Luxembourg Army FN FAL

Published on July 10, 2020
Duration: 5:31

This entry details a rare FN FAL variant used by the Luxembourg Army, as presented by firearms expert Larry Vickers. It highlights early production features such as wood furniture, a folding winter trigger guard, a stripper clip guide, high-profile sights, and a plain muzzle with a bayonet lug. Vickers, a recognized authority, provides historical context and technical insights into this unique rifle.

Quick Summary

The Luxembourg Army FN FAL variant is distinguished by an 'AL' marking and early production features like wood furniture, a folding winter trigger guard, high-profile sights, and a bayonet lug. Expert Larry Vickers notes that wood grips/handguards and stripper clip guides were phased out in favor of polymer and improved action sealing in later designs.

Chapters

  1. 00:22Luxembourg Army FN FAL Overview
  2. 00:47Wood Furniture and Early Features
  3. 01:08Folding Winter Trigger Guard
  4. 01:46Stripper Clip Guide Top Cover
  5. 02:37High-Profile Sights
  6. 03:07Barrel and Muzzle Configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key identifying features of the Luxembourg Army FN FAL variant shown?

The Luxembourg Army FN FAL is identified by an 'AL' marking on the receiver. It features early production characteristics like wood furniture (buttstock, pistol grip, handguards), a folding winter trigger guard, a stripper clip guide on the top cover, high-profile sights, and a plain muzzle with a bayonet lug but no flash suppressor.

Why were wood pistol grips and handguards discontinued on the FN FAL?

Wood pistol grips and handguards were used only briefly in the early production stages of the FN FAL. They were later replaced by polymer furniture, which became the standard for subsequent models due to factors like durability, weight, and manufacturing efficiency.

What is the significance of the folding winter trigger guard on this FN FAL variant?

The folding winter trigger guard is a notable early feature designed to facilitate easier operation of the rifle while wearing gloves. It folds forward and tucks into a groove on the pistol grip, a design element also present on the FN T48 submitted during US rifle trials.

How do the sights on this Luxembourg Army FN FAL compare to later models?

This Luxembourg Army FN FAL variant features high-profile front and rear iron sights, typical of early production models. Later FN FAL contracts, such as those for the German G1, incorporated a lower sight line, which eventually became the modern standard for the rifle.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Vickers Tactical

View all →