FN CAL: Short-Lived Predecessor to the FNC
The FN CAL, FN's initial 5.56mm combat rifle, served as a precursor to the FNC. Despite its innovative features like a short-stroke piston and a four-position fire selector, it suffered from commercial failure due to high cost and maintenance difficulties. Only around 12,000 units were produced, primarily for Thailand, before being superseded by the more successful FNC.









