Australian Lithgow L2A1 Inch Pattern FAL 7.62×51 NATO 21” Semi-Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $3,913.00
LSB#: WY211018TA001
Make: Lithgow, Australia
Model: L2A1 Parts Build, L1A1 Marked Receiver
Serial Number: 850134
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 7.62×51 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Piston Operated, Detachable Inch-Pattern Magazine Fed.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “RIFLE 7.62 L1.A1.”. The right side is marked with an importers mark and, “S.A.F 850134”. The grip frame is marked, “.AD65 209”. There are various small Australian proofs throughout. The bottom of the stock is marked, “MA 76 N”. The barrel, receiver, and lower all have Australian proofs.
Barrel Length: 21”, 24” w/ flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable iron post within two protective ears. The rear sight has been replaced with a filler block. The dust cover has a Trilux scope base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece L2A1 walnut set with a bipod/handguard that hooks to a barrel mounted piece, pistol grip, dropped comb buttstock, sling loop, and pewter buttplate with storage gate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. The stock has a large crack on either side at the receiver. The stock rates in about Good overall condition despite the cracks. There is a free swiveling sling ring banded around the barrel in front of the gas block. The receiver has a ribbed polymer carry handle.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The chrome bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. The action has light wear. 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Padded hard case.
Our Assessment: The Australian L2A1 represents one of the most distinctive variants of the FN FAL family, adapted by Australia and Britain as a heavy-barrel automatic rifle to serve alongside the standard L1A1 infantry rifle. Produced at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, the L2A1 incorporated a strengthened barrel, unique handguards with an integrated bipod, a heavy furniture set, and mechanical modifications intended to support sustained fire roles similar to a squad automatic weapon. Although this rifle is assembled from original Australian L2A1 components on an L1A1-marked semi-automatic receiver, it still embodies the engineering qualities and visual profile that set the heavy-barrel pattern apart, including the tall gas block, reinforced handguards, and specialized bipod mounting system. Australian-marked parts, including the AD-prefix lower and MA-stamped stock, reflect authentic Lithgow manufacture. Chambered in 7.62×51 NATO, the L2A1 shared ammunition compatibility with the broader Commonwealth service rifles while offering significantly enhanced heat tolerance due to its heavy barrel and robust gas system. Adopted in the 1950s, the 7.62 NATO cartridge became the dominant Western full-power battle rifle round, valued for its accuracy, range, and ability to perform reliably across climates from Southeast Asia to arid environments. The bright chrome-lined bore on this rifle remains in exceptional condition, demonstrating the durability expected of military heavy-barrel rifles. The original parkerized finish shows minimal wear, and despite cracks present in the buttstock, the rifle retains the correct L2A1-style walnut furniture, free-swinging sling ring, and carry handle.
Heavy-barrel FAL variants occupy a special place among collectors, as relatively few were produced globally and even fewer were imported into the United States with complete Australian components. This rifle, with its strong bore, excellent finish, and correct furniture set, presents a rare opportunity to own a representative example of Australia’s iconic heavy-barrel Commonwealth rifle in semi-automatic configuration. It stands as a testament to Lithgow engineering, Commonwealth doctrine, and the enduring legacy of the FAL as one of the great battle rifle designs of the 20th century. -R.E.
