Poyer Lithgow L2A1 Inch FAL 7.62×51 NATO 21” Semi-Auto Rifle, 30rd Mag
SOLD FOR: $5,136.00
LSB#: LSB250809NF033
Make: Joe Poyer’s Antique Firearms / Lithgow Australia
Model: L2A1 Parts Build, L1A1 Marked Receiver
Serial Number: AUS 18
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 7.62 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, “JOE PAYERS ANTIQUE FIREARMS / ORANGE CA / AUS 18”. The grip frame is marked, “.AD632114”. There are various small Australian proofs throughout. The bottom of the stock is marked, “MA 84 N”.
Barrel Length: 21”, 24” w/ flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable iron post within two protective ears. The rear sight is a folding adjustable sliding aperture.
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. There are no chips or cracks. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. 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: One 30 round inch pattern steel magazine in Excellent condition.
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 9/10.
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: Cotton sling, 30rd magazine.
Our Assessment: This is an exceptionally rare and desirable example of a Poyer-imported Australian L2A1 semi-automatic rifle—a civilian-legal, inch-pattern FAL that stands as one of the crown jewels of pre-ban military rifle collecting. Built from original Australian Lithgow parts, this rifle was one of a small number imported by Joe Poyer’s Antique Firearms in the early 1980s before the ATF banned the importation of L2A1 and L1A1-style rifles configured with military features. Only approximately 158 of these Poyer-marked semi-auto L2A1s were brought into the U.S., all built on Lithgow receivers and documented by serial number. This rifle, marked “AUS 18”, is among the earliest examples and is a highly sought-after collectible. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and equipped with a 21” heavy-profile barrel (extended to 24” with flash hider), the rifle features the distinctive L2A1 pattern: heavy bipod-equipped wooden handguards, walnut stock with steel buttplate and trapdoor storage, and inch-pattern upper receiver marked “RIFLE 7.62 L1.A1.”. The parts bear original Australian markings, including an AD63 grip frame serial number and MA 84 N underside stock marking. The chrome-lined bore remains bright with sharp rifling and only light fouling, earning a 9/10 rating. The Parkerized finish retains about 98% with minimal wear, and the action functions correctly. The included 30-round inch-pattern magazine and sling complete a package rarely found in such complete and well-preserved condition.
For serious collectors of military-pattern rifles or those seeking one of the rarest FAL variants ever legally imported into the U.S., this Poyer L2A1 stands out. These rifles are practically museum pieces in terms of both rarity and provenance, and AUS 18 represents a uniquely low serial number with all the correct features that distinguish the L2A1 from more common L1A1 types. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or preserved as an investment-grade collectible, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. -R.E.
