How the U.S. got shafted out of the FN FAL

[@firefightergoggie]

I was still in the Canadian Armed Forces when they had the FN FAL (Canadian designation C1A1). I distinctly remember our instructor telling us to "enjoy this weapon...the ghost of John Moses Browning is all through it... and you guys are getting the best military rifle in the world". I never knew what meant until years later when I read about Dieudonné Saive and his involvement with Mr. Browning. Fascinating stuff.

[@cnault3244]

I remember using it in the Reserves. Great weapon, but jammed frequently when using blank rounds.

[@EdgardoAlessio]

"I distinctly remember our instructor telling us to "enjoy this weapon" Yeahhhhhh!

[@barryfirth1187]

Carried it a few years, C7 seemed like a toy compared to it. 🙄

[@lucathurlow1439]

Brits has very similar modifications of FAL just like yours (L1A1) my dad used it when he was in 10 PARA. Thanks for your service btw

[@Minong_Manitou_Mishepeshu]

My favorite J M Browning designed gun is the Remington Model 8 in .35 Rem.

[@James-C24]

A better title would be "how the US shafted itself out of the FAL"

[@mattmann8006]

Trust me, I think if you asked our soldiers and anybody who had to use these weapons... they would’ve chosen the fal. It was Adler.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

@@mattmann8006 I used a SLR. We had a few M16s. Then we replaced the SLR with a Austeyr. FN FaL/SLR 7.62 NATO great weapon. Anything in 5.56 phht. I think the 280 woulda been a good midway solution. But the worst result is not covered here. EM2. Here itd be 1951 EM2 adopted. 70 yrs of bullpup opportunity to develop and we'd probably have had better cheaper pressed weapons

[@Sabre22]

@@ozdavemcgee2079 Sadly the ordnance dept are FINALLY after 60 years are getting their heads out of their asses and are looking at a 6.5 mm-6.8 MM Caliber Range. If we had adopted the 276. Pederson in the M-1 in the 1930's We would have been set. We would have had to just update the rifle

[@tokyosmash]

“How ordinance corps swindled the Army”

[@passisqwermnbv]

I'd say the .280 British was still too big for what should have been the NATO intermediate cartridge. But that's because US requested they make it stronger than what they were initially going for. The original .280/30 was just about right. I'd still prefer her lighter sister the .270 which is similar to 7.62x39 (it's 7.2x43). Preferably modified for even smaller diameter in .243~.260 range (6.2~6.7). But such cartridge didn't exist. So, .270 it is. Had an intermediate cartridge been selected then, we might have put as much development in it as we do the 5.56. By now they would have many different kinds of cartridge like 5.56 has their M855A1, Mk318, Mk262.

[@garthwright6308]

Used this rifle, the British version, in the Jamaican military. We knew it as the Self loading Rifle SLR.

[@garthwright6308]

@Scott Logan Absolutely!!!! Soldiers respect it, the enemy fear it.😁

[@punapirate]

Respect breddah. My dad was Quartermaster 1JR in the 60’s.

[@jonnybravo3055]

Terrorists, insurgents, rebels and communists backed AK wielding armies hated troops carrying FN FAL. Shame they didn't leave it in 280 though.

[@kentallard8852]

L1A1

[@trumpy7309]

I used the SLR in my time in the British Army... was a great piece of kit indeed.

[@CourtlandMiller1994]

Love to the M14 because I’m an American and it’s similarities to the great M1. But the FAL was called the right arm of the free world for a reason.

[@brandonwang6773]

@GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS I don’t see how that has anything to do with what Courtland Miller is saying

[@tokyosmash]

The M14 is a target rifle, the FAL is a shooting people in the face rifle.

[@falkenvir]

@@realtalk4real243 Yes Just like the Metric which is widely used just cause its better unit of measurements. FN FAL is widely used cause it was better than most Rifle at that time.

[@fergusmason5426]

@@realtalk4real243 Yes. And there's a very good reason it was widely used and the M14 wasn't. It's because the FAL is a much better rifle.

[@richardohern7899]

Did Stutler have anything to do with screwing up the M16 program?

[@hansvdv1245]

Nice to hear an American defend and respect my small country 👍🇧🇪

[@ethanpadgett2076]

One of the smallest countries invented the best battle rifle in history that rifle has killed more people than the black plaque and has lasted about as long respects to your country from another American

[@andrewp.9541]

We all love the fal

[@user-rm4pr7el5s]

You joking as a Texan I will take a German/ Belgium made gun any day over some of the stuff made here in the US.

[@charlesferdinand422]

Your small shitty country, after all, Belgium doesn't have many things you could possibly be proud of lol.

[@GuyBodart]

@@charlesferdinand422 Lol. Fal, Browning. Minimi and minima etc

[@mitzyismad]

I have a brother who went to Vietnam (Australian) equipped with the SLR. The troops did not realise how much they loved it until it was taken away and replace with the 'Armalite'. Sure it was light, but it was also insubstantial and very prone to jams.

[@RonHudgens-ck5qe]

Not ARMALITE but COLT-MATEL M16

[@hachimanjiro]

Used one of these in the Falklands, the SLR (self loading rifle )it was a great weapon and handled that 7.62 round easily, Royal Marines Commando, ret.

[@michaeldanks5975]

Both sides.

[@sartainja]

Did you serve during the Falklands War?

[@michaeldanks5975]

@@sartainja me? No, were you there?

[@scoobusmaximusiii]

Pretty sure he was talking to the original commenter.

[@OnsWereldSuiderland]

The Brits used the semi-auto version while the Argentinians used the full auto version, if I remember correctly. The interresting with that was that the Argentinians would blow through ammo like nobody's business and the Brits would be forced to make their shots count, but kept their ammo reserves for much longer. Using semi-auto ended up being a massive benefit for the Brits.

[@UnionAndroidSRboi]

FN FAL is too heavy for maneuvering through the bushes Rodhesians: *you are doing it wrong*

[@flakhas88]

FAL ♥

[@Zacharia503]

And you are spelling Rhodesians wrong......ly.

[@UnionAndroidSRboi]

@@Zacharia503 not me, zimbabwe did it 😌

[@aplato8576]

Yes, weight is an issue, but I toted the M1 Garand, 9.5 lbs for four years, and some times you have to go with what you've got.

[@kentallard8852]

Later FALs/G3s were produced with shorter barrels and stocks + switched wood for polymer.

[@JohnJones-ct9pr]

I did National Service in South Africa in the 70 's. We used the FN and our own version the R1. During training we had no idea that it was a 'heavy' rifle. Once we went to the operational area we did a day long 'foreign' weapons familiarization course where we handled and fired AK's PPSH s SKS's G3's Garands and all sorts. Only then did we realize the FN was a 'heavy' rifle !. LOL

[@anthonymorris8423]

same here basic with a r1 then to an r3 then to an R4

[@andriesviljoen4309]

It was blood-sweat with that thing back in '84. Very reliable though. You get the enemy behind the tree....

[@hal7444]

I'm 1.60m tall & when I served in the Mexican Army I weighted barely above 60Kg. I barely made it for satisfactory height, & had to have outstanding qualifications in order to make it through boot camp. The FN FAL wasn't heavy in my hands, it was above that. But if you ask me what rifle would I choose... :)

[@dirtydave2691]

I had a similar experience with the M16. The A-1's by the time I joined the U.S. Army in 1987 were all really showing their age. I actually fired an M16A2 in 87 for 2 weeks of basic rifle marksmanship and they were taken away from us once we qualified. We finished the Infantry School with old rattling M16A1's. I really loved the M16A2...........it could shoot accurately out to 500 meters and was robust. Carried the M16A2 in Panama, Desert Storm and in to the late 90's. I used the M4 from 99 until I retired in 2008.

[@starvinmarvin4038]

John Jones I was 17 years old when I was first introduced to the FNin Canada I spent six years with her and she’s a formidable weapon especially the fact that you can shoot up to 600 yards there’s many different versions of her with different characteristics and she was easy to field strip and clean it’s always been my favourite

[@bobbralee1019]

Ex British Military Armourer and the SLR would always be my first choice of weapon I've come across, top bit of kit.

