British L1A1 Inch Pattern FAL In 7.62 NATO Semi Auto Rifle W/ Mag, Sling
SOLD FOR: $1,460.05
WOA#: WY240605TR001
Make: DSA Arms
Model: L1A1
Serial Number: AD 0144
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Gas Operated, Magazine Fed
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “DSA INC. / LK BARRINGTON, IL” The left side is marked, “RIFLE 7.62 MM L1A1 SER# AD 0144” The left side of the trigger housing is marked, “LIE 65 A130211 / S R” The underside of the charging handle is marked, “FSA USA” The gas block is marked, “D 58 960 2266” The flash hider is marked, “FSE USA 05”
Barrel Length: 20”. 24 3/4” with muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable iron post within two protective ears. The rear sight is an adjustable sliding aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three piece Maranyl stock set with a vented forend, pistol grip, and sloped comb, with a polymer buttplate. No Bipod is attached to the barrel. Has a synthetic and metal carry handle. There are some faint drag lines and scratches throughout. The LOP measures 14.5″ 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: One 20rd steel magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Black, Parkerized
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 stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The barrel and gas block are devoid of most of their finish. There are scratches and scuffs throughout the metal surfaces. There is light to moderate action wear. The barrel has patina and impact marks. The screw heads are sharp and the pins unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. The bolt has sand cuts.
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: One Magazine, nylon web sling.
Our Assessment: The British L1A1, also known as the Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), is an inch-pattern variant of the FN FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger), one of the most widely used battle rifles of the 20th century. Adopted by the British Armed Forces in the late 1950s, the L1A1 became a standard-issue service rifle, serving the British military and many Commonwealth countries for several decades. The L1A1 is renowned for its reliability, durability, and effectiveness, characteristics that made it a favored weapon among soldiers. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the L1A1 delivers substantial firepower with a caliber designed for long-range accuracy and stopping power. This cartridge was standard for NATO forces during the Cold War, and the L1A1’s adoption of this round ensured compatibility with allied forces. The rifle’s 20-round detachable box magazine allowed for sustained fire in combat, and its semi-automatic operation provided a balance between firepower and control, making it effective in various combat scenarios. The design of the L1A1 closely follows that of the original FN FAL but with specific modifications to meet British military requirements. The most notable difference is the use of the inch-pattern system, which includes different dimensions and machining specifications compared to the metric-pattern FAL used by other countries. These modifications affected parts compatibility, with inch-pattern rifles like the L1A1 using distinct magazines, furniture, and other components. The L1A1 also featured a fixed, non-reciprocating charging handle, and a folding rear sight, which were among the practical enhancements for military use. Built to withstand harsh conditions, the L1A1 was constructed with a robust steel receiver and a durable synthetic stock, pistol grip, and handguard. These materials ensured that the rifle could endure the rigors of combat, whether in the jungles of Southeast Asia or the arid environments of the Middle East. The rifle’s gas-operated, short-stroke piston system, coupled with an adjustable gas regulator, contributed to its reliability, allowing soldiers to fine-tune the rifle’s operation based on the conditions and ammunition used. The L1A1 was widely used by the British military from its adoption in the late 1950s until it was gradually phased out in favor of the SA80 series of rifles in the 1980s and 1990s. It saw extensive service in numerous conflicts, including the Falklands War, where its reliability and accuracy were highly valued by British forces. The rifle was also adopted by many Commonwealth nations, further cementing its place as one of the most significant battle rifles of its time.
Overall, the British L1A1 Inch Pattern FAL is a robust and reliable battle rifle that played a crucial role in the British military and among Commonwealth forces during the Cold War. Its design, based on the legendary FN FAL, was adapted to meet British specifications, resulting in a rifle that combined the power and accuracy of the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge with the durability and dependability needed in combat. The L1A1 remains an iconic firearm, remembered for its service history and its contribution to the development of modern military rifles. -R.E.
