FN FAL / L1A1 SLR Reliability: Ian and Mike Discuss (With Reference To The HK G3)

[@brianferguson7840]

4 years in british Parachute Regiment 2bt. 1979 to 83 I must have put thousands of rounds through my personal weapon and never had any issues. Nor did my mates. Used in anger on the Falklands, again no probs. I can only assume that the refurbished examples available in the USA have been poorly refited with parts which have already recieved wear an tear in another weapon before being scavenged for spares. Once a part has been "Run in" in another rifle, it'll never perform perfectly out of that gun.

[@Admiral_Pumpout]

As an SA80 era soldier of 14 years in the Royal Engineers the biggest thing I learned was to never argue with a sweat that the FAL was inferior to the SA80!

[@jongercama1842]

Because you'd get your arse kicked, LOL. @@Admiral_Pumpout

[@keenymeeny2]

82-87 SLR no issues loved it,,, best infantry rifle apart from my favourite SMLE 303 which I use up the range

[@MicMc539]

The mag feed problem is caused by fat LARPers resting the mag on something instead of supporting the weapon with their keyboard thin wrists. Lazy civilians.

[@famalam943]

Thousands of rounds in a few years sound like somethings changed with marksmanship training in recent years. My brother is currently in the paras, he was complaining he didn’t even break double figures with live ammunition last couple of years. This isn’t uncommon apparently

[@VulpeRenard]

"Ziga's AK started having the exact same trouble." Those pops in the background you're hearing aren't other shooters doing their runs, it's a significant portion of the internet furiously exploding in response to someone suggesting an AK had a reliability issue.

[@levanpkh6882]

nice one

[@MrFROGY1313]

His ak is cheap crap

[@TzunSu]

@@MrFROGY1313 Of course it is, they all are.

[@Gallic_Gabagool]

@@TzunSu Gets the job done, unlike fatass civilian LARPers no real soldier or warrior cares about a million dumb gadgets or having the most futuristic materials.

[@MrGrimsmith]

First off I wish to compliment the Bloke on the fine, Britsih Army approved mustache he's sporting. Good show sir! :D The L1A1 SLR still has a special place for me, being the first semi auto rifle I ever shot. She may may be a big bugger but damn does she do WORK!

[@bigbrowntau]

I was issued the heavy barrelled, bipod equipped version of the SLR, the L2A1 back in my days in the Australian Army Reserve. It ran beautifully with a 30 round mag despite being an old rifle if I cranked up the gas plus to give it more gas. Lovely rifle to shoot. Interesting to see the L4 mags working well.

[@markwalker4485]

Hated the C2a1but my C1a1 made in 1958 ran 1000s of rounds just by me with no problems

[@davidqbs]

I bought my Lithgow L1A1 from the NZ army in 1987, Shot it a lot in competition and it was entirely reliable. Never had a major issue with it, It would still be a go-to rifle. Never had a problem with the L2 mags either.

[@kiwisteve6598]

Same here in the NZ Territorials in the 1980’s. Our platoon had a couple of HB ones. 30 round mag worked fine but was a bit of a pain size and weight wise so tended to fit the regular 20 round mag for usual carrying and keep the big one in the pouch unless there was a good reason to upgrade eg at the range

[@OZMAN1964]

Want it an L1A2

[@triumph-owner]

Used them in the NZ Army reg force during 80s. Issue was the gas tube coming loose and failing to cycle. Leaking gas, armourer showed me how to fix as I bought one for myself when they were replaced. The L2A1 had the nick name as the bang bang jam gun

[@screwyu1329]

We had a similar problem with the dust in central Australia until we started using graphite powder as a lube, rifle was dry and ran like a Swiss watch.

[@mikesmith3704]

And, in fact, the SOP for an SLR in desert /high dust conditions was to use graphite not oil as the lube

[@screwyu1329]

@@mikesmith3704Someone forgot to tell us the SOP. We found out through shear arse and necessity.

[@johnbooth3073]

It was a British Army SOP possibly didn’t get translated into Aussie ! The only malfunction with my SLR was a broken firing pin and once had to change the gas setting from 6 to 3 when lots of sand got blown into the rifle during strong wind on a range amongst sand dunes. Had two maximum scores on APWT with SLR close but no cigar with SA80 . Much preferred iron sights than 4x magnification.

[@screwyu1329]

@@johnbooth3073 I had a slightly different experience with the change to new toys. Loved the slur but started getting outstanding results with the F-88 Aust Steyr and it only had a 1.5x scope.

[@johnbooth3073]

@@screwyu1329 Great rifle ( I thought it had 2x scope). But you can’t use it left handed if you’re shooting around cover such as a wall or tree . If you need to do that you have to expose your body in order to squire the target and shoot. Or did the Aussies, Irish, Austrians fix that ? The Israelis did with their Tavor bull pup which looks pretty similar to the British original bull pup that never went into production because the Americans made everyone go 7.62.