[@MrHarumakiSensei]

The best thing about this rifle is its name. It's a big FN gun!

[@omegaseamaster1550]

It aint no CQB gun, but it sure would rock the battle field in the open....

[@FalovkaVista]

After modernizing mine and putting a scope on it, its coming to 11 pounds. After feeling how heavy it is, it makes sense why we went with 5.56.

[@charlesharper2357]

@@FalovkaVista If you Yanks hadn't been so pig headed the M16 wouldn't have been needed...an FAL in 280 would have been far superior and more reliable.

[@FalovkaVista]

@@charlesharper2357 I still think the M16 would've replaced the FAL in .280. But I don't disagree the .280 was more practical and better performing than the .308.

[@charlesharper2357]

@@FalovkaVista Then why is the US military looking at moving up to a larger caliber?

[@mikevos7163]

Manufactured in South Africa as the R1, a great rifle, in fact a good friend of mine who served in the Recces refused to use the later R4 and R5 weapons in favour of the R1, he called it his hunting rifle.

[@Kingsfrie]

My liefie wat saam met my geslaap het! Wens ek kan een in die hande kry wat nie steelbaar is deur die politieke booswigte nie..

[@mimikurtz2162]

@@Kingsfrie It's been over 40 years since I handed in my Rhodesian FN. Still sometimes when I wake up in the morning I think for a minute that it's stored in my wardrobe, and it's a cosy, comfortable feeling.

[@mimikurtz2162]

I used a G3 for 6 months in Rhodesia and found it was a very good rifle, which I became very proficient with. Then I had a month break and when I returned they issued me an FN. At first I found it long and cumbersome with an awkward foregrip. But after 5 or 6 weeks of intensive practice it was like a bionic implant, a natural extension of my arm. Just like you don't need to aim down your arm and finger to point at something, I only had to glance at a figure 50 yards away and I would hit it in the same instant without conscious thought. At 100 yards I needed an extra quarter of a second to focus in order to hit it first time. In the next 15 years I carried an M-16, AK-47, Galil and R4 but I believe they were all inferior to a G3 and not even in the same league as my beautiful FN.

[@HonestOutlawReviews]

Never trust a guy named Rene

[@phucgiang395]

Belgium: Hey look we have this very cool rifle that fires intermediate cartridge US: F**k no you'll use the .308 Belgium: >chambers the rifle into .308 US: >adopts the M14 instead also US: >eventually developes the 5.56x45mm NATO and the M16 Belgium: *am I a joke to you?*

[@Gliese380]

Although in the end, FN's (aka Belgium's) SS109 5.56 round did become the NATO standard, so all is well. The 5.56×45mm NATO (official NATO nomenclature 5.56 NATO) is a rimless bottlenecked intermediate cartridge family developed in the late 1970s in Belgium by FN Herstal. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.56%C3%9745mm_NATO

[@EXISTENTIALization]

@GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS AR is a newer system and was widely adopted by the US for many years by the military as the M4/M16. While agree with you your comparing a stock 70s mustang vs. a Tesla sport in going 0-60.

[@-John-Doe-]

Do you think the PKM should have been chambered in 7.62x39? ^^ That's why the US wanted 7.62x51 There's more to war than your personal rifle. That's also why the US _never_ adopted an _"Intermediate"_ cartridge, and why the 7.62x39 is gone. The 5.56 _did_ replace the .30 carbine... because it's essentially a .30 carbine in energy/recoil/etc with much more range.

[@henryattfield8979]

Which is actually .223 cal smaller than .280 British

[@oceanbytez847]

@@-John-Doe- you say that, but the whole reason they are switching to 6.8 SPC is more lethal power and more range with a negligible increase in recoil. If your unaware of the upcoming change next trial is supposedly happening in feb 2022.

[@cayminlast]

We were issued FN FAL, designated R1 Battle Rifle, during my service in the SADF 1976- 1989. I slept, ate and lived with that rifle 24-7, always loved it.

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

Yes bro, what a time it was. Rhodies never die and neither do our Southern brothers.

[@andrewjames3321]

I was in I think the last bunch to do basic training in the SADF with the R1. Was issued an IMI Galil before being shipped to the Border (Medics got the Galil or South African made R5 and not the R4 which was issued to the infantry). Locally made 5.56mm round was terrible, on fully auto the firing cap would come adrift from the round and jam the weapon. Never got to fire more than 3 rounds in a burst - it might also be due to the fact that there was a shortage of rounds for the infantry so we were issued tracer rounds - used to borrow a 9mm pistol or R1 whenever I needed to be armed, would never trust the ammo for the Galil.

[@MJMgreen0303]

I used the SLR version in my military service in the Royal Marines.. loved the weapon. Used in conflict. Targets will fall when hit. The power behind the round meant that any wound caused was going to be devastating. Thank you for the video...

[@MrJazzflute]

Yes I concur Im an EX Bootneck and the SLR was totally reliable , simple , tough , and immense power only down side a little heavy and dated. We should have updated the SLR into a new version and binned the terrible SA 80 , thank god I only used It for a few months before I left the Corps.

[@MJMgreen0303]

@@MrJazzflute I took the dreaded SA 80 with me to the first gulf war , and my L42. 1990/91. I left the Corps 1994. 25 years service.

[@jazzflute2465]

@@MJMgreen0303 I was in the mob 83 to 90 left got fed up being pinged for chef, signaller , clerk just loved graving it, was going SC 3 at one stage done my knee in playing football so that was it. Loved the old SLR bang stick , Per Mare Per Terram brother.

[@MJMgreen0303]

I was a D2 Cpl, an LC 2 Cpl, Attached to 5 SBS Comacchio Company, parachute accident back in 1974 came back to haunt me, so ended my days as a SA 1 Sgt. Still enjoyed life and had fun...... Once a Royal Marine always A Royal Marine........ 28th October 1664....... Stay safe Brother

[@roseybut]

Carried my FAL (we called it the L1A1 7.62 SLR in the UK military) for the first 12 years of my military service and I loved and respected it. I neither loved or respected the 5.56 SA80 that replaced it.

[@skyfix9813]

Have they fixed the SA. What would you change?

[@curlyjim2550]

In the first Gulf war the orginal SA80 failed miserably. The magazine catch was unreliable so the mag could actually drop out (not good when you are under fire). The bolt was shit, the gas plug was shit, the mags were frail and shit and the whole thing was mistrusted. Then in 2000 Heckler and Koch (owned by BAE Systems) took hold of the thing, redesigned all of the above faults and worked on it's internals and made what is now a very accurate and reliable weapon. The only problem (for me) is the 5.56 calibre. I would go for the heavier hitting 7.62 any day.

[@skyfix9813]

Interesting. If memory serves, the British experiments with the .19 cal lead to the faster twist ARs we use here today. A major improvement to the 5.56. Took 50 yrs to make an AR what it is today. I guess Americans and Brits will eventually fix their shit. But, don't hold your breath.

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

I don't know why people are so hung up on 308. Have you ever tried carrying a combat load of 30 caliber? It sucks. One reason I really don't like the AK even though it is reliable and effective. 5.56 on the other hand is a pleasure to shoot. Not only is it super light weight, but because you can carry a lot of it you don't feel bad for using seeking/suppressible fire methods when you need to use it. The stopping power of a cartridge really doesn't matter as much as ease of application. Most rounds aside from home defense, LE, or very well planned offensive roles are not going to be hitting the target because it takes rounds to get into a position where you can hit the target.

[@rewind12354]

skyfix The sa80 is now fixed but it cost millions.

[@robertotaglienti6406]

The Aussies had it Vietnam. When I served late 80's to early 90s the rifles I used were made in the 60s...very solid weapon...

[@adriaandeleeuw8339]

My uncle was in the Australian Commandoes when he went to Vietnam, it was so early in the War he was using SMLEs when he arrived and was one of the first to be issued the L1A1 in theatre. absolutely loved it!

