The most popular is the AR15 as its light cartridge accuracy potential and adaptability suit this style of mechanism very well. Time moves on and ever-adaptable we now use manually-operated (straight-pull) versions of the centrefire self-loaders of the past. I loved my G1 and it broke my heart when self-loaders were banned in 1988! The furniture being fuller and offering better ergonomics. However, I preferred the FAL’s sights, butt, pistol grip and cocking handle.
I changed three things on my G1 the safety/ selector, magazine catch and plastic forend all from the SLR, as they were superior to the FNs.
In civvy street I had an FN G1, which was the FAL variant used by the Germans until replaced by the H&K G3. Having carried an SLR in the British Army for many years I learned to love it, preferring its power and range over the lighter and more compact 9mm Stirling SMG. Though identical in many ways it differed as to minor features from the FAL. Chambered in the new 7.62x51mm (NATO) the design was suitably Anglicised to become the Rifle Self Loading L1A1, better known as the SLR.
#Used century arms l1a1 free#
The FN FAL - ‘the free world’s right arm’ was Britain’s choice for our first self-loading design to replace the Lee Enfield No 4. All unique as to calibre and operation, they also share the fact they have probably been used/adopted world- wide more than any other service rifles. In terms of post WWII military battle rifles three designs stand out – the Russian AK47, Belgium FN FAL and the American M16.