[@RailfanDownunder]

We used to load only 28 rounds in L4 or L2 39 round magazines (L4A4 Bren or L2A2 AR) with first two rounds loaded tracers (last rounds fired indicated you would need to reload) without trouble in Mallee Red Dust ..... Gas settings important too! Australian Army 1976-1989

[@jongercama1842]

In the ODF we did second to last ARA ARINF RAR 85-97.

[@becs2635]

"Gas settings important too!" spot on! ex 1RAR

[@cayminlast]

The SADF designated the FN-FAL as the R1 rifle, as long as it's kept relatively clean the issues don't get serious enough to disqualify it as a good, reliable battle rifle.

[@petercollingwood522]

For the most part true. But I recall one of my teachers in high school who had taken part in the "Angolan campaign" in 66 saying that the R1 was crap in the bush, in comparrison to the AK which was consequently highly prized by the South Africans if they could acquire one. By the time I did my national service, 86, the R1 had already been replaced by the R4, which of couse is just a development of the AK in 5.56. I was never in combat though so comment only from hearsay from others who went before me.

[@reneboone6776]

@@petercollingwood522 Sorry to correct you Peter, but the R4 was a licenced copy of the Israeli Galil 5.56 manufactured by Littleton Engineering works. Most "problems" with the R1 were to do with incorrect gas settings. My R1 had the gas port set at 1 (closed). At that setting, I never had stoppages. It kicked like a mule but was an extremely accurate weapon. The R4, which I used in the last 10 years of my total 30 year service was an ok weapon that was more suitable for urban warfare.

[@petercollingwood522]

@@reneboone6776 I know what the R4 is. A licensed Galil, which was an Israli version of the Finnish Valmet, which was a Finnish version of the AK74 which was a development of the AK47. Youre the first I've ever heard who claimed the R1 was superior to the R4.

[@lordsummerisle87]

​@@petercollingwood522 I expect most Troopies, like most troops all over the world, are far more worried about compactness, light weight, low recoil and large mag capacity (advantages the AK series tends to have over full-size battle rifles) than precision and power (notable advantages to the FAL/R4/SLR over most AK derived designs). After all most soldiers will be carrying their gat 100x more often than shooting it. That alone would explain the differing opinions about whether the R1 or R4 is "better" -- different definitions of "better". Clearly Reneboon valued the power and precision of the R1 enough to not mind a bit more weight, length and recoil. I expect he had a "busy" 30 years service.

[@petercollingwood522]

@@lordsummerisle87 That could be. But the folks I heard complaining about the R1 were not complaining about it's weight. It was the problem with reliability in the bush and desert. Like I said. Although I shot both in the Army, that was only on shooting ranges. I was never in combat so all my "knowledge" is, as I said, hearsay from those that went before me.

[@grim3897]

Bloke's epic stache and side burns won Finish Brutality

[@terrygardner3031]

When I first saw his video on Finish Brutality my first thought was of s Soldier of Fortune picture of a Rhodesian trooper. If I hadn't thrown them out years ago I would have posted it as it looked just like him

[@jeffreybrooks8643]

Finnish

[@petrimakela5978]

​@@jeffreybrooks8643He was definitely finished

[@JBils41]

Authentic late 70s British Army porn ‘tache and sideburns… properly goes with the 68 pattern DPM Combat clothing and 58 pattern webbing… 👌

[@ElTejon47901]

Bloke's mustache and sideburns are instructors at Sandhurst.

[@nirfz]

So you both now have a better understanding why militaries all around the world drill their soldiers to fieldstrip, clean and inspect their rifle whenever they get a chance to... 😉

[@mikesmith3704]

Was going to comment something very similar. Much as I really like both Ian and Bloke's channels. The only problem those rifles have is lazy civilians 🙂

[@mbak7801]

Plus the FAL/SLR was easy to strip and clean. Almost no stupid tiny parts to lose.

[@FerrugemCaio]

I did my service with the FAL both IMBELs and the original FN batch first purchased in the 60's, one day we took the old ones to the range to mark it those malfunctioning to be sent back to the armory, and lots of them indeed choked, the majority of the problem was in the old magazines, pristine domestic producted ParaFALs runned just fine, cant remember having a jam on those, this plataform is robust but they need some love to run good, especially with older parts.

[@Manco65]

And magazines. Cracked front magazine hooks don't help things.

[@MikeSiemens88]

FNC1A1 was the battle rifle when I joined the Canadian Forces. I didn't get to shoot it much after boot camp being an Air Force weenie, but it was a well-liked reliable firearm throughout its life with the CF. License built in Canada who did the bullwork in converting the piece to inch pattern.

[@ndenise3460]

As the first to adopt it, the Canadian arsenals ltd. Helped H&R do the US version.....undercut by army politics and Springfield arms

[@TzunSu]

As someone who used the Swedish license built copy of the FN FNC, i had to google what the FNC1A1 was, because i got super confused since i didn't think the FNC was in usage in Canada :P

[@MikeSiemens88]

@@TzunSu Perhaps I should have used spaces between the letters FN C1 A1. We also had the FN C2 which was the heavy barreled fully automatic version with bipod.