[@sagnal]

@@adriaandeleeuw8339 the SLR was first issued in the Australian Army in 1957. Australian Advisers first deployed to Vietnam and none took SMLEs, They mostly were armed with US Army weapons. In 1965 when the first Regular Australian troops deployed to Vietnam they were mostly armed with SLRs (the Australian version of the FAL). No Australian troops were armed with SMLEs during the Vietnam conflict. The Commandoes at that time were an Army Reserve Unit. They did not deploy. Squadrons of the Special Air Service did deploy and one of their favourite weapons was the L2A1(the fully automatic version of the L1A1 SLR).

[@funkyplasmaman]

I used one in the late 80s that was made in 1956, I then moved to GPMG but I still have fond memories of that wooden stocked rifle

[@uktony1525]

Back in the late 1980s when I served, we used the SLR when training although our personal weapon was a Sterling SMG. Despite the weight, it is a heavy beast to lug around for days, it proved so very, very reliable.

[@alanbrooke144]

@@adriaandeleeuw8339 think you’re mistaken. The Aussies never deployed commandos to Vietnam. Also the SMLE was phased out of service in the 1950s - well before Vietnam.

[@colinrobertson1992]

In the British Army, we called it the SLR and I loved it!! Yes, it was heavy, but with that kind of firepower, the extra weight was worth it! 40 years later, I can still hear and feel it! 😊

[@yallaimshi8091]

I can also still feel the weight, texture and feel in my hands, the recoil, the smell, the power. It would be as natural today in my 60s to hold that rifle as when I was 19.

[@williammcconville4967]

I never understood why it wasn't kept for extra flexibility in forces

[@wongfeihung9724]

@@yallaimshi8091 Me too! Served in the Royal Anglian Regt and RCT.

[@faeembrugh]

It wasn't actually that heavy compared to the SA80. The main thing was you could spread the weight across the forearms on a battle march (plus the weight acted as a counter-weight if you did a speed march). Also, the recoil was cancelled out at rapid fire. All in all, the SLR was a very good rifle...but it was way too long to fit into a PIG!

[@brendonhenry8835]

Yes, a great rifle! We had it as well in Australia.

[@spreadeagled5654]

I spoke to two veterans who used the FN FAL in service. A British veteran of the Falklands War who used the L1A1 and an Australian veteran who used the SLR. They both said they loved it. 👍🇬🇧🇦🇺

[@bobmartin7717]

As a former Canadian Forces M/Cpl I loved the FN C1. There are a few differences in removable trigger guard and magazine release was bigger in our version. When we replaced it with the Matell reject ie the M16 I got out along with several others. Very good video thank you

[@davidmarshall7390]

Excellent video! One small point - you did have guys on your side in Vietnam with this rifle - the Aussies and Kiwis and they did some crazy stuff with them!

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Mazer Rackham thanks for the feedback, sir!

[@pweter351]

Mazer Rackham the sas would get their armourer to shorten and make a full auto version of the SLR for the scout to use. The yanks would try and get one of them.

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi, good video! You came across like the “old time weapons instructor” who knows his stuff. I was a “soldier of The Queen” for 20 years; during those years we only had 18 months where the army was not on active service. I started my first two years soldiering on the Mk4 SMLE and learned to count my rounds and shoot with the rifle in the aim position throughout. We used the FN SLR in all conditions from the deserts, mountains, plains and jungles of Asia and Americas. The rifle was excellent and there was no point for the enemy hiding behind trees as we often shot them right through the tree. Cover from sight is not cover from fire, you are spot on about the sand as we had problems in Muscat and Yemen with sand and had to keep the “mouse” oil free otherwise the rifle would seize. The full auto. FN overheated too quickly and seized up after a few rounds. The sustained fire FN with the bi-pod was useless as well, the Argentinians found that out in the Falklands. For those soldiers trained on the SMLE the SLR was a huge improvement, for those who came in later we had to keep an eye on them as they had a tendency to go through too much ammunition. A hairy ass Para can only carry so much gear and needs to count each round! Great video, keep it up Yank!

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Piere Vojzola awesome feedback! Thank you very much, sir. And thank you for your allied service. Respect.

[@Shrike200]

Lol, memories, the 'mouse' - except here in South Africa we called it the 'rot' (rat).

[@tacman2893]

In Canada it was called a rat as well!

[@gerttjildsen5612]

Do Paras not wax their arses? ;-)

[@adrianotero7963]

Piere Vojzola I had a chance to use a FAP FUSIL AUTOMATICO PESADO (heavy barelled fully automatic FAL)with a bipod.....in the South Atlantic and can assure you i had no problems with it functioning in very cold and miserable weather,in fact if it were not for its functionality I probably would not be writing these lines today.........kept many heads down , and did its job without any fault,would use it again in a heart beat..in fact when the conflict was over, I noticed many British chaps with the Argentine issued FAL with the full auto selector ....seems they were well regarded by them as well..............I for one would never use an enemy firearm unless it was superior to my own......just my humble experience......

[@Baltha1710]

Used that rifle in the 80's during military service in Belgium. Omg, I still get goose bumps when I think of it. Nostalgia !! Stay Safe.. Ed.

[@julianolver4080]

The British version didn't have a reciprocating charging handle - quite the reverse - it folded forward, locking on the front of the receiver, reducing the chance of getting snagged on clothing or webbing. It also had a much larger magazine release extending out to the left side, so rlease the mag with the thumb, fingers round the front of the mag and rotate off

[@petergaskin1811]

As 'Bloke on the Range' said, Enfield did quite a lot of things very well when they "improved" the FN FAL..

[@mandtgrant]

@@petergaskin1811 The first FN to be adopted was the Canadian. They converted it to inch pattern, and they put the folding/locking charging handle on it. I carried one for years, never a failure except when using blanks

[@lorenzomiro8310]

I had a FN Paratrooper model and it was outstanding. I love the FN Fal, its easy to take apart and clean and it is very accurate. Our armed forces are still using it .

[@Sabre22]

I have a Paratrooper model imported by gun south in 1990-91 Just shot a group last week 1/2 inch high and 1 1/2 wide at 100 yards With A SUIT

[@ronin6158]

.280 FAL, that would have been awesome.

[@theimmortal4718]

Or 6mm SAW

[@johnschneider6183]

I agree. Just wondering how easy it is to scope.

[@FGYT1]

@@johnschneider6183 british version you changed the top cover to one that took mounts for S.U.I.T scope but rattled

[@johnschneider6183]

Yes, Thankyou. I saw how that was do watching Jerry Miculek shoot the FN FAL. But thanks for the reply. @@FGYT1

[@bmphil3400]

A short 6.5 mm similar to a short .260 rem would be really nice too.

[@brendanmccreanor1191]

Ex Australian Army. I loved it. Thanks for the memories 👌

[@josephruiz7233]

The most effective Rifle in the Vietnam War. South Korean, Australian, Thai, and South Vietnamese Units attached to them LOVED the FAL/SLR.

[@vinorob]

Old school. 1 RAR

[@Inigo566]

Ex British army , loved it too , never jammed and mine was very accurate

[@billyrussell5148]

Ex British Army too. Marksman. Had 2 issued: the plastic butt and stock, and the walnut version. Loved them both, but especially the walnut version, and never experienced any problems with either. Accurate and always achieved good groupings on the range, no matter what the weather conditions were.

[@jamesmiller6977]

This rifle killed rather than simply injured it's opponents. It had the power to shoot through 18" of timber or could demolish a single brick thickness wall. The Belgian FN or SLR as it was known in the British Army was just awesome.

[@engineerskalinera]

james miller but there is also something to be said about having improved sustained fire ability and being able to carry more ammo into combat with a smaller caliber. The larger the round, the more of a strong Marksman you need to be to use it effectively, and it seems that intermediate rounds are suitable for most people.

[@GuyBodart]

British and Belgian SAS use the FAL. I had 2 in the army , but in 7,62-54. Not the 308.

[@engineerskalinera]

GuyBodart the FAL is designed for 7.62 NATO. Running 308 in it can damage the action thanks to the longer case length of the .308, or so I read

[@GuyBodart]

@@engineerskalinera I know about the 7,62-51. But my sniper one used the 7,62-54. I am a former Belgian SAS, we used the ones made in the FN-Herstal-Liege-Belgium.

[@engineerskalinera]

GuyBodart I can't say I've ever heard of a FAL in 7.62x64mmR. Care to elaborate?

