Hesse R1A1 Sporter 7.62×51 / .308 20” Semi-Auto FN FAL Metric Style Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,055.00
LSB#: LSB250723CA037
Make: Hesse, Assembled by Century Arms
Model: R1A1 Sporter
Serial Number: 004836
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62X51 Nato
Action Type: Semi-automatic, Metric Pattern
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “R1A1 Sporter CAL 308 / Receiver by Hesse US / Assembled by CAI St. Alb. VT”. The right side of the receiver is marked “R1A1 Sporter CAL 308 / Receiver by Hesse US / Assembled by CAI St. Alb. VT / 004836”. The
Barrel Length: 20” 21 1/2” with muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a sliding aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a fixed synthetic stock with rubber buttpad and a sling ring in the belly. The pistol grip is a synthetic with an orange peel speckled texture. The handguard is steel with cutouts for its attached folding bipod. There are some scattered scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttpad. There is a synthetic carry handle. There is a free rotating sling ring banded to the barrel in front of the bipod. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None
Type of Finish: Painted Tan/Brown
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling in the muzzle. There is subtle corrosion in the flash hider. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered handling and operational wear. There are spots of finish loss scattered about. There is wear behind the ejection port. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked and the pins are 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. Please note: Hesse rifles are notorious for varying fit and finish. Though the action functions correctly, we cannot guarantee proper ejection and cycling.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Nicknamed the “Right Arm of the Free World,” the FAL earned its reputation for reliability, forgiving ergonomics, and controllable recoil in 7.62×51. This R1A1 Sporter keeps that DNA in a metric-pattern build with the classic protected-post/sliding-aperture sights, adjustable short-stroke gas system, and a 20″ barrel that preserves velocity without feeling unwieldy. The steel handguard with the folding bipod nods to early service configurations and makes supported shooting a breeze, while the carry handle and sling hardware reinforce the rifle’s practical, go-anywhere vibe.
Cosmetically, the utility tan/brown refinish presents well and makes sense for a rifle intended to be used rather than tucked away. About 95% finish remains, with honest handling wear; the bore is bright with sharp rifling this writer rates 9/10, and the furniture shows only light marks. No magazine is included, but metric FAL mags are plentiful and affordable, and parts support remains excellent.
If you’ve wanted to get into the FAL world without chasing a high-dollar collector example, this is a smart, range-ready entry: a classic pattern, practical features (bipod, adjustable gas, carry handle), and shootable condition that invites regular use. It’s a rugged .308 that does what FALs do best—run well, point naturally, and make steel ring with authority. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