[@TzunSu]

@@MikeSiemens88 Don't think it's an issue for most people, few have heard of the FNC at all haha. Although this *is* FW, so those that do are most likely hanging out here :P

[@jaredpeabody894]

Canada did Trial the FNC when they were switching to 5.56 however! But it eventually got beat out by the C7. There's footage on youtube of them being tested if such a thing spark your interests. @@TzunSu

[@sonofnothing2714]

i served as a mountaineer in the Greek army. As a recruit ,I was issued a G3 and then a FAL when i was admitted in the mountaineers. I have also used M4 and M16 as a way to get familiarized with the weapons of our allies in NATO. I would choose the FAL any day compared to the other three, even though it's the oldest. The only precaution we took was using 28 bullets instead of 30 to prevent jams.

[@AB-uw3os]

The FAL came with 20 round magazines. How did you manage to load 28?

[@mikebaggott7802]

@@AB-uw3os 30 round magazines were available. When the Bren gun was converted to 7.62 x 51, it used 30 round FAL magazines.

[@sonofnothing2714]

@@AB-uw3os Who told you that?It had both 20 and 30 magazines.

[@TzunSu]

@@AB-uw3os Didn't you even watch the video? Mike is specifically talking about his 30 round mag in it.

[@AB-uw3os]

@@TzunSu yeah he does, and specifically mentioned that those were for the NATO chambered Bren gun. Which makes the 30 rounder more of a hack job than a standard issue. Hence the question, for I have always seen it with 20 round magazines.

[@andrewvanveen1804]

I started firing the FNC1 in the CF starting as a Cadet in the 1970s and in the CF from 1980 until it was phased out by the C7/C8. Unbelievably reliable fire arm. What you folks miss is the difference between the Canadian magazines and the others. The Canadian Magazines, with their locking hook gave a much more secure mag seating than the European mags. Yu should check it out. We also had a body cover that was entirely open which also facilitated reliability. That body cover also gave us the ability to replenish the magazine with 5 rounds clips without removing the mag.

[@MiguelWario05]

4:35 -Where's the forward assist? -*Furious Ian sounds*

[@Treblaine]

Absolutely love the "Ally" mustache and (not so) regulation sideburns, I feel like it gives a distinct tactical advantage.

[@pmgn8444]

Horrible that moon dust affects rifle reliability. :) Oddly, my Century Franken-FAL runs well. But I don't shoot in competition. It's a BSG upper parts, Bundes Heer lower, Belgian-style metric flash hider, and the Century receiver. Only issue was the mags didn't want to lock in place. A few strokes with a file on the mag catch took care of that problem.

[@CyrusFreeman]

I had a Century FAL L1A1 thing... very reliable amd soft shooting. It got even softer when I chopped the barrel to 16".

[@pkt1213]

The sand cuts probably work better for sand. 😂 Moon dust is so fine it goes everywhere. It takes me about a year after deployment to stop getting crud out of my sinuses.

[@509Gman]

I have an MA Tech rear sight that ten years on still has some Afghanistan in it.

[@ndenise3460]

The only time I had a failure on my L1A1 was when I put the gas plug in upside down

[@VosperCDN]

We used to use pencil lead, run back and forth, to "lube" the FN bits for winter. Would that be of any use when bombarded by the moon dust, I wonder?

[@STdoubleDs]

Graphite, or “pencil lead” is one of the main ingredients in modern dry lube. So it would be easier to spray some dry lube in there and see if that frees things up

[@rockbutcher]

@@STdoubleDs True, but he was Infantry, like me and it's easier to write down notes you need with a pencil rather than a spray bottle of graphite. Saves on how much kit you have to pack.

[@1977ajax]

Pencil 'lead' also has as its other main ingredient some form of clay. That's what holds the graphite together.

[@alanlawson4180]

30Rd LMG Mags work fine with SLRs with no problems in my experience. Coupled with a cheap M16 bipod, it's a fine combo. Oh, and I didn't notice any mention of turning the gas up any time - solves so many problems!

[@mollymcallister1671]

I'm sorry but what in all hell was that Absolutely BEASTLY thing going-off in the background during the first minute of the intro?

[@sergelecluse0001]

I have used the FAL in the Belgian army for five years, without noticeable problems. We were warned, however, during basic training, to leave the magazine free (not to hold the weapon by it or rest it on whatever) while shooting to avoid feeding problems. For me, the FAL did its job well enough. When replaced by the FNC, the only improvements I experienced were the magazine capacity and lighter ammunition weight.

[@nevilleburley8760]

I served in the Australian Regular Army and used the L1A1. Watching them use Ian's FAL I can see that he is not following the IA (Immedeate Action) procedure for the L1A1 which is 2nd jam turn the gas regulator down 2 notches. I would check the gas regulator plug to ensure it is functioning correctly as this happened to mine and had to be replaced (took seconds) as I was shooting single shots on the practice range due to IA's. Hope this helps as once fixed the rifle ran great with no problems which is their normal.

[@BlokeontheRange]

I think there's a general lack of understanding how to use FAL gas in the US, similar to that with running Lee-Enfield rifles. Kinda out of their bailiwick so they don't use them properly and end up blaming the system for user error.