[@TechnikMeister2]

Here in Australia we went with the FN FAL in 7.62 and I carried one in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971. It was manufactured under license here at Lithgow Arms and it had a slightly slower cycling rate to make it even more reliable than it was already. It was a wonderful rifle, if a tad long. In all that time it never jammed. Cleaned and with a cool barrel it was a 1 MOA rifle. The sights were very fast to acquire. Our equivalent of the US Marines SOG, unofficially chose the AK, simply because they could steal ammo from the Viet Cong on long patrols and the 7.62 was 2.5 times the man stopper the 5.56 was not.

[@andrebakkers6619]

It is nice to see my old FAL again . I had the M3 Para for 4 years . Loved the rifle in the Congo , i hated it on speedmarches. Nice video. It never led my down. AB.Belgium.

[@deniscleaver7544]

I will stand with you in regard to the FN FAL as a superior weapon. It was a disappointment to see and use the M-14 in the humid to wet climate of Vietnam which would swell the wood stock to a point the weapon ceased to function, a composite stock would have been far better in that place but it was not to happen. Again, the FN FAL was the "boat" we missed on that "ocean"!

[@F4Insight-uq6nt]

It is a superior Rifle. Adjustable Gas, Super Reliable, super fast and simple to field strip. A more advanced rifle in all ways. Just a thought.. I wonder if the USA had gone with the FAL if the M16 / AR15 would have ever been a U.S. Service Rifle? Presuming they liked the FAL then they my have selected their next rifle from FN as well such as the FNC. (Another very good rifle.)

[@mcvalley1273]

And to further prove your point sir, the Rhodesian Army used it to great effect in a somewhat similar combat environment. Its not far fetched to think that U.S. troops on the ground woudlve modified it and get that powerful automatic firepower often needed in the jungle

[@VeraVemaVena]

​​@@F4Insight-uq6ntThey might've had a different design, but I imagine a gun similar to the Armalite would eventually replace the FAL. Don't get me wrong, the FAL is one of my favorite guns, but not everyone can handle her weight and recoil. Plus there's the problem of making it modular, which is the AR's biggest strength nowadays.

[@gazzarover]

WE in the Australian Army especially the Infantry loved the SLR and were more than happy to carry it all day long, in all terrains including jungle. A beautiful powerful effective battle rifle!

[@boondocker7964]

What works is worth the effort.

[@benjaminwebster7305]

He's your Australian I'm Shure your a great guy and all but why has your government been being an asshole it's fucked up to take away anyone's ability to defend themselves and resist a tyrannical government can you give me your input

[@clangaman2810]

Benjamin Webster Stop trying to get political with us, dickhead.

[@cjryan88]

Gazza Rover so true

[@BRETTYZCAR]

Benjamin Webster where are you from? So I can give you my input.

[@Joe-yr1em]

well done, informative, and very professional. Thank you.

[@ryanscott3753]

I am pretty impressed. Not only do you know the history of the FAL, but this is one of the best 15 minute history lessons. DS Arms makes some pretty good stuff, much better than the other makers and importers of inch and metric FALs. The FAL is the most common 7.62 NATO, but it is not well known in the USA. Keep up the good work.

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Ryan Scott thanks Ryan. Appreciate your feedback!

[@UncleWayne5104]

Just come across this channel for the first time. Great video. We called it the SLR (L1A1) over here in Australia. I had 2, one for the field and one for the shooting team. I loved it, and was very disappointed when we adopted the Styer.

[@JakeArmyRetired]

This man needs a TV show deal! Very professional and informative!

[@xx6489]

I had the Enfield version L1A1 SLR in the British Army. It was my best friend and it never let me down.

[@Smashmellow1]

@Parmanand Motiramani परमानन्द मोतीरामानी no

[@bossdog1480]

@Parmanand Motiramani परमानन्द मोतीरामानी We were told it could take a leg off at 1 mile. (not necessarily accurately though)

[@1969cmp]

I think Lithgow (Australia) also made them as well. Well used in Vietnam.

[@namor357]

Parmanand Motiramani परमानन्द मोतीरामानी A trained shooter can certainly drop a man-sized target at 900 metres. With the 7.62 NATO cartridge your target doesn’t really stand a chance. Beautiful, reliable and accurate battle rifle. Not to be used on full auto. That’s why the British SLR was semi-auto only.

[@Smashmellow1]

@@namor357 the SLR with iron sights, or otherwise, is not accurate to 900m

[@Vaulgspar]

I have great respect for this battle rifle. I actually picked up a Pre-Ban model a week ago for only $1800! She is a true beauty.

[@roverboat2503]

I used the British version, the SLR, when I was in the Army. Wonderful weapon. We had a non-reciprocating and folding cocking handle. Well cool as it meant the cocking handle wouldn't get snagged on anything. Magazine release was also different than the one you show. It was a lot bigger and very easy to use.

[@Militaryarmschannel]

I would say the magazine release you have on the DSA is more like the hammer of the WWII era Browning Hi-Power. The Colt Commander that used a spurred ball hammer didn't come about until the 1950's when Colt submitted a pistol to the US Army trials to replace the 1911 post WWII. As we all now know, the pistol we've come to know as the "Combat Commander" wasn't adopted by the U.S. Army, nor was anything else, until 1985. Anyway, not all FAL's have that type of magazine release. Many of the Belgium made rifles have a simple lever contoured like a thumb that's serrated. Thanks for a fun video! I love the FAL's. It's easily still the best .308 ever made by any company for military use.

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Military Arms Channel thanks man. Love your videos on the FAL. And the knowledge you have of them.

[@TheJhend170]

Actually your mag release isn't what FN put on them at all. That is a modification the Israelis made, and is my preferred mag release for the thumb "grippiness" you mention, but rounded to prevent it from catching on things. However, the Brits had an even easier one that can be activated with a finger or thumb from outside the trigger guard . FN's was a flat piece, about 3/16" wide, cut on an angle with similar grooves. It works, but for most it is the least preferred from a ergo standpoint. As for reasons we didn't get the FAL... I'd add we have differing priorities from other countries, be it good or bad. AKs and FALs aren't known for their extreme accuracy by any measure. If you get your hands on a 2moa FAL you have a rare jewel. The lockup just doesn't lend itself to accuracy. We Americans seem to lean to accuracy as a priority. The M-14 is FAR more capable, from that standpoint, than the FAL. I would call the FAL a little more durable, but not by much. The trend continued into the next gen, the M-16. Again, highly accurate, not as diehard as an AK. Also, don't forget the Germans used the FAL for a while. You are correct in that they got pissy when Belgium told them to GFY when Germany wanted to build their own, for the reasons you mention, but they Used the G1 before moving to the Cetme/G3/HK91.

[@segwolfxviii2919]

Military Arms Channel agreed kinda lol

[@segwolfxviii2919]

Phil Meup have you ever had either?

[@geezerp1982]

you are forgetting the ar-10

[@daveybones340]

The choice rifle of the Rhodesian Light Infantry!

[@luisgonzalez1637]

Rhodesians never die!

[@theoldhobbit3640]

I may be reminiscing of the good old days, but the L1A1 FN FAL was for me the best battle rifle ever made for an Infantry man. 9 years this was my PW and having played with a few different rifles, this is by far my favorite. You can run, but you cant hide from this beast and it will come and get you wherever you are.

[@keithad6485]

Battle proven many times over. Aussies used SLR for years in South Vietnam.

[@ScrotusXL]

First time I have watched your show, absolutely outstanding Bruv (Bro!), from Ron in the UK.

[@NZAnimeManga]

Can't believe we went from the FAL to the SA80...

[@evillabrador1]

NZAnimeManga the mk1 SA80 was bollocks. The U.K. had to buy HK and get them to sort it out. The newer version is a good rifle.

[@cravenjooooooooooooo]

EvilLabrador1 It's still far to heavy

[@pp2021]

I was serving when the SA 80 came in, my very first thought was "Bollocks". It was so badly made.

[@Modge17]

EvilLabrador1 Enfield owned HK at the time so it’s not as daft as it sounds!

