The Very Rare FN CAL at the Range

Published on March 20, 2023
Duration: 4:24

This entry details the FN CAL, FN's rare and commercially unsuccessful 5.56mm rifle, later succeeded by the FNC. Expert insights from Ian McCollum cover its unique features, including a proprietary 20-round magazine and a 4-position selector (Safe, Semi, Burst, Auto). The video demonstrates its performance at the range, highlighting controllable full-auto fire despite a high rate of fire, attributed partly to its FAL-style muzzle brake.

Quick Summary

The FN CAL, FN's first 5.56mm rifle, is a rare firearm, especially in full-auto configuration. It features a proprietary 20-round magazine, not compatible with AR-15s, and a 4-position selector (Safe, Semi, Burst, Auto). Despite a high rate of fire, its full-auto mode is notably controllable, aided by a FAL-style muzzle brake.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the FN CAL
  2. 00:45Magazine Compatibility Issues
  3. 01:04Selector Switch and Semi-Auto Fire
  4. 01:34Full-Auto Fire and Controllability
  5. 02:40Full-Auto Reality vs. Movies
  6. 03:51Conclusion and Range Session End

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the FN CAL a rare firearm?

The FN CAL is rare primarily because it was FN's first 5.56mm rifle but was commercially unsuccessful. Its rarity is amplified in the US, particularly when found as a registered full-auto machine gun.

Can FN CAL magazines be used in an AR-15?

No, the FN CAL uses proprietary 20-round magazines that are not interchangeable with AR-15 magazines, despite some superficial similarities in their locking catch mechanisms.

How controllable is the FN CAL in full-auto?

Despite a very fast rate of fire, the FN CAL's full-auto mode is described as remarkably controllable. This is partly attributed to the effectiveness of its FAL-style muzzle brake.

What are the selector settings on the FN CAL?

The FN CAL features a four-position selector switch, clearly marked for Safe (S), Semi-automatic fire (1), a three-round burst (3), and Full-automatic fire (A).

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