CAI British L1A1 Sporter Metric Pattern FN FAL 308 21” Semi Automatic Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1,176.00

LSB#: LSB260121BR006.1

Make: Century Arms International

Model: L1A1 Sporter

Serial Number: 111236

Year of Manufacture: Modern

Caliber: 7.62 NATO / .308 Win

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Gas Operated, Detachable Magazine Fed

Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked with the C.A.I. rollmark and model followed by the serial number, “111236” and “MADE IN CANADA” on the magwell. The lower is marked with several British proofs and parts numbers. The buttplate parts are marked with Hebrew proofs and part numbers.

Barrel Length: 21”. 24” with the 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 Israeli Makleon/British grip set with a metal heat shield, ribbed wood handguard, british textured plastic pistol grip, dropped comb Israeli wood stock with a steel buttplate and folding shoulder rest. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout along with several small chips concentrated on the stock. The fitment is poor. The shoulder rest is not flush with the buttplate when down. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good to 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. The receiver has a ribbed wood carry handle.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 20rd Metric magazine in Good condition.

Type of Finish:  Black Enamel, Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion and moderate stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10. 

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scratches, thinning/enamel chipping, and scuffs throughout. There are spots of faint surface rust throughout. The leading edges are worn. There is moderate action wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are mostly unmarred. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: 1x Magazine, canvas sling. 

Our Assessment: This Century Arms L1A1 Sporter is a semi-automatic rifle built from surplus Commonwealth-pattern FN FAL components and assembled for the civilian market during the post-import restriction era. The FN FAL, originally designed by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium, became one of the most widely adopted battle rifles of the Cold War, earning the nickname “The Right Arm of the Free World.” The L1A1 variant was the British and Commonwealth pattern of the FAL, featuring inch-pattern components and distinctive design differences from metric variants. This example reflects a mixed-parts build incorporating British and Israeli components, including wood furniture and unique hardware such as the folding shoulder rest. This rifle is chambered in 7.62×51 NATO, the cartridge introduced in the 1950s as a standard NATO service round and widely used in battle rifles and machine guns throughout the Cold War. The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling and shows light erosion along with moderate fouling, earning a rating of 7 out of 10. The rifle retains approximately 90 percent of its finish with scattered scratches, enamel wear, and light surface oxidation visible. The mixed furniture set shows wear including scratches, dents, and minor chipping, with noted fitment inconsistencies, placing it in Good to Very Good condition overall.

This rifle includes one 20-round metric magazine and a canvas sling. The gas system is adjustable and the rifle reflects typical surplus assembly characteristics including mixed pattern components and wear consistent with service use and later assembly. The screw heads remain sharp and the markings are mostly clear. Overall, this L1A1 Sporter stands as a representative example of a Century-built FAL-pattern rifle, combining Cold War military heritage with a mixed-configuration civilian build. -R.E.