Brit here. The FAL used to be our military issue rifle, but fell out of favour for multiple reasons. It was very heavy The US was pushing for standardisation of ammo across NATO partners The 5.56mm was looking like the go-to-soon-to-be-adopted round for modern warfare.... and lots of studies of real combat were noting that 99.99999% of all rounds fired in "general" combat ..... miss. The martial philosophy of the day seemed to be "if you are going to miss nearly all the time, then why not miss 2.5 times more often, with smaller rounds!" The FAL went from "the right hand of the free world" to "that big heavy old fashioned rifle we need to replace" in a matter of years. We adopted the SA80, and it was a 5.56mm donkey of a gun, that didnt fire reliably when you pulled the trigger, bits broke off, and DEET melted the plastic parts. It has evolved into the LA85-A3 version, but its still basically a polished turd and has NEVER been used by any special forces EVER. (which is a gold standard imho) ..... everyone seemed to have overlooked the fact that it was reasonably priced, built like a truck, more reliable than an AK platform, accurate, and could punch a hole in an engine block..... but such is the way of popular narrative and military procurement politics. Well the world changed, and I find it hilarious. The introduction of cheap ceramic/synthetic composite body armour, and a few military engagements with organised forces that actually SHOOT BACK, and suddenly the 5.56mm rifles are seeming like they dont quite work well enough for REAL war against a grown up enemy force. If the UK had kept its FN FAL rifles we would probably be in a better place right now. I personally think it is glorious that the FN FAL is experiencing a resurgence. It is an absolutely cracking rifle, the 7.62 NATO round is ubiquitous and powerful, it is a cheap and serviceable marksman rifle, and if you take care of a FAL you will be handing it off to your grandchildren. I think you made an excellent choice, and you set it up well.

The Australian Version (SLR) was Standard issue New Zealand Army 1964-1987. In Afghanistan some of these were brought back into service, with specialised troops, in order to provide a bit more range (DMR if you like). An outstanding, powerful and accurate weapon platform. As many deer hunters will tell you, the 308 is a great round 🇺🇸 🇳🇿

My guy is ready for the zombie apocalypse.

Good rifle choice, the British military have had success with their FAL's in conflicts over several decades in which they were deployed. From Northern Ireland to the Falkland Islands, these rifles, which were not equipped for automatic fire, saw them through!

Wow, what an Awesome gun 😊

Thank you for this information