The FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger, "Light Automatic Rifle") is a Belgian-designed 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle. It was developed between 1947-1953 by Dieudonné Saive at FN Herstal. Known as "the right arm of the Free World", it was the second most widely used militaryrifle in the world (after the AK) during the Cold War, being used by 77 different nations. was nearly adopted by the United States Army as well, but was rejected in favor of the M14.
Identifying characteristics include the tubular charging handle on the left side on the receiver, the shape and location of the muzzle device and front sight post, and barrel length exposed before the perforated triangular handguard (useful for differentiating it from Heckler & Koch weapons of similar profile, such as the G3). This tag applies to any full-length FAL variants, such as the British L1A1, Austrian StG58, and the Israeli IMI Romat with tubular handguard.
