Springfield Armory Metric Israeli SAR-48 Match 7.62 NATO 21” SA Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2,277.87
LSB#: LSB250825JP031
Make: Imbel, Springfield Armory
Model: SAR-48 Heavy Barrel Match Model
Serial Number: 5780
Year of Manufacture: Pre-Ban Modern
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Piston Operated, Detachable Magazine Fed.
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, GENESEO, IL, USA”. The right side of the magazine well is marked with Springfield Armory’s logo and “1005-SA-48-MATCH”. The left side of the receiver is marked “S.A.R.-48 7,62mm SA – 5780”. Under the receiver and forward of the magazine well is marked “IMBEL ITAJUBA BRAZIL”. There are various Israeli markings throughout.
Barrel Length: 21”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable iron post within two protective ears. The rear sight is an adjustable sliding aperture marked out to 7.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a three piece wood/polymer set with an open top ribbed wooden handguard, black polymer pistol grip, and dropped comb stock with hinged steel buttplate. There are faint scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks but there are a few small chips. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. The gas block is adjustable. There is a free swiveling sling ring banded around the barrel in front of the gas block.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are spots of light thinning, scratches, and small nicks throughout. There are wear marks in the magwell and on the charging channel. The bottom of the bipod has some surface rust. The screw heads are sharp and the pins unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. The action is smooth and the trigger pull is heavy but consistent.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory SAR-48 Match is a rare and highly desirable pre-ban Israeli contract variant of the FN FAL—a semi-automatic, metric-pattern battle rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO and built on forged receivers by Imbel of Brazil, one of FN’s most trusted licensed manufacturers. Imported by Springfield Armory in the 1980s, the SAR-48 was offered in several configurations, and this heavy-barrel Match model stands out as a near clone of the Israeli FAL “Romat” used by the IDF for designated marksman and support roles. This particular example features distinct Israeli markings throughout, an open-top ribbed wooden handguard, and a dropped-comb buttstock with hinged steel buttplate, further enhancing its authenticity and collectibility. Designed around the short-stroke gas piston system, the FAL earned its nickname as “The Right Arm of the Free World” for good reason—it offered rock-solid reliability, combat accuracy, and modular adaptability across dozens of NATO-aligned nations. The 21″ heavy barrel on this Match model was engineered for improved sustained fire performance and accuracy, paired here with fully adjustable iron sights and a smooth-cycling action. While this rifle shows minor signs of wear—some finish thinning, stock dings, and a touch of surface rust on the bipod—it retains approximately 96% of its original Parkerized finish. The bore is light gray with strong rifling and light to moderate erosion, earning a 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action is smooth, and the trigger, though heavy, breaks cleanly.
This SAR-48 Match rifle is a superb representation of pre-ban FAL variants—offering historical pedigree, mechanical excellence, and aesthetic appeal in a configuration seldom seen on the market. Whether added to a Cold War-era military rifle collection, built into a period-correct IDF clone, or appreciated for its accuracy and strength on the range, this Israeli-marked Match model stands as a worthy heir to the FAL legacy. -R.E.
