FAL

Also known as FN FAL, Fusil Automatique Leger, Light Automatic Rifle

automatic rifle

Key facts

Type: Battle rifle
Place of origin: Belgium
In service: 1953–present
Used by: 90+ countries (See Users )
Wars: See Conflicts
Designer: Dieudonné Saive
Designed: 1947–1953
Manufacturer: FN Herstal IMBEL Fabricaciones Militares Rifle Factory Ishapore
Produced: 1953–1988 (FN Herstal), 1953–present (licensed manufacturers)
Number span no built: 7,000,000
Variants: See Variants
Mass: 4.25 kg (9.4 lb)
Length

~40 min read

Article

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

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 countries that identified as part of the free world. It is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, although originally designed for the intermediate .280 British.