[@smudgealdrin1512]

Remember IA's clear as day as a 16 yr old junior soldier .. Rifle fires ..Rifle stops.. Check mag ... Rifle fires , rifle stops .. Cant.. Cock .. Hook n Look for feed jams.. rifle fires one or two rounds & stops again.. open the gas reg.

[@michaelguerin56]

@@smudgealdrin1512Exactly. The L1A1 is a great weapon to use but a bit of a pain to carry for hours at a time. Easy maintenance and bugger all parts for field strip. Super reliable.

[@oshiforb7445]

During my military service in the early 80s, I fired thousands of rounds using the SLR rifle. Not once did I ever get a stoppage with it. It never let me down. Unlike the introduction of the SA80, which i found to be absolutely crap in its early days. The SLR for me was extremely accurate, i was the battalion marksman at the time and up to 600mtrs using iron sites it was very good. Occasionally, I would have the use of telescopic sights, which I loved using for those long-range shots. My kids loved me dressed in the Ghillie suit they used to call me the swamp monster. My personal opinion regarding the SLR was that it served me well, and i never had any issues with it at all.

[@evilscience3164]

About a hundred years ago I bought a Springfield armory import SAR 48 Israeli heavy barrel FAL new for $850 US. That rifle was the most comfortable and reliable,never a hiccup. Later I put a Tri lux SUIT on it and it was quite fun. Alas I had to sell it because of financial problems and have regretted ever scince.

[@terrysoule8441]

I have an 80's Belgian manufactured FAL Para. It has been the pillar of reliability for me. I bought a bunch of Israeli surplus mags back then and have used them ever since. I keep it well cleaned and lubricated. I just don't have any issues with it.

[@jonathanbennett1411]

No jams in my 50.63 either. Of course I didn’t expect any with what I paid for it!

[@gwarne2304]

We are taught that each slr had the components eased the fit each rifle. Part of the cleaning drill was to check the serial numbers match (you had not picked someone else's part while cleaning)

[@ndenise3460]

The numbering in the bcg/bolt is more for headspace. Otherwise should be fine to swap parts

[@darrenyorston]

I carried an Australian L1A1 SLR for about four years. Only ever had two issue, one of which was self induced. The first was that the gas spring lost it 'springeness' part of the way down the gas rod. The second was when I was dismounting from an Australian Army M113 APC. I was first out the door and as I exited and turned to my left the flash suppressor engaged with the hooks for the tailgate. The people behind kept exiting the APC and my rifle barrel bent to 45 degrees midway down.

[@HaurakiVet]

The SLR was my first rifle in the NZ army. Lovely to shoot and reliable if used properly. When visiting US personnel tried them they had a tendency tonride the cocking handle forward while we always were tought to let it slam home to ensure the first round was ready to go. Correct gas setting and adjustment as required was also important. Personally I really enjoyed using it and was sorry to see it go as were most of my contemporaries.

[@BeltFedSelfDefense]

"Quiet, you!" - Ian McCollum Words I never thought I'd hear uttered by this man. It made my day.

[@stevetheduck1425]

That's such a standard reply here in Britain, I am certain he can now be officially made a Brit.

[@BufusTurbo92]

"Where's the forward assist?" "QUIET YOU"

[@yorkshireako134]

Loved my SLR. BTW NICE Dukes Capbadge.

[@zachariaszut]

At last. A decent set of moustache and sideburns. Now, that is proper gear, gives off the the adequate air of a respectable serviceman... or a private military contractor... at any rate, kudos for the looks. Cheers.

[@stevetheduck1425]

Fired L1A1s between 1976 and 1986. Also the L7 Bren metric conversion. The ones we had for qualification on a 25-yard range late in my service were utterly worn out. Mixed plastic and wood furniture, no two carrying handles the same, rattled when shaken. Never once had (good or bad rifle) a single occurrence of failure to feed, failure to fire, or failure to eject. Had a flash hider peel like a banana, had one rifle come open at the latch while firing due to recoil; unloaded, checked it, reloaded and went on. Only problems I ever had at any time. The major thing I've seen with people trying and failing to shoot one of these is too little gas. Whatever the gas regulator has marked on it, go up halfway, if it fails to eject, give it more gas. If this keeps happening, turn gas regulator to zero, and charge rifle by pulling cocking handle, get it to an armourer if still alive. ;-)

[@mbak7801]

In the late 70s I was issued a new plastic furniture L1A1 which would not cycle regardless of gas settings. I was told this is because it was new and the problem would go away. In later years I used various L1A1s and never had an issue so I tend to believe the issues with the first SLR were temporary. I still have a soft spot for the SLR. It really was beautifully simple.

[@predragdjuric-tt9uc]

a greatvideo and rifles.have a good one.

[@lyndonmarquis414]

Fully expecting to find Karl Kasarda in the comments explaining how the AR15 is more reliable than death and taxes…

[@gratefulguy4130]

Prospective FAL owners can now be hopeFAL of getting a reliable rifle! 😃 ... I'll see myself out now.