[@SilentRazor1uk]

No, not Enfield Arms, but Royal Ordenance, quite a difference I believe - although the former was 'liquidated' or finally closed before the other was, which just so happened to occur during the final design and production of the horrible SA-80-A1 its relative A1'd LSW. The A2's/A3's are comparatively excellent to the old ones, albeit righthanders only still.

[@AusJackal]

the British FAL (L1A1 SLR) along with the Canadian and Austrlian models had a folding non reciprocating charging handle.

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Jackal's Outdoor Channel thanks! Good info

[@MrROTD]

C1A1

[@l92375]

I have one of the Century rebuilds I got before I knew Centurys reputation.I researched it and it is all Australian,no metric mismatches.Ive never had any trouble with it at all in 16 years.I guess it would even be rare nowdays,century or not.

[@lauriestlyon8773]

British Designation was SLR (Self Loading Rifle) L1A1 had wooden furniture. L1A2 had plastic. Both had a non reciprocating handle. Some A2's had the carry handle removed. The gas system was a plus as with the cheap ammo the mod supplied us with you often had to open it up because of under powered rounds or the powder threw such crap in the works after a few rounds you had misfeeds. Also the extractor would rip the heads off cases with soft brass! It was the ammo not the weapon. Speaking to friends who served with both they hated the SA80. I just missed that toygun! The only addition I would have liked was the folding bipod off the FAL fully automatic! It was long and heavy after a while! Especially if held on handed, by the muzzle, at full extension due to some infraction the instructor did not like! Ouch! Although supposedly assigned a Sterling SMG I managed to keep the SLR on my docket and carry it whenever possible. My favourite rifle. Used it for the first time as a cadet at 14, then through 6 years RAF service.(18 - 24) Could remove half its parts and as long as you had the bolt you could still fire! Simple to strip not like (apparently) the SA80 with lots of little parts! A video bringing back memories!

[@justmyopinion4266]

Jackal's Outdoor Channel the Dutch version had some differences with the other models out there . Here is some eyecandy . fnforum.net/forums/fn-fal/72255-dutch-fal-s.html I loved mine but , i understand why the Israëli’s got rid of theirs . It is great to have a rifle that can take down targets half a mile away but , it must function first . I too have had my share of malfunctions in dusty environments . The other weapon i loved was the FN MAG which you call the GPMG . Lugging it around and. Cleaning that beast wasn’t that much fun either . But making it bark made up for that part . Still , to be fair out of 22 months i was equipped with the easiest one of all , the UZI .

[@rayjennings3637]

The L1A1 (SLR) as it was designated by the British Army was a great weapon. Yes, it was a touch long but you soon got used to it for general use. I got my 'Marksman' badge with it and found it to be accurate out to 600m in the prone position.

[@dragonback6075]

Great to see a trusty old friend being appreciated again. The L1A1 of my time had it's niggles. But.. you look after it, it would look after you. I had to laugh when you mentioned cover, not protection. It Fondly reminded me of our CS demonstrating shooting through a wall of house bricks, to the now!! swiss 🧀 bad guy target "hiding" there 😁😉 Thank you bringing back some great memories of this amazing rifle

[@swansog]

Excellent history and context for me on the FN FAL! It filled in a lot of the gaps for me and explained the FN FAL in a way that was super easy to consume. Great review and fantastic how you drilled into the details of what happened with America's interaction with the gun and how the politics affected our consumption of it and the rounds we chose. I agree with you our troops would have benefitted greatly from this gun during the cold war years. Thanks for talking fast and adding a ton of terrific historical photos and content. thank you.

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Greg Swanson wow! Thank you sir! I appreciate you recognizing the effort.

[@paul-yu8kl]

le FN 49 étai un fusil fantastique eh Corée chaque Fn 49 a tuer 40 chinois , il tuait des chinois a 900 mètres, le m1 avait une portée lamentable ridicule de 300 mètres les nord Corée fessait des gilets par balle en carton

[@Reaper4367]

Under licence, that rifle was made in Australia by 'Lithgow Small Arms' and modified to be 'Our Rifle and call ed 'SLR L1A1'. It is the rifle that i used in the majority of my time 'in service' with the ADF until it was phased out by the mid '90's and replaced by the styre AUG FN88 using that 5.56. Didnt matter what you did with the SLR. After basic training you could literally run all day with that beast hanging of your arm and it not really bother you. You could run out of rounds and use the steel butt plate to butt stroke an enemy combatant... thats where the nice weight comes in handy :) . Doing combat rolls, no problems or even patrolling and fighting in jungle, no problems.Take out the gas system, it will still fire. Just have to keep cocking it :) . Loved that weapon. Great video mate, brought back many a fine memory. Cheers for sharing :)

[@wingcommander03]

Hi, Australia which fought in the Vietnam war as a U.S Allie used the FN FAL !

[@robbieh1899]

wingcommander03 Known as SLRRRR...

[@wongfeihung9724]

Thanks for your presentation of an outstanding weapon and its development history. I was trained on the ultra reliable FN FAL in the British Army. The 7.62mm round would penetrate a brick wall. Can't remember if I ever suffered a single stoppage or hard extraction. A superb design, I used to strip and assemble this rifle blindfolded. Beautiful weapon.

[@johnmills9360]

EX South African Defense force , I remember sprinting with full kit , carrying a FN FAL (R1) . No lightweight .

[@merlin4596]

Any FN FAL if well maintained, is a good rifle, if its set up right. Its an old platform but a reliable one. M14 is a great rifle, but the FAL, is better, in my humble opinion.

[@hal7444]

You're comparing apples from different trees. Still apples though. As I held an FN FAL in my due year in the Mexican Army, I will always be biased to it. Can't help it, but I'm totally sure you know what I mean. BUT, if you ask me, an M-14 is no lesser option. I actually like it better, all steel and walnut (I love walnut), and both kick like angry mules in full auto. Man, they can be as old platforms as can possibly be, but in a world where everybody wishes for small bores and big magazines, a 7.62 hit is but a solid hit, you only need one. Come to think, you ever met anybody saying he survived a 7.62N hit? :D

[@merlin4596]

@H AL I would not like to be shot with either platform to be honest. Admittedly, the M14 is a slightly more refined weapon, However the FAL FN has very good accuracy for a system that is over 60 years old. Just meat and potatoes :)

[@rfailing1]

was issued an M14 in basic training 1965 US Army Ft Dix and also in Germany were I served for 19 months. LOVED my M14 but did not see combat. Of course I had to grab a SA M1A 10 years ago to shoot NRA / SA high power.

[@jmi0112]

rgee bee iron sights baby. 100p

[@dasboot9471]

Same same, they both have the same issues...

[@AustrianJager]

When i was serving in the Austrian Army from 1984, i was in the very lucky situation to got training in both then in use rifles, the STG58 (Sturmgewehr 58) a FN FAL in .308 (7,62x51) and in the futuristic looking STG77 (Sturmgewehr 77) the AUG from STEYR in .223 (5,56x45). I loved to shoot both rifles very much, but in serious times, i would allways prefer to have a rifle in .308 then in .223. Just because of the performance on 300 meters plus and the better penetration. In our modern times the armys have even found a name for it. Designated Marksman.

[@nightrain663]

This gun had stopping power, when we (UK) swapped to the SA80 we all thought we had been given a toy.

[@TheGhost-gx5vd]

Scott sa80 looked like some water gun you could get out of toysrus

[@brianstewart23]

The Labour party was a creation of the Soviet polit bureau. It was probably adopted as a means of undermining British military strength.

[@SkooterxD]

Exactly the same response that we Americans had back in the 60s with the m16. Joked that Mattel was making them.

[@thomasmichael559]

Brian Stewart it was under a Conservative government that the SA80 was introduced.

[@ravenwing199]

@@SkooterxD Then they shut the fuck up when they got handed twice the ammo and a functional shoulder.

[@richardwebb9532]

Totally agree with all you said, fought in the angolan bush war in 1980-1989...2 years service, then 3 month camps every year, we used the R1armscor versioun of the Fn-fal, although we did have older ones from Belgium, the R1 is about two pounds lighter, and a better rifle, less jams, (we had that fine "Egyptian" dust. In 86, our R1's were replaced with the R4 with folding stock and bipod, awesome some rifle, however.....THE PENETRATION OF A R1 IS UNMATCHED!! Great video!!

