Getting Pushed Around by the FN FAL

by
posted on November 3, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
FNFALimage.jpg

After NATO adopted the .30-caliber T65 cartridge as the 7.62 x 51 mm, almost the entire world adopted a version of the Fusil Automatique Legere as designed by Dieudione Saive of Fabrique Nationale. When I say almost, I mean just about everyone besides the United States, which tested the T48 as made by Harrington & Richardson, but choose the M14 over any FAL variant.

While filming for an FN history segment for American Rifleman Television—you can't talk about FN without including the FAL—we had a chance to fire an early full-automatic and semi-automatic version with attributes of the German G1. Watch the video below. There's a reason these rifles were supposed to by fired in semi-automatic except in emergencies. This gun, a selective-fire battle rifle in 7.62, really pushes you around in full auto. American Rifleman contributor Ken Smith-Christmas fired the rifle for the camera. And if you think the FAL is a handful to keep on target in full auto, you should try the M14 some time.

Latest

Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber
Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

Review: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

Ruger recently released a variant of its popular 10/22 made with modern materials and incorporating performance-minded engineering: the 10/22 Carbon Fiber.

Winchester Celebrates USA 250th With Commemorative Ammo Line

Winchester Ammunition's special line of commemorative ammunition honors the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, with unique packaging that honors the American heritage.

BANISH Suppressors Introduces BANISH 556

BANISH Suppressors introduced its BANISH 556, a full-auto rated suppressor with controlled-flow technology that the company claims is the "most advanced 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. suppressor on the market."

The Keefe Report: The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025

Philip Schreier, director of the NRA Museums, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

America 250: The Tradition Of The Armed Citizen Lives On

The Declaration of Independence reaffirmed the right to self-determination—and the uniquely American practice of keeping and bearing arms allowed a new nation to thrive.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 5, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.