[@Sergi762]

Amazing content.. seriously I wish I could be there and buy you both a pint( or two). I am so damn frustrated though as a US L1A1 owner. We can't help the "kit build" situation and we get inferior rifles as a result. Mine was an Imbel made receiver on Enfield ( 1958) parts kit with the yellow MADE IN CANADA markings...and I keep looking for something to replace it. Faffing about with AR-10's has proven to be a parts nightmare and I have been trying like hell to find a way for the L1A1 to cycle the blue plastic DAG ammo...PTR makes G3 copies but I hear complaints now and then that have me worried. It's not ideal here.

[@BlokeontheRange]

Oh, you won't make them cycle the DAG ammo, you'd have to get someone to machine you up a light alloy straight blowback breechblock and it would probably need a dedicated return spring.

[@Sergi762]

Very true..The G3 rifle has that advantage but the same "kit build" plague is at play.The Irony is not lost on me, being a US watcher. Still...the hunt for a 308/7.62 Nato FAL replacement carries on. God bless you, noble sir.@@BlokeontheRange

[@karood-dog3584]

The was a replacement bolt and carrier for the L1A1 to enable the use of blue ball ammunition.

[@Sergi762]

I have looked for , on and off, 2 years, such a thing and havent found one. It may yet exists, but so far I haven't found any pictures or had the chance to buy it. Believe me; I am trying.@@karood-dog3584

[@BlokeontheRange]

There's certainly one for the G3. I don't think there ever was for the L1A1 or metric FAL though.

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

i built a FN FAL out of SA parts and a US receiver. back on the late 1990s once i had the gas port adjusted, it ran like a swiss watch. id gladly take an FAL to war.

[@fryaduck]

@BlokeontheRange In my 20+ years of use of the L1A1 I never had an issue (past incorrect gas regulator setting). It didn't matter whether it was dusty, desert, snow, temperate or jungle. The key is proper maintenance which civilians seem to fail at always. After a days shooting, clean and heavy oiling. Next day, clean and light oil. Magazines only need to be clean.

[@DevilbyMoonlight]

Could the problem be metric vs inch pattern? the only issue I had with the SLR was with knackered mags with poor feed lips, not the weapon itself, btw, there was an unofficial solution to the dust sticking to oil problem that you could pick up in your local gunshop, it was called dri-slide not sure if they sell it anymore.

[@chaimafaghet7343]

The problem is receivers being carved up with the gas axe.

[@JamesCampbell-b1w]

Was On The British Army, 1960 - 1964, And We Were Using Graphite Grease On Our SLRs Way Back Then.😊

[@theblindsniper9130]

Almost like firearms that have become extremely popular worldwide tend to be pretty darn good Excellent show as always

[@jesper509]

I made my military service with the G3 and agree 100% with everything

[@maxkennedy8075]

Bloke on the Range is wielding Britain’s most powerful weapon, a moustache. The SLR isn’t bad either.

[@JohnFrew-x8d]

As far as problems with the feed from the L4 magazines as mentioned, the Aussies successfully used the L2-A1 Automatic Rifle in the Vietnam War as a ‘floating’ LMG to supplant the M-60 GPMGs. The L2 mags had a straight body of 30-rounds capacity, but the rifle of course could accept the L1 20-round mag and the L4 30-round mag from the 7.62 Bren gun.

[@karood-dog3584]

I notice the guy shooting Ian's FAL did not carry out the correct IA drills for the weapon system "weapon fires weapon stops cock hook and look!" and all that good stuff. When we carried the L1A1 on operations I seem to remember common practice was to set the Gas regulator to maximum.

[@normanpotts3169]

The nice thing about the FAL is you can make a quick adjust on your gas port to get more boost when firing. The one guy having problems should have done that. I've run an FAL at a Soldier of Fortune 3-gun match in Las Vegas and it functioned fine, even with my mags full of sand.

[@MacDorsai]

Lubrication and failure to use the adjustable gas block to add a little more gas into the system.

[@rikusschulze6249]

Well, the G3 is an awesome rifle.

[@gregbrown4009]

I had a Flemming-Converted Belgian FAL in the mid 80's. I quickly learned of the "Bang-Bang-Jam" reputation. It was "reliable enough" on Semi, but never really on Full Auto. After much pondering, I have come to believe that the bolt loses ALL of it's energy at the end of recoil, and relies solely on the spring to return the bolt to pick up a cartridge and back into battery. The sping just can't do it alone, so it jams midway through the resistance of the magazine be it clean, dirty, wide-open gas port, etc. A spring-loaded or even polymer buffer would add significantly more oomph to the retrun and provide better reliability, but no one has put up the money to go down that road. BTW, I am supremely delighted with the FN SCAR-H. The ergonomics are just a little lacking, but the accuracy, reliability and recoil management are excellent.

[@richardturk7162]

My Rhodesian FAL is all bush war era parts except for the DSA receiver and I have had no issues with it at all. Double matching RA and SA serial numbers too.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

"I am joined by...*drum roll*...GUN-JESUS!" :D - That's how you present Ian :)

[@thomasconc]

Aussie ex-Inf here...the solution with the SLR when dry and dusty as we have a lot of in Australia is to use...graphite as lube...it works much better than oil...still not perfect, but better.

