight design. Nevertheless, the weapon went on to serve worldwide and the NATO endorsement was most likely a large part of that success.

Bayonet mountings was also available for the weapon, as was a bipod for light machine gun squad support duty. In this role, the FN FAL also utilized a heavier barrel to keep the aforementioned 'weapon climb' to a minimum.

Due to its export success, the FN FAL can still be seen in arms inventories the world over.

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