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Richard Webb thank you!

[@GARDENER42]

The R1 is the same in all but name to the Belgian made FAL & the same weight. The R2 was about a pound lighter, due to having a hinduminium alloy lower & the folding butt - basically an SA manufactured 50.64

[@danielbakovic7811]

@@GARDENER42 R4 is Israelis Galil. R4 is produced under licence of Galil

[@hal7444]

So, is there an IMPROVED version of the FN FAL?? :O

[@peterr7530]

@@GARDENER42 All the Belgian FN"s I saw during my time in the SADF had wooden stocks, South African R1"s had plastic stocks. That's probably where the weight difference came in.

[@MrKurtzlich]

FN FAL is an amazing weapon, no matter where it hit you are incapacitated. In the British military we had the full auto capacity disabled. We could hack it to fire full auto by putting a match in the sear, but in all honestly it was so difficult to control on full auto we didn't bother. In the Falklands war we fought an enemy armed with the same rifle, but they had full auto. Our accurate fire control was more effective. The British army now has the 5.56mm SA80. I will never understand why as we were issued AR15's as well for certain deployments

[@broncosgjn]

Yeah I was Australian Army in the 70's. People at ranges go on about how you just lean into it bla bla. They are not combat vets. You lean into F... All except enemy in coming fire standing there like Arnold Schwarzenegger . It is absolutely impractical to fire a 7.62 Nato on full auto without a barrel heavy weapon like a medium Mg. And then you really need to get the bipod grounded to do more than intimidate and suppress. We liked our SLR ( FN-FAL) but really an AK was really much more suitable for a semi auto/ full auto battle rifle in CCB. I think the 7mm /280 British would have been a great cartridge.

[@robinm1299]

MrKurtzlich and that’s why we used The sterling alongside the l1a1 which was an excellent smg

[@kenanmorg4677]

Somewhat off-topic but I believe the small professional army maintained by Britain was at an advantage when facing the Argentinians, whose army was largely conscripts (draftees). I believe it's the old quality vs. quantity argument. Just my two cents......

[@justanothercaptain6566]

Great video! When I joined the CAF in 1986, the FN C1A1 was the rifle I was issued. In 1990 we replaced it with Colt C7. Then the C7A1, and now the C7A2...To this day I would take an FN C1A1 over the C7 any day. It was hard to make it jam and the 308 never let you down. Great weapon!

[@dragonusmc0311]

Good Info on the FN FAL.

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

DragonU.S.M.C/0311 appreciate you!

[@elmoomle4565]

Spent a few years in the Canadian forces in late 70s and early 80s and have fired many rounds through our version, the FNC1 A1...awesome power and accuracy. It looks brand new and yet, the date stamp on it read "1958"...superb build quality indeed. (as was the bayonet!) Great video, thanks!!

[@celso8334]

This is the best battle rifle ever made. His handling is awesome, his power is outstanding. Here in Brazil he is used by the army, police and bandits. He should be more recognized as the greatest battle rifle ever made.

[@charleswest6372]

Great sniper rifle.

[@robertdartez7355]

I qualified with the M14 in the Marine Corps 1970 ... I think it's one of the finest battle rifles on the planet; however, although I don't personally have experience with the FN FAL, it know it to be the outstanding weapon that you demonstrated. Well done!

[@spacemanapeinc7202]

And FN now produces the M4 and M16, take that Studler.

[@ButtersTheGreat1]

And the M249 and M240

[@rocket_sensha4337]

@@ButtersTheGreat1 you mean the mag and minimi?

[@rocket_sensha4337]

@@professionalschizo noo, I just call them ak's, like any civil person ... But those are without a doubt just a diferent designation for the minimi and the mag. I can't however, call any "ar" pattern m4's or m16's despite them having an equal plentifull number of models and variants.

[@paul-yu8kl]

@@ButtersTheGreat1 FN usa civile , FN Herstal ne fait pas de antiquités

[@jaredneaves7007]

Purely from the title I came to say "You mean how the USA shafted the rest of NATO into the 7.62 cartridge before leaving the party."... then I actually watched the vid and unlike many Americans who are ignorant of such things, you got the story straight and even added things I didn't know! Impressed beyond words and definitely subbed.

[@jaredneaves7007]

Not Telling Not Telling. Triggered seppo.

[@sinlessduke9308]

Don’t stereotype Americans

[@davidspaven2816]

Wish we had the ability to own such weapons in the UK love the series and thanks for the great videos

[@tristacker]

We once did until the late 80's when they banned them here. I had a G1 with metal handguards and bipod.

[@wongfeihung9724]

An excellent home defence weapon for farmers in remote areas.

[@Scurvybilgerat10]

you can own this weapon albeit with the semi auto function deactivated making it a straight pull rifle

[@datymarx1832]

Carried that for for 4 years till got issued with the R4 (galil) begged and pleaded to have my R1 (fn) back, the rifle gods must of been on my side because I managed to get my exact FN back, wouldn't swap it for any battle rifle of its era 💪

[@tristacker]

Interesting video. Nice to see they're still being made. An intrinsic part of the story was the EM-2 rifle no 9 the British bullpup (totally unrelated to the L85) for which the .280 round was originally developed. When the US rejected the round a larger calibre round the.280/30 was proposed, but this was rejected by the US too. The UK had by this time officially adopted the EM-2 in .280 naturally assuming the better round would be adopted by NATO. How wrong the UK was and the government kowtowed to the US army and scrapped it. Sadly the EM-2 could not be adapted to take the 7,62 round but happily the FAL could.

[@Miko-lo6wv]

I loved my SLR when I was serving in the Australian army. I was there for the change over to the F88 Aus Steyr. I never liked that 'plastic fantastic' bloody thing. These days, after having spent years working with these firearms, the government doesn't see fit to allow us to own semi-auto's of any description. I also once owned a Mini 14. I loved the action on that as well. Very similar to the M14 action. But the SLR was my favourite rifle, and still is, even now. Your video has made me feel a bit nostalgic for times long past.

[@rustykilt]

Likewise... The L1A1 looked the goods and was hard to break. I hardly used the Steyr as I was getting out as it was being introduced. I kinda compare the L1A1 to the old Bren gun in terms of performance, reliability and fitness for combat. Used both and loved them. We should be allowed to own either.

[@fenderfetish]

The F88 is dead accurate, but I miss the L1A1

[@lioncelica5170]

Australian FAL/SLR/L1A1's are highly regarded in the US, I wish they still made them :(

[@dylanwight5764]

Fellow Australian and also a former owner of the Mini-14/180. I hated that rifle, but you can chalk that up to it being a 1974 production with its problematic ejector. During my service, I loved the F88. The SLR was a decent rifle and a pleasure to use, but the F88 is a superior platform for modern combat purposes. The SLR was a product for its time, and it was the right product for its time, but to call it superior to the F88 as warfare advanced is a huge disservice to the F88 which has becomes the right rifle for Australia's evolving needs. Though to be fair, I'd be happy with either if offered to me.

[@Adlore]

@@dylanwight5764 we now have the ef88 by Lithgow which is an upgrade over the f88, even nicer.

[@thegulagarchipelago5921]

Good stuff. Nice bit of background history. I'm ex South African army from the 80's and the SA army used the FA FNL as battle rifle but was called the R1. I was in the time where the SA Army switched over from the FA FNL/R1 - 7.62 callibre to the R4 - 5.56 calibre (variation is the R5 - shorter barrel). It was based on the Israeli made Galil. Also a 5.56 calibre and the look is remarkably similar. As a ex soldier that used both extensively I am not that keen on the 5.56 R4/5. Very little punching power. As old mate stated in the video very correctly when facing the FA FNL, if the think you are out of range your are very wrong and your "cover" just becomes camoflauge... It is a great rifle. Much understated and propably the best battle rifle ever. And contrary to some belief circles not too heavy or too long at all as a battle rifle. It's like a technivally sound heavy weight boxer with a long, vicious jab. As a special forces sniper we got to use them, amongst others, as such fitted with top of the range telescopic abilities for that time and age. The FA FNL also comes with the foldable stock and was great in close quarters like trench and urban warfare. Funny enough not my favourite rifle ever. My dad had a 1945 made .22 fitted retrospectively with a scope and as a bush boy growing up that is my favourite rifle of all time but I suppose it's just nostalgia talking. Because of my background my favourite is the Barret .50 but that's a assignment dedicated rifle and as such in a class all on its own. The FA FNL is in my humble opinion the greatest battle rifle of all time!