[@M45t3rJ4ck]

I like the new look bloke!!

[@elektro3000]

I've never understood what Ian's been going on about with his FALs. My 2011-ish DS Arms StG-58 has always been dead nuts reliable. The only thing that can make it choke is a damaged magazine or that one time I had a dead primer on a 1980s Malaysian M80 ball round. Now I suppose I don't drag it through fine moon dust near as much as Ian likes to do, so maybe I'll try that when I'm in Arizona for New Year's. I don't clean it much, either. Hey Ian, any time you want to shoot FALs together, I'm game, especially if you're in Michigan. Open invitation.

[@nemisous83]

The g3 is one of those rifles that would benefit from a forward assist because its incredibly easy for the roller not to engage and since it lacks any form of way to manually close bolt you end up having to remove the mag and run the action.

[@kunicrossgaming]

Never saw that problem in any of our issued G3 but maybe that's because they had been 30 Years old and served 40+Generations of recruits or because we cleaned them 20x-100x the amount of time they where actually fired... (probably a gross underestimation on my part)

[@nemisous83]

@@kunicrossgaming well a well worn G3 likely wouldn't have this issue as the locking surfaces have likely been polished clean by repeated use as well as springs loosening up etc. On the civilian G3's from parts kits, old imported G3's from HK and the PTR ones they have this problem. However I'm not saying you would want to do this but you cant simply press the bolt forward with your thumb like on AR since the rollers are under a lot of spring pressure.

[@kunicrossgaming]

@@nemisous83 I've only seen issues when somebody tried to gently guide the bold forward... But if they chopped up our old G3 and Frankensteined them back together... The psg1 had that kinda but not quite forward asssist button to silently ready the weapon but never used that one.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Which is why the Swedish variant of the G3, the ak4, got vertical ribs cut in a section of the bolt carrier that rests by the ejection port when the charging handle is in it's forward position so that a bolt that doesn't lock can be manually forced into battery. It is also trained to be used deliberately for "silent" loading at night or if in close proximity to unsuspecting opfor...

[@nemisous83]

@@kunicrossgaming well forward assists contray to popular belief aren't really for closing the bolt with gunk in it but rather ensuring the bolt is seated properly because some rounds can be sticky or the bolt didn't have enough juice to chamber the round and lock the bolt. Most of the kit guns are pretty good the only thing that is new is the stamped receiver. However they usually refinish the parts which tend to ruin the broken in feel which people like on surplus firearms.

[@andrewdarowski1975]

"if you don't know Ian McCollum, what on earth did you search to find my channel?!"

[@4evaavfc]

I used L1A1 in service. My compatriots swore by it, but for most of them it's all they knew.

[@itsconnorstime]

Bloke looks like Ian Yule in the wild geese.

[@thomasconc]

Was my service rifle in my first few years in the Australian Army as a grunt, apart from when I carried the M60 (which I loved). Never ever had an issue...even though the thing was a '63 and had been to Vietnam & back again (this was '83=85)...super reliable, hits hard and pretty accurate out t0 500m - sometimes needed more gas if it was wet and muddy, or had been fired a lot - that is what the adverse gas setting is for. We moved to Austeyr after that and apart from the hitting power and adjusting to different drills, mag loading, it was also an excellent rifle, which I used in different models until 2002 when I got out...

[@crazyfokker937]

I was in my regimental shooting team (British Infantry),and put 1000’s of rounds through my SLR, no issues. Some members of the team never cleaned their rifles as they thought it would disturb the zeroing if they broke it open, they would occasionally clean the gas plug and piston only and they ran fine too. When we switched to the SA80 we were forever having issues with broken firing pins after a few thousand rounds, so much so we took to carrying spare firing pins in our pockets. I’d pick the SLR every time.

[@JBils41]

HK rework on the A2 solved the reliability issues on the SA80 family… The firing pin was redesigned

[@thetruthseeker5549]

The AMBIANCE in this video is AWESOME!

[@oddrocket2743]

Ian is in the Arizona desert; anyone who shot the G3 foreign weapons package in California's desert can tell you that G3s are very unreliable when the moon dust builds up and they are ammo sensitive. FALs have same issues but not as bad. M14s also have lots of issues including dropping trigger groups if you hold on to the mags. The FAL is the most reliable in the moon dust out of the 7.62 caliber rifles, but all three rifles are not too reliable compared to M4s or AKs.

[@Ubique2927]

13 years in the British Army including combat. No, nada, nill, null stoppages.

[@ElChris816]

"where's the forward assist?" This cracks me up.

[@Daniel-vl8mx]

I had 9 years of Australian Army service, with the L1A1. I found it completely reliable, as did my fellow soldiers. Even if it got hot and dirty it would continue to run - you might wind the gas regulator down to give the system a bit more gas, but that was about it. Of course we would also do everything to keep the rifle clean, cleaning every day being the minimum standard. Letting your rifle get clagged up on a multi-day competition because you didn't clean it is an operator problem, not a rifle problem. BTW I also used the L2A1 a little and, while I was not a fan of some of its features, such as a rattly forend which didn't leave you anything to hold when deployed as a bipod, the 30 round mags gave no problems. I can't speak for the L4 mags - I only used that gun in Cadets, and never tried the mags on an SLR.

