Pre-Ban Imbel Springfield Armory SAR-48 Match 7.62 NATO 20” Rifle w Bayonet
SOLD FOR: $2,800
WOA#: WY231113SM011
Make: Imbel, Springfield Armory
Model: SAR-48 Heavy Barrel Match Model
Serial Number: 1538
Year of Manufacture: Pre-ban, Pre-1989
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Gas Operated
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, GENESEO, IL, USA”. The right side of the magazine well is marked with Springfield Armory’s logo and “1005-SA-48-MATCH”. The left side of the receiver is marked “S.A.R.-48 7,62mm SA-1538”. Under the receiver and forward of the magazine well is marked “IMBEL ITAJUBA BRAZIL”. The side of the magazine has an Israeli Proof.
Barrel Length: 20”. 22” 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: The stocks are synthetic with synthetic buttstock with sling ring and rubber buttpad, smooth pistol grip, and vented handguard with cutouts for resting bipods. No Bipod is attached to the barrel. Has a synthetic and metal carry handle. There are some faint drag lines on the buttstock. Other than that the furniture on this rifle is pristine outside of some minor scuffs on the handguard. The LOP measures 14.5″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Excellent 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 Israeli 20rd magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is a small mark of finish loss behind the ejection port. The screw heads are sharp and the pins unmarred. The markings are clear. There is old grease in the receiver and small parts. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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: This rifle comes with an FN FAL Type C Socket Bayonet in Excellent condition and its attached canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The Imbel Springfield SAR-48 is a rifle that was manufactured by the Brazilian company Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil (IMBEL) under a license agreement with Springfield Armory. It is a variant of the well-known FN FAL battle rifle, which was widely used by military forces around the world.
The SAR-48 is chambered in 7.62×51 NATO (.308 Winchester), a powerful and widely used rifle cartridge known for its long-range accuracy and stopping power. It features a gas-operated system with a short-stroke piston, which provides reliable and consistent cycling of the action.
The SAR-48 retains many of the design characteristics of the FN FAL. It has a sturdy and robust construction, utilizing a combination of steel and polymer materials. The receiver is made from forged steel, ensuring durability and strength. The rifle typically features a traditional wood or synthetic stock, with the synthetic variant being more common in later production models.
Due to its heritage as a licensed variant of the FN FAL, the SAR-48 shares many of the positive attributes of the original rifle. These include reliability, durability, and a reputation for accuracy. It has been used by both military and civilian shooters around the world for a variety of purposes, including hunting, target shooting, and collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.