[@tonydefresnaye7027]

Barend Oberholzer Hey boet, howzit! Me too. Served 8 Batt. Upington. Initially issued the R1 and re-issued R4 ahead of Ops in Angola. Loved the R1 and agree with everything you said. If maintained and cleaned it was very reliable - I personally never had a stoppage and weight was never an issue. Extremely accurate rifle though full Auto was a problem for most except a few seasoned "paraat" instructors. I think that's why the military brains trust decided on replacing the R1. The R1 is a great weapon for a conventional war somewhere in Europe that doesn't have the extremes we have here in Africa. Most contact situe's were within 300m +/- It is always an advantage to have sustained maximum firepower when storming a dug in enemy in a defensive position and fire on the move full auto with an R4 is a whole lot easier than an R1. Besides you have the covering firepower of the LMG's shooting 7.62mm. So all things considered I think the transition from the R1 to R4 / R5 / R6 was the logical decision IE. Simplicity of design, ease of use, maintenance friendly, reliable, sustained and accurate full auto fire. Be well boet.

[@danwhyte3524]

I thought that was a out standing video! Thruthful entertaining + it taught me a great deal about the FN FAL. Thankyou very much!!!

[@Paul_Ironwolf]

The M14 is a great riffle with some modifications a very good marksman riffle, but as an automatic riffle a counter part for the AK well that it is not. Also i have never shot the FAL but i have shot the G3 we had the Swedish variant was our standard riffle in Lithuania and honestly i liked the AK47 and AK74 that we had left over from Soviet occupation times way more. The G3 was accurate but heavy, big, less reliable and more finicky than the AK's that i was used to so i just didn't click with it, dont get me wrong it shot a lot better than the AK, but when you are serving you get to shoot very little, and run around and carry the weapon A LOT, we used to call those guns the paddle as in the thing that you use to row a bot its long its gets stuck on branches and bushes and shit in the woods and its just a pain in the ass to use in damp dark forests with very high amount of vegetation like every Lithuanian forest out there. So when we got the new G36's we where ecstatic as soldiers i know the politics are a not always that one dimensional but for guys that have to carry those around the G36 was a god sent after having carried the G3 for a while.

[@Voxguitarsrock]

My favorite service rifle by far. Of course ours were labeled " The rifle FNC1A1". Good review . Thanks!

[@cesarjacobs8416]

This was my girlfriend for six years here in Brazil

[@levitated-pit]

mine too .... brit here... was taught if the enemy hid behind anything just shoot through it!

[@hal7444]

Mine too, I'm Mexican. A sweetheart hard to forget.

[@Hume2012]

Yes, I can believe that. You gun nutters probably sit at home at night beating off to your rifles. Sick people. Sad.

[@holgerd5242]

@@Hume2012 You regressive idiots have at least one more thing in common: You have no sense of humor.

[@KernriverMerle]

@@Hume2012 That was a vile comment, my friend. It's not that we love these rifles, we adore them. If You'd ever been in combat, You'd understand. Can save your life. I'm not saying that we're better than the rest, it's just the way it is. Personally, AK-47.

[@theephemeralglade1935]

"And with ze FN you will have to agree to accept 10 million kilograms of escargot for your NATO troops no, yes? Yes, no?" "Frank, do we still have that warehouse of Garands in Illinois?"

[@invidofinp1828]

I wonder how my uncles stories in Vietnam would change if he didn't have the good old favorite of "The Government was trying to kill us" when they introduced the M16, when the M14 served him just fine until then.

[@jm9371]

Great history lesson, I learned a lot. I was in the Canadian army in the 1980's when we used the FN C1/C2 ( FN FAL), great rifle. The build quality of the FN was never in question, it was top notch. We then adopted the C7 / C8 (M16) in 1989 when most of NATO adopted the 5.56 x 45 cartridge.

[@Cansseco]

in the Argentine army I used this weapon...excellent weapon and extremely accurate, my first five rounds were the first time I ever fired a weapon and I hit five bulls eyes at 150 meters.

[@Bite_Me_MF]

Falklands islands forever! God save the Queen 👑 🇬🇧

[@mediapartners9950]

Great video. I was doing my basic with the SA80 (L85A1 - yes that one!) in the early 90’s and my Full Screw weapons instructor compared the move from the SLR (L1A1) to the SA80 as going from “Gods Own Bang Sticks” to the “Civil Servant” as in it didn’t work and couldn’t be fired. Never forgotten that analogy. He was a proper bastard but he was right.

[@jasonclaros7073]

Yes as a battle rifle the m14 was impractical but it wasn't a shity gun by any means, it was just forced into a role it was not suited for and it's a great target/designated marksman/sniper rifle. The FAL should have been chosen, because it was made for the battle field and not the range.

[@carloparisi9945]

The Fal did actually serve in Vietnam, because a considerable contingent of Australians was fighting there. Some of them, of the special type, if you get what I mean, were re-equipped with m14, because they had to operate in some remote place, where they needed to be able to use US supplies. One of them told me only positive things about the m14 and never implied that the Fal was superior in the field.

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Carlo Parisi thanks for the info!

[@noahkillough2840]

You mean reequipped with the M16, the Aussie SAS also would cut down alot of their SLRs, convert them to fully automatic, and implement makeshift 30 round magazines, and even occasionally fit XM148 grenade launchers under the barrel

[@carloparisi9945]

I mean what I said, but I cannot say too much, because I'm saying what I was told and I don't want to go in details about who told it when.

[@reedpond6867]

The FN FAL is a better weapon than the M-14 for combat in South Vietnam... The Aussie's brought their version of the FAL to South Vietnam and I fell in love...

[@boneheadedbruhs2445]

REED POND ya. Now, the aussies are using aug's.

[@Texasmilitarydepartmentvid9654]

The FN-FAL is better used as an Assault Rifle and for Breaching and Close Quaters to Medium Range Combat. The M14 is better if it's used as a DMR & Sniper Rifle. Like the M14ERB, M21 & M25.

+ Matt Moon Bullshit the FN-FAL is Israeli. It's BELGIAN! The video even says so! And no the M14 is not any better for sniper and DMR usage either.

[@frankus54]

The Aussies built their own seni auto version under license and had them in Nam. Strong enough to bash a door down. The 280 would have been better as a combat rifle though the 308 is a great hunting round.

[@Texasmilitarydepartmentvid9654]

The FN-FAL used to be the Standard Assault Rifle for the IDF - Israel Defence Force before the M16 and MTAR 21 Tavor that isn't Bullshit proven fact. The FN-FAL was originally made in Belgium and the G3 was made in Germany over 60 Countries have used the FN-FAL. And yes the M21 and M25 are allot better than the FN-FAL for sniping that's a proven fact . You wouldn't snipe out to 1000 meters with a AK-47 you sure as hell wouldn't do it with the FN-FAL. If you can hit something that far out you deserve one huge ass trophy. Hitting a target that far out with a M25 shouldn't be a problem. You can bash the M14 all you want to with the FN-FAL. But Chuck Mawwhiney & Carlos HathCock kicked some NVA ass with a M14.

[@royalcityman]

The Canadian version was interesting. The charging handle folded forward. The upper receiver had a guide so you could quickly top off the magazine with 5 round clips. There was a detachable trigger guard and the mag release was wider so you could operate it with thick gloves. Cosmetically, the carrying handle was Bakelite not wood. I loved it. A round that powerful would tear through most cover like it wasn't even there.

[@SNATCHYDBS]

Great video guys .... got to say im a huge fan of the FN'.. in England its known as the SLR ' .. For me this is one of the top 3 all time best battle rifles ever made . Im ok with the weight and lenght even if its not quite as easy to handle .. acuracy is very good and it hits hard and its reliability is very good.. I guess its popularity speaks volumes as to its quality.