[@Charles-k9g5y]

When I used the rifle at Camp Borden, it’s a dust bowel, I never had an issue or did anyone around me.

[@r3dl1n39]

I’ve got a personal FAL built from the FN imported lower and an 18” DSA upper. It runs reliably with near any ammo I put through it short of steel case. Easily over 3k rounds at this point. It has developed a little reciever slop, but a tiny cloth shim is enough to counteract that until a new locking latch comes in. Mine is non-sand cut, and it’s been suppressed more than a few times. The only real malfunctions it has are when undergassed, and it was mostly the bolt not locking open.

[@wrxs1781]

You nailed it Ian, go two rounds light on the mag, insert mag with bolt locked back.

[@luislongoria6621]

Sounds like my 1st AR. If anyone notices a nasty scratch on the bolt, that was me trying to force the bolt past the feed lips. The follower holding the bolt open really impeded my mag change drill until I realized you needed at least one round to close the bolt 🤣✌

[@londonjolly9174]

For once, something I can speak about. The FAL is my favorite rifle (so biased off the bat) and I've owned 6 of them, here's a long rundown of my experiences. The first was a 2016 DSA SA58 Para 16" Congo, and it was a crapshoot whether it would run or not (I believe some significant QC issues at DSA, which may have been resolved). It ended up having to get warrantied for a poor chamber chamfer when it was obvious it just wouldn't work, got it back, seemed to work fine, and I stupidly traded it for a DT MDR in .308. The next was a G1 complete parts kit build on an Imbel Type III receiver, not only did that one run 80% reliably but it would occasionally double, so while a very pretty rifle with all wood (and the coolest flash hider), also sold. Next I got a complete Rhodesian parts kit build on a (bleh) Entreprise receiver, which I had little faith in but got it for absolutely nothing. It has been more or less completely reliable, albeit the receiver has a VERY loose magwell and the jams I have gotten are all mag fitment/feeding related. Still have this one, although I could triple my money if I chose to. Next was a 21" DSA SA58, somewhat pieced together as it had a Type II receiver but Holland rear sight/different colored lower. Shot reliably, bought it for the 6 25rd and 30rd mags, sold it. Next I got an early DSA SA58 18" on a Type 1 LMT receiver, also bought as it came with an Aimpoint and two dozen mags for practically free. My friend has it now, never had any issue, and it's surprisingly accurate given typical FAL accuracy. Finally, I have a DSA SA58 Para 16" on a Type 1 LMT that was apparently bought with every loaded feature by someone in 2007. It has been dead reliable and fits every mag tight, even with steel cased ammo (yes yes unsupported chamber I usually run brass). The plan is to SBR it into the dumb 13" OSW pattern, as all that's needed is a barrel swap. Overall, in my experience mag fitment is the major cause for concern, as the FAL tends to keep somewhat sealed (and if using a traditional topcover, like the AK can be quickly remedied). I personally favor it for the ergonomics and mild recoil over the G3, but have always gone by the idea that the FAL is a professionals rifle while the G3 is a conscripts rifle, both excellent in their roles.

[@shootsteel]

The tash and sideburns take me back to the 70's ...

[@LuGer212]

HELLO AND WELCOME TO: i was briefly worried the Swiss finally snapped. But the audio did get better in fact, much obliged :)

[@donwyoming1936]

I have two Century Arms L1A1s. One of their 1st rifles on the generic receiver, and a late production on an Imbel receiver. Both have run flawlessly. I've shot the snot out of both. Neither have ever choked. Glad I never bought a quality copy... haha 🤠

[@V4zz33]

That magnificent moustache!!!

[@wallyzworld7108]

First rifle I ever bought at age 18 was a FN FAL 50.63 para (I'm 55 now), and it still runs just fine. I've never drug it through the dirt in any of competitions I've competed in though. Also, found that the South African surplus R1 ammo or Taiwanese M80 ball ammo is my most consistent ammo in the FAL. Surprisingly the R1 ammo won't cycle my HK SL7 roller lock rifle.

[@stevedoggart2805]

I have used locksmiths dry lubricant in the past, its a beast to clean , but it does get the job done when you need it.

[@achosenman9376]

The L1A1 was the service rifle for my military career. It was reliable and accurate. Being part of the shooting team we probably put more rounds down range in one week than most did in 1 year. The rifle performed without issue, shoots where you point it and doesn't get fussy with what it's fed. We taped up the mag floor plates up to stop any risk of a spontaneous disassembly, but that was the only modification we made.

[@F1lmtwit]

Note - Bloke's Rifle did well because of the lack of Babypoop, otherwise it would chocked and lost badly in the early 80's and ceased to exist.

[@ostapryotosez7549]

Ya well he also didn't have the entire westen world against him either

[@borkwoof696]

@@ostapryotosez7549cope

[@mike_nolan]

I'm sure you'd sing a different tune if your declaration of Independence was ignored and you were embargoed by the rest of the world while your communist rebels slowly took your nation from you.

