Firearm Maintenance Series: FN FAL - Part 1: Disassembly

Published on May 6, 2014
Duration: 2:42

This video provides a detailed guide to disassembling the FN FAL rifle, a widely adopted military firearm. It covers essential safety checks before maintenance, the step-by-step process for removing the gas system components, opening the action, and separating the bolt carrier and bolt. The guide also touches on separating the upper and lower receivers for deeper cleaning, completing basic field stripping.

Quick Summary

To begin FN FAL disassembly, first ensure the rifle is unloaded by removing the magazine and checking the chamber. Then, depress the detent on the gas plug, rotate it counter-clockwise, and remove the gas plug, piston, and spring. Open the action by rotating the rear takedown lever.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and History of the FN FAL
  2. 00:29Essential Safety Check Before Maintenance
  3. 00:35Disassembling the Gas System
  4. 01:04Opening the Rifle Action
  5. 01:24Removing the Bolt and Carrier
  6. 01:50Separating Upper and Lower Receivers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step before performing maintenance on an FN FAL?

Before any maintenance, always remove the magazine and thoroughly inspect the chamber to ensure the FN FAL rifle is completely unloaded and safe to handle. This is a critical safety step.

How do you remove the gas system components from an FN FAL?

Locate the detent on the gas plug, depress it, and rotate the plug 270 degrees counter-clockwise. Carefully remove the gas plug, piston, and piston spring, as they are under spring tension.

What is the FN FAL's historical significance?

The FN FAL, or Light Automatic Rifle, was adopted by most NATO forces in 1954 and remains one of the most prevalent military firearms, with over 2 million produced globally.

How do you separate the bolt from the bolt carrier on an FN FAL?

Push the bolt rearward within the carrier, lift the front of the bolt, and then pull it forward. Some FN FAL variants may require depressing the firing pin to facilitate this separation.

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