Pre-Ban Gun South Import Belgian FN FAL 50.63 Para 18” .308 Semi-Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $6,570.00
LSB#: LSB260403NF002
Make: FNH (Fabrique Nationale Herstal)
Model: FAL 50.63 Para
Serial Number: S1596678
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1989 / Modern
Caliber: .308 Win. / 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-auto, short stroke gas-piston rifle, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “CAL. 7.62mm NATO (.308)”. The right side of the receiver is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL FN .308 MADE IN BELGIUM / GUN SOUTH INC. BIRMINGHAM, AL” with a Howco rollmark on the magwell. There is a Belgian tower proof at the front of the receiver. The trigger housing is marked, “S R”. The bolt and carrier are serial matched to the receiver.
Barrel Length: 18”. 19.5” 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 fixed peep 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, 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: 2x 20rd steel magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The chrome 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 9.5/10.
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: 2x Magazines
Our Assessment: The FN FAL 50.63 Para is one of the most desirable commercial variants of the legendary Belgian FAL rifle, combining the proven 7.62 NATO battle rifle action with the compact folding-stock configuration developed for airborne and mechanized forces. The FAL earned its reputation as “The Right Arm of the Free World” through widespread Cold War service with NATO and allied nations, and Belgian FN-manufactured examples remain the benchmark for quality and authenticity. Pre-ban Belgian imports such as this rifle occupy a particularly important place in the American collector market due to their original configuration, limited availability, and connection to the classic Cold War battle rifle era. This example remains in excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original black enamel finish with only light handling wear and minor operational wear visible throughout. The chrome-lined bore remains excellent, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only light fouling present, supporting its 9.5 out of 10 rating. The rifle retains its folding Para stock, clamshell handguards, bipod assembly, short barrel configuration, and matching bolt and carrier, all of which add considerably to its collector appeal. The included steel magazines show more wear than the rifle itself, but they remain valuable accessories for the platform.
Altogether, this Belgian FN FAL 50.63 Para represents a highly desirable pre-ban example of one of the most iconic battle rifle designs of the 20th century. Its Belgian manufacture, original Para configuration, short barrel profile, matching internal components, and Howco/Gun South import markings make it especially appealing among advanced FAL collectors. As authentic pre-ban Belgian FAL rifles continue to become more difficult to source, this 50.63 Para stands as a standout example of the compact folding-stock FAL pattern. -R.E.