Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this highly sought-after PRE-BAN semi-automatic rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the FN FAL Paratrooper!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal
Model: FAL Paratrooper
Serial: S1596000
Date of Manufacture: 1953-1988
Caliber: 7.62mm NATO (.308)
Finish: Black
Barrel Length: 18" with Belgian Style Combo Flash Hider
Optics/Sights: Wing Protected Post Front with Ramped Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Right Side Folding Stock, Black Synthetic Pistol Grip, and Black Synthetic Triangle Handguard
Action: Semi-Automatic Rifle
Markings: The right side of the receiver is stamped “FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL / FN .308 MADE IN BELGIUM / GUN SOUTH INC. TRUSSVILLE, AL.” along with the serial number. The right side of the magwell is stamped “HOWCO SIDT, INC. / LAUREL, MD. USA.” The left side of the receiver is stamped “7.62mm NATO (.308).”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The FN FAL, often referred to as "the right arm of the free world," is one of the most iconic battle rifles of the Cold War, adopted by NATO forces and over 90 countries worldwide. Designed by Dieudonné Saive and produced by FN Herstal, the FAL was initially developed to fire the .280 British cartridge but was ultimately chambered in the 7.62×51mm NATO after tests with the United States revealed the need for a common NATO cartridge. The FAL's design emphasizes versatility and reliability, featuring a gas-operated action with an adjustable regulator to ensure consistent performance in varied environmental conditions. Its adaptability is further demonstrated in its wide range of configurations, from light barrel models to heavy-barrel variants intended for automatic fire, making it suitable for both infantry and support roles. Despite the success of the M14 in the U.S. Army, the FAL became the weapon of choice for most NATO members, with countries like Israel and South Africa even producing the rifle domestically.
Model: FAL Paratrooper
Serial: S1596000
Date of Manufacture: 1953-1988
Caliber: 7.62mm NATO (.308)
Finish: Black
Barrel Length: 18" with Belgian Style Combo Flash Hider
Optics/Sights: Wing Protected Post Front with Ramped Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Right Side Folding Stock, Black Synthetic Pistol Grip, and Black Synthetic Triangle Handguard
Action: Semi-Automatic Rifle
Markings: The right side of the receiver is stamped “FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL / FN .308 MADE IN BELGIUM / GUN SOUTH INC. TRUSSVILLE, AL.” along with the serial number. The right side of the magwell is stamped “HOWCO SIDT, INC. / LAUREL, MD. USA.” The left side of the receiver is stamped “7.62mm NATO (.308).”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The FN FAL, often referred to as "the right arm of the free world," is one of the most iconic battle rifles of the Cold War, adopted by NATO forces and over 90 countries worldwide. Designed by Dieudonné Saive and produced by FN Herstal, the FAL was initially developed to fire the .280 British cartridge but was ultimately chambered in the 7.62×51mm NATO after tests with the United States revealed the need for a common NATO cartridge. The FAL's design emphasizes versatility and reliability, featuring a gas-operated action with an adjustable regulator to ensure consistent performance in varied environmental conditions. Its adaptability is further demonstrated in its wide range of configurations, from light barrel models to heavy-barrel variants intended for automatic fire, making it suitable for both infantry and support roles. Despite the success of the M14 in the U.S. Army, the FAL became the weapon of choice for most NATO members, with countries like Israel and South Africa even producing the rifle domestically.
The FAL's operational design also reflects a balance between portability and firepower. While its 7.62mm NATO caliber ensures superior range and stopping power compared to intermediate calibers, the rifle's recoil can be substantial, especially in automatic fire. To mitigate this, the FAL’s gas system can be adjusted to reduce recoil, though the rifle's effectiveness in full-auto is limited due to its climb during sustained fire. This issue led many armed forces to phase out full-auto training for the FAL. The rifle's modular construction and field-stripping system also provide ease of maintenance, though its sighting system, which requires the separation of the upper and lower receivers, compromises accuracy during disassembly. Ultimately, the FN FAL's widespread adoption and enduring legacy as a reliable and powerful battle rifle underscore its pivotal role in Cold War-era conflicts, offering a blend of firepower, durability, and tactical flexibility.
In the early 1960s, FN introduced a paratrooper version of the FAL with a folding stock, which became popular for its compact design. This version required significant internal modifications, including relocating the recoil spring to the top cover, making it incompatible with standard FAL parts. Additionally, the rifle featured a folding charging handle, a shortened barrel (around 17 3/8 inches), a fixed rear sight with a single 250m aperture, and a standard muzzle brake and bipod. A small batch of these semi-automatic Para FAL rifles, totaling 1,375, was imported into the U.S. before military-style rifle bans took effect, and one of these remains an all-original FN-made model.
Contents:
This example will ship with all contents as pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