[@justinmishler6758]

Pretty stupid comment tbh

[@Moondog66602]

No rhodieboos🙅

[@GarGhuul]

Moon dust you say? Fine moon dust even. Bust seriously thank you for the rundown. Look forward to seeing Ian’s video.

[@roseybut]

Typical civilians never clean a gun as per operational conditions!! I carried a L1A1 for 12 of my 16 years service and it NEVER let me down. I also found x1 7.62 did the job it took 2 to 3 5.56's to do.

[@kiwisteve6598]

Only time I got a miss-feed on an SLR was I was turning open the gas tap a click at a time to see how far I needed to open it to stop it cycling. Mission accomplished 😂

[@patterisepi]

Oh the moon dust. I have a couple of instances in the Finnish defence forces when the trigger group on my RK62 jammed and couldn't fire a round. It was quite inconvenient when I had a full mag of training rounds (wood tipped) and no time to clean the rifle before cease fire was called.

[@stevewilson7819]

I had a FN FAL 50:63, and it ran fine with the converted L4 mags. Never had a issue. But then it was an authentic FN FAL.

[@KathrynLiz1]

A friend of mine carried an FAL in combat in Rhodiesia and it never let him down. Heat, dust, mud whatever.... he swears by them.

[@bluemax73]

Maybe I might have missed it but I didn't hear anybody talk about adjusting the gas regulator at the base of the front sight, to increase the gas pressure

[@patriciahutson]

Carried one in NZ Army , joined 1976, never had a problem with them. Clean weapon our mantra.

[@leongrobler2480]

The R1 FN-VAL was a very reliable weapon and as long as it is kept in a good condition it functions very well,even in combat it shows reliability

[@robertmccutcheon4103]

my dsa fal had problems when i first got it but after some smithing it runs great now even took it through my own version of a brutality match that my friends and i did

[@campbellbrand8038]

79-94 N. ever had a problem with the L1A1 SLR. Used to get stoppage issues when using non RG ammo that came from either India or Pakistan in a cost cutting exercise, but that was a poor quality ammo issue and nothing to do with the SLR. you could overcome it by turning the gas selector down a couple of notches. Harder recoil that affected keeping the sights on target but again an ammo issue not the weapon. Served me well in the Falklands and thank fuck we had that and not the SA80.

[@WardDorrity]

I built my FN FAL on a DSA receiver using an StG 58 kit. It runs flawlessly and is amazingly accurate.

[@bruceinoz8002]

The "sand cuts" are not just the token pattern on the upper part of the carrier / slide.They extend to the "rail" on either side of the slide. The upper portion of the slide is never in contact with the dust cover unless that cover has been damaged. The "sand cuts" are designed to shuffle the crud away from the "running rails" inside the body. It takes a fair amount of dry dust to "choke" an L1A1. However, in dusty conditions that will choke a 98 Mauser, the L1A1 will keep chugging away. HOWEVER, they are more reliable when operators keep them clean. "Dry" lubes, even your basic graphite powder, are your friends. That "moon-dust" is probably left over from the last Ice Age, when kilometres-thick ice sheets ground their way across the scenery.

[@Acewhip]

Never had an issue with my FAL (DSA), both here in the US and also when I was using an L1A1 for work in the UK back in the day. I guess if you use shitty parts, shitty mags, or shitty ammo you'll probably have issues....

[@bobrr7598]

Mr. Ian, I wonder if the FAL's FTF was built on a Century receiver. They were problems.

[@RobinRobertsesq]

I do not know what this video is about because I'm still in awe of that 70's porn stash.

[@michaelhawley7374]

Watching Jordan at 2:48 it looked like the bolt wasnt getting sent back all the way to have enough energy to chamber the next round. Especially seeing how it barely had enough energy to eject the spent casings. This could have been because of the dust theory causing enough friction to slow the bolt and cause malfunctions. Closing the gas block more may have been able to prevent this and keep the rifle funcioning properly. Edit: There may have also been seating issues with the magazine when firing due to using the magazine to steady his aim.

[@fourthhorseman4531]

My two favorite rifles right there!

[@dumptrump3788]

I too had a Century Franken-FAL & never had a problem with it in the 6 years I had it.....plus I bitterly regret trading it away.

[@jeanettewest]

I bought a Century FAL off a doctor leaving my town for a communist state for very cheap. I later put on a folding lower for ease of handling and getting in and out of my boat in Southwest Alaska. I use it berry picking as there really are bears out on the tundra. I have even taken caribou with it and plain Remington 150 grain in -15* F weather. Mine is a metric based and has absolutely run flawlessly and is really accurate too.

[@berryreading4809]

Bloke just needs to live this LARP 24/7-365... All those years in Switzerland didn't effect his ability to immediately grow a perfect mustache in only minutes and look like a 1980s/90s boss warfighter just by dawning DPM and a Beret... Maybe that whole superman phonebooth instant transformation is actually real thing... 🤔 😂👍