The FN FAL Battle Rifle

Of all the infantry small arms developed during World War II, one that generated the most interest was the German ‘assault rifle’, the StG 44 Sturmgewehr. This innovative weapon inspired the Soviet AK-47 in 7.62x39mm calibre. In the West, the NATO countries looked hard at new weapons to upgrade their own infantry arsenals and counter the AK-47, resulting in the design of the Fusil Automatique Léger or FAL. It proved to be a successful battle rifle and was soon adopted by the military and police forces of no fewer than 93 nations. The FAL dominated the militaries of the West to such a degree that its nickname became the Right Arm of the Free World. The FAL fulfilled every role it was asked to perform and remains a viable and well-respected weapon to this day.

For those of us who did have a love affair with this rifle, it is a book that should be on our bookshelves if not in our hands, and for those who have never experienced the weapon, it's an interesting and illuminating read that may help to understand why it was so revered. - arrse.co.uk

Bob Cashner recently retired from forestry and is now using his free time for writing and pursuing a BA in military history. He served four years in the US Army as a Cavalry Scout, was recalled to active duty during Desert Storm, and served an additional nine years in the National Guard/Reserves. An avid hunter and shooter, he is also a collector of vintage military rifles (including three different models of the FAL). He has written one previous gunsmithing book, The Poor Man's Scout Rifle, and is a frequent contributor to World War Two History Magazine. Previously, he wrote weekly outdoor columns for three newspapers, published outdoor articles in The Boundary Waters Journal and still contributes to Backwoodsman magazine. He lives in Montana with his beloved wife and a Labrador retriever.

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