[Donnie]

Interesting article on the FAL

The Fabrique Nationale Fusil Automatique Leger (Light Automatic Rifle), or FN FAL as it is more commonly known, began life in 1946 when FN and Great Britain created a piston operated prototype rifle that utilized the German intermediate 7.92x33mm cartridge.
This new round was a first attempt at a cartridge that could do the job of both the short range submachine gun and longer-range rifle. Proof of this came from the world’s first true assault rifle, the Sturmgewehr 44, which was used to great effect during the closing months of World War II.

Read more: FN FAL: The World's Most Successful Battle Rifle | Special Operations

 

[fnfalman]

As the French would say it, "Mais bien sur."

 

[TinCuda]

Good read. Very interesting.

 

[ShootingSight]

I think a lot of GIs from the Greatest Generation would argue that the M1 was the most successful battle rifle.

 

[TinCuda]

I think a lot of GIs from the Greatest Generation would argue that the M1 was the most successful battle rifle.

Some modern troops might say M16/AR15/M4 would be up in the running too.


.,

 

[NBrac27]

Those aren't considered 'battle rifles'

 

[TinCuda]

Those aren't considered 'battle rifles'

I guess I read right over the battle part, sorry.

 

[AGG]

The G3 would be a close second!!!

Tony

 

[jaflowers]

Got to admit, I still love shooting mine.......especially with the happy switch all the way forward. 8)

 

[RCBS]

Got to admit, I still love shooting mine.......especially with the happy switch all the way forward. 8) View attachment 38862

Wow .

 

[N9149U]

I shot an FAL full auto for the first time yesterday. What an awesome gun!

 

[SONYtec]

Sounds like fun!!!

 

[N9149U]

It was one magazine fired in a handful of bursts. A lot of flames, recoil and heat.

 

[jaflowers]

Mines a blast, no pun intended with the 13" barrel, but most of its auto shooting is done in bursts also. Every once in awhile I'll do a full mag dump but not too often, couple times a year maybe.8)

 

[kanewtervalve]

I got to shoot an Israeli HB version once, great experience.

 

[keninga]

I stumbled onto one of these back in 1992 and I love this puppy. Made in south America, hits what you point it at, 7.62 x 51 NATO round was just awesome. The gun does kick, so I do have to show guys how to shoot it. Some guys I laugh at when they blow me off and say things like, "Dude, I was in the Army, I did time in Iraq. I know how to shoot." I just smile and snap in a magazine and say, "There ya' go Spiffy. Let's see what you can do." One boy was so embarrassed by the way the rifle pushed his thin butt around he handed me the rifle and went and got in his truck and left. All the other guys, once they had a chance to let me show them how to lean into the gun fell in love with it.

 

[keninga]

Mines a blast, no pun intended with the 13" barrel, but most of its auto shooting is done in bursts also. Every once in awhile I'll do a full mag dump but not too often, couple times a year maybe.8)

Yeah, rounds can be expensive but it's just so much fun to shoot!

 

[clance]

As for a modern semiauto design I can't disagree with the OP.

BUT!

The greatest battle rifle (IMO) would have to be the Mauser 98. It inspired the Springfield 1903, the Lee-Enfield Mk I -IV which fought in two world wars and inspire countless sporting rifles designs.

If this doesn't denote greatness, I don't know what does.

 

[STL]

AK or M16 would top the list considering the sheer number produced.

 

[JonM]

As for a modern semiauto design I can't disagree with the OP.

BUT!

The greatest battle rifle (IMO) would have to be the Mauser 98. It inspired the Springfield 1903, the Lee-Enfield Mk I -IV which fought in two world wars and inspire countless sporting rifles designs.

If this doesn't denote greatness, I don't know what does.

mosin 1891. still being used as a frontline infantry rifle today 125 years later. although the terrorists are currently fielding it... it is still being used.