Pre-Ban FN-FAL Match Type III 50.00 .308 Win 21” Semi Auto Battle Rifle
SOLD FOR: $4,176.00
LSB#: LSB260403NF003
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Belgium. Imported by Steyr.
Model: Type III FAL 50.00 Configuration
Serial Number: 2501433
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1989 / Modern
Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Tilting-Lock Short Stroke Piston Operated, Detachable Magazine Fed.
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL / MADE IN BELGIUM / STEYR SECAUCUS N.J. / 2501433”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “.308 MATCH”. There is a small Belgian tower proof at the front of the receiver. There are Belgian inspection marks on the barrel under the handguard, the handguard is marked, “0132”.
Barrel Length: 21”, 24” w/ muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable iron post with two protective ears. The rear sight is an adjustable sliding aperture marked out to 6.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three piece reinforced polymer stock set with a bipod, clamshell handguard, plastic pistol grip w/ missing storage door, dropped comb stock with a sling loop and rubber buttpad. There are moderate scratches and handling marks throughout, especially where the bipod sits against the handguard. 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.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Three 20 round metric pattern steel magazines in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The chrome bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there is some faint fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are faint handling/rub marks and small scratches throughout. The action has light wear. There are spots of surface rust on the bipod feet. 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: 3x Magazines.
Our Assessment: The FN FAL is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential battle rifles ever produced, earning the nickname “The Right Arm of the Free World” through its extensive adoption by NATO and allied nations during the Cold War. Developed by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium and chambered for the powerful 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, the FAL combined reliability, durability, and controllable recoil in a package that would become one of the defining military rifles of the post-war era. Steyr-imported Belgian FN rifles such as this example are among the most desirable commercial FAL variants available in the United States, particularly those imported prior to the 1989 import restrictions. This example remains in very good plus overall condition, retaining approximately 97% of its original black enamel finish with only minor handling wear visible throughout. The chrome-lined bore remains exceptional, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only faint fouling present, supporting its outstanding 9.75 out of 10 rating. The original polymer furniture remains in very good condition with expected handling wear, while the factory bipod, metric-pattern magazines, and original military-style configuration remain intact. Minor oxidation on the bipod feet is the most notable cosmetic condition issue observed.
Altogether, this Belgian FN Type III 50.00 configuration rifle represents a highly desirable pre-ban example of one of the most important battle rifle designs of the 20th century. Its Belgian manufacture, Steyr import markings, chrome-lined bore, original configuration, and included magazines make it especially appealing to collectors of Cold War military firearms. As authentic Belgian FN imports continue to become more difficult to locate, rifles such as this remain among the most sought-after examples of the legendary FAL platform. -R.E.