FN CAL: Short-Lived Predecessor to the FNC

Published on January 4, 2019
Duration: 10:26

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 Only around 12,000 units were produced, primarily for Thailand, before being superseded by the more successful FNC.

Quick Summary

The FN CAL was FN Herstal's first 5.56mm combat rifle, introduced in 1967 as a predecessor to the FN FNC. Despite innovative features like a short-stroke piston and a four-position selector, it was commercially unsuccessful due to high cost and maintenance issues, with only about 12,000 units produced.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the FN CAL
  2. 00:33Historical Context and Production
  3. 01:13Mechanical Overview
  4. 02:49External Features and Markings
  5. 03:56Disassembly and Bolt Carrier Group
  6. 08:34Arctic Trigger Guard

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the FN CAL?

The FN CAL (Carabine Automatique Légère) was FN Herstal's first attempt at a 5.56mm combat rifle, developed in 1967 as a predecessor to the more successful FN FNC. It featured a short-stroke piston system and a rotating bolt.

Why was the FN CAL commercially unsuccessful?

The FN CAL was commercially unsuccessful primarily due to its high production cost and difficulty in maintenance. These factors led to limited sales, with only about 12,000 units produced, mostly for the Thai military.

What were the key mechanical features of the FN CAL?

The FN CAL utilized a short-stroke gas piston system with a rotating bolt. It also featured a four-position fire selector (Safe, Semi, Burst, Auto) and an adjustable gas block for grenade launching.

Did the FN CAL have a burst fire mode?

Yes, the FN CAL featured a three-round burst mode as part of its four-position fire selector. Notably, its burst mechanism would automatically reset if the trigger was released early, a design difference from some contemporaries.

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