Weapon Identification Sheet FN FAL (& close derivatives)

Variants and their distinguishing features

BOLT CARRIER AND CARRY HANDLE

FN FAL
VARIANTS
(Model/manufacturer) Oblique cuts on the bolt Smooth bolt carrier and
(& close derivatives) FN FAL FN 50-00 / 50-64 / carrier (top of picture) and a relatively narrow carry handle
50-41; Belgium, Argentina, broad carry handle with finger with continuous grips:
TYPE: RIFLE ALSO REFERRED TO AS: FAL, FN, SLR Mexico grips on one side:
FN FAL 50-63; Belgium
FN FAL; Israel
L1A1 (SLR); Australia, United
Kingdom
Imbel SAR / Para-SAR / MD
series; Brazil
C1A1; Canada
1A1; India
R1; South Africa L1A1 All other models
SA58; United States 1A1

STOCK DESIGN
Fixed Folding

Model illustrated: FN 50-00, Belgium

Technical Information The Fabrique Nationale FAL was developed in

Calibre
the late 1940s. The slim, elongated profile of
FN FAL FN 50-63 / 50-64
7.62 x 51 mm NATO the weapon is its most distinctive feature, in FN 50-00 Imbel Para-SAR
Length particular the thinness of the stock where it meets FN 50-41
L1A1
1090 mm the receiver and the long barrel/flash eliminator 1A1
Weight (unloaded) forward of the hand guards. Imbel SAR
4.45 kg R1
Barrel length
533 mm COCKING HANDLE
Feed device Flush-folding Non-folding
20-round detachable box
PROBABLE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
magazine
Sighting systems Region State forces Non-state/illicit
Fore: Post Western Europe
Rear: Aperture, sliding Eastern Europe
Operating system Middle East & North Africa
Gas, selective fire L1A1 All other models
Sub-Saharan Africa 1A1
Rate of fire
Central Asia
600-700 rds/min
South Asia
Muzzle velocity Points to include when recording information about the weapon:
840 m/s East Asia
1. Serial number, including all prefix and suffix characters
Pacific 2. Characters adjacent to fire selector
Accessories
Bayonet North America 3. Any other engraved/stamped information on weapon
Central America
Compiled by the Small Arms Survey with the technical assistance of the National Firearms Centre, Royal Armouries, United Kingdom. For further
South America information or if you have identification queries, contact weaponsID@smallarmssurvey.org or call: +41 22 908 5777. This identification sheet may be
downloaded in printable PDF format at www.smallarmssurvey.org/weaponsID
Expect regular use Expect occasional use Do not expect use
WARNING:
Make a full and informed appraisal of the local security situation before conducting any research related to small arms and light weapons.