[@jacapezza1]

The Australians used the FN in Vietnam

[@waynedaly1718]

John Capezza I still carried one in the Australian Army in 1990. My rifles was made in 65 I was made in 67. Most reliable weapon I ever carried

[@adriaticzephyr]

Wayne Daly the Aussie army is badass , they where really impressive in all wars they’ve ever been in.

[@bri200490]

Yup , as did the SAS contingents from Aus and NZ . Long history in both countries with the FN and Lithgow L1A1

[@jace9224]

John Capezza do did the kiwis

[@anthonytromp6265]

The South African Army really kicked Ass with the FN in the Angolan War .

[@ph11p3540]

I have no idea how long the FN-C1 was used in the Canadian Armed Forces but it was loved by all the soldiers and the C-7 (aka Canadianized AR-15) appeared to be a huge step down from it. The FN-C1 had outstanding extreme cold weather reliability. It never jammed or had ejection port problems even at -45c. The FN-C1 days were numbered when the CAF agreed with NATO to adopt the new 5.62 mm round and suddenly we needed a new infantry rifle. The C1 was essentially an FN-FAL by Canadian Arsenals Limited.

[@rickscott1926]

I agree.I carried it for twelve years and never had a misfire, that is, as long as the gas port was on no greater a number than three.What I disliked about it, was cleaning the carbon from the piston

[@weejimsdad]

Thats what your boot lace was for...cleaning the piston head grooves...lol. I think I could still field strip one blindfolded. Loved it, but it could get a little heavy on rifle PT. C7 gets a lot of bad press, but it still will do the job. Just not out to 600m.

[@joeinfax4190]

I would always adjust it wrt temperature, type of ammo (blank) and quantity fired. It was called balancing. I could feel when the action was sluggish and would increase the gas, but then I was 12 when i first started firing one. Never had to ask the range officer for more gas:)

[@joeinfax4190]

And they have been trying to make .223 lethal ever since. You'd think our enemies were the ones behind it's adoption. Guess that was part of the peace dividends, adopt the losers strategy:) Main reason I kept my boys out of the military, our "leaders" are no longer serious about killing bad guys and this is a great example.

[@kiyoty9486]

Rick Scott you said it bud! Had it only 2 yrs but then I heard about crappy M-16 after I left. Middle finger that! And shot the browning hand gun to boot in bmt.

[@vinorob]

As an old Aussie SLR user I found this very informative and well presented. Thanks.

[@riko_z9962]

in 2010s,fn makes the most AR15s for the americans ironic

[@engineerskalinera]

RikoAzusa - it's ironic. He could shaft the U.S. out of the FN FAL, but couldn't stop the U.S. from using guns made by FN.

[@riko_z9962]

@@FreedomInc oh....thanks for the heads up,may i get a peek of your claims...

[@engineerskalinera]

Freedom Inc. FN made the M16A4s.

[@riko_z9962]

@@FreedomInc No,I cannot provide any, it's a rumor i heard,that's why i'm asking for an evidence that can break my theory

[@riko_z9962]

@@FreedomInc Cheers sir

[@jamesritchie2167]

I had one built from parts here in USA and it’s a peach! New England Custom Guns did a simply awesome job! Anyone looking to build a mint rifle should contact these guys. Also Ryan Spence in Ohio who built my Galil from scratch with a new barrel. Both awesome rifles! South Africa used the R1 designation for the FAL and R4 for the Galil.

[@nacholibre1962]

This was a great video. I like the no BS presenttaion style (and the lack of idiotic hard rock music). Plus, he kows what he's talking about. Good effort, troops!

[@DanK1977]

Ironically if we had adopted the FAL we may never have gotten the AR-15.

[@j.m.8193]

Best video in the series so far!

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

Sub MOA thank you!

[@tophat2115]

the trigger guards on the Canadian Forces FN's could be completely removed for arctic warfare because gloves weren't enough in that environment, a soldier had to wear mittens

[@tomryan914]

Canada: Saw FN's as little kids, with the long magazines, "Wow...look at those MACHINE GUNS!" Duh!!!

[@charlesharper2357]

@@RFXCasey Because a trigger guard is a cheap and simple thing to change...why risk frostbite?

[@CountArtha]

It bears mentioning that the CETME was designed by the same German engineers who had designed the Sturmgewehr's replacement near the end of WWII. So really, the G3 was German all along. :P

[@jasonc698]

CETME was invented by the Spanish and sold to H&K to create the G3.

[@Dimetropteryx]

Jason C That is partially correct. It was developed from German designs by German designers FOR the Spanish and then sold to the Germans who adopted it as the G3.

[@MrPanos2000]

Jason C Germans designed it

[@raskolnikovsghost2701]

Believe it or not, I've heard guys say that captured Germans that worked on the STG also worked for Kalashnikov at his workshop as prisoners in Russia. Similarly to OP Paperclip. I've heard that that's why the STG and AK platform are so much alike. Now this is hearsay at this point, I have not verified this information. Regardless, it's extremely interesting.

[@eddgrs9193]

The Soviets had their own OP going on, that's how the USSR and US ended up with similar fighter planes in Korea and how the Soviets started their space programme.

[@gixxerboy555]

I used the FN FAL in the military duty in Belgium back in 1986..it really was an awesome weapon..

[@FDNY101202]

Great video keep em coming. I'd like a video of the M14/M16 replacement

[@LegallyArmedAmerica]

FDNY101202 coming up....

[@richardpcrowe]

I was a combat cameraman in Vietnam for 26-months between 1996 and 1972... One project that I worked on was the medevac of Marines from the field in the area north of Dong Ha to a helicopter and finally to the USS Tripoli where they received comprehensive medical care. The helicopter would land on the flight deck and the walking wounded were lead over to the elevator for the ride down to the hangar deck where the triage area was established. As I was shooting one group of arriving wounded, I saw a Gunnery Sergeant beating his M-16 against the deck of the elevator and cursing it. Turned out that he was with a unit of Marines all of whose M-16 rifles had jammed in combat, The only armament firing were two M-14's carried by snipers and the M-60 machine guns. This was early in the Conflict 1966 or 1967... As a result, the unit took considerable casualties. I filmed the occasion of the Gunny busting up his rifle but, of course, that film was never released. Talk was that Charlie, who would use just about any type of gun (I found a Moisin Nagant rifle that had no stock in a Viet Cong camp - the guy who used it was a pretty damn brave person - there was a sling tied from old cloth) would not take the M-16 rifles he found on dead Marines and G.I.'s. Don't know if that last part was true but, I had a choice between an M-16 and an M-2 carbine and I chose the M-2 with all its faults...

[@marcusatiusvirilis7723]

That's very interesting. Also how did you film the gunny busting up the gun? People didn't usually carry video cameras back then. What camera would you carry?

[@richardpcrowe]

My standby camera for rough work was the Bell and Howell 16mm Model 70 "Filmo" which I equipped with 10mm.16mm and 25mm lenses on its turret. Ot took 100 foot rolls of 16mm film. I used Commercial Ektachrome...

[@marcusatiusvirilis7723]

@@richardpcrowe I just think its kind of cool (despite the morbid situation) that you were carrying a camera around. With digital cameras in the 80s and 90s and cell phone cameras from the 2000s onward, there's a lot more video after the 70s because people took video of everything they saw. Would you say you were ahead of your time by filming such things? Was the camera required or did you do camerawork for sport? Also, I don't know much about cameras at the time but did they record sound as well on the film? Anyway thanks so much for the reply and your service.

[@stalkingstork4482]

"Struggling in the jungle" rhodesia light infantry... all I'm saying

[@Jonpicklewater]

Fals were used in Vietnam serving with the Australians during the war

[@nigelbagguley7410]

We brits used that gun for sometime. We called it the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle, also known as the SLR it was used in the falklands conflict to some success

[@irishboer7124]

The Brits preferred the full auto Argie version.

[@hodsgod]

IrishBoer bullshit.

[@drmagnusw1238]

*SLR=PUBG*

[@jpfariasantos93]

argentina used it also in falklands

[@matthewolivier2883]

We used them here in south Africa and called it the R1 and replaced in with the R4 which is a modified galil