Pre-Ban Steyer Import Belgian FN FAL 50.61 Para 21” .308 Semi-Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $4,810.00
LSB#: LSB260120RS048
Make: FNH (Fabrique Nationale Herstal)
Model: FAL 50.61 Para
Serial Number: 2505978
Year of Manufacture: Pre-Ban, Pre-1989 / Modern
Caliber: .308 Win.
Action Type: Semi-auto, short stroke gas-piston rifle, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “.308 Match”. The safety selector markings are “S” for safe and “R” for fire. The right side of the receiver is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL MADE IN BELGIUM STEYR SECAUCUS N.J. / 2505978”. The receiver has the Belgian Liege proof.
Barrel Length: 21”. 23” with the muzzle device and bi-pod mount.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post between two protective wings. The rear sight is a two position L-Type aperture with range markings of 150 and 250 set between protective wings and dovetailed to the lower.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece set with a sling swivel/loop, bipod, clamshell polymer handguard, ribbed carry handle, smooth pistol grip, and folding metal para stock. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock set rates at about Excellent overall Condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 20rd steel magazine in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is some light fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1x Steel magazine, original dust cover.
Our Assessment: This Belgian FN FAL 50.61 Para represents a pre-ban import of one of the most iconic Cold War battle rifles, manufactured by Fabrique Nationale in Herstal and imported through Steyr in Secaucus, New Jersey. The 50.61 Para variant is the paratrooper configuration of the FAL, featuring a folding metal stock and compact profile designed for airborne and mobile troops. FN FAL rifles were adopted by over 90 countries and earned the nickname “The Right Arm of the Free World,” with Belgian-made examples considered among the highest quality due to their original FN production and proofing. This rifle is chambered in .308 Winchester / 7.62×51 NATO, the cartridge introduced in the 1950s and widely used by NATO forces throughout the Cold War. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, earning a rating of 9 out of 10 with light fouling present. The rifle retains approximately 99 percent of its original black enamel finish with only light handling marks visible. The para configuration stock set remains in Excellent condition with minimal wear, and includes the folding metal stock, bipod, and clamshell handguard typical of the model.
This rifle includes one twenty-round steel magazine and the original dust cover. The screw heads remain sharp, the pins are unmarred, and the markings including the Belgian proofs remain clear and well defined. Overall, this FN FAL 50.61 Para stands as a highly desirable pre-ban Belgian import, combining excellent condition, original configuration, and the historical significance of one of the most widely issued battle rifles of the 20th century. -R.E.