Pre-Ban Israeli Springfield Armory SAR-48 Match FALO 7.62 NATO 21” Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2,902.00
WOA#: WY240610GM011
Make: IWI Israel, Springfield Armory
Model: SAR-48 Match FALO
Serial Number: 4192
Year of Manufacture: Pre-ban, Pre-1994
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Gas Operated, Magazine Fed
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, GENESEO, IL, USA”. The right side of the magazine well is marked “1005-SA-48-MATCH”. The left side of the receiver is marked “S.A.R.-48 7,62mm SA-4192”. Under the receiver and forward of the magazine well is marked “IMBEL ITAJUBA BRAZIL”. The hinged shoulder support plate is marked, “1217-0133” The buttplate is marked, “1217-0123” There are Hebrew proof marks throughout.
Barrel Length: 21” 25” 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 a three piece walnut set with a short ribbed handguard with a stamped vented metal heat shield, pistol grip, drop-comb, with a hinged shoulder support plate & steel buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 14 ?”. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition. The gas block is adjustable. There is a free swiveling sling ring banded around the barrel in front of the gas block. There is a folding bipod with sled feet.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One x 20 round Israeli marked magazine.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore, but there is heavy fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. The action has wear and drag lines from use. There are scratches and small nicks throughout. There are rub marks on the heat shield from the bipod. The screw heads are sharp and the pins unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine condition. There is some finish loss around the muzzle brake.
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. The trigger is crisp with a nice reset. The action is smooth.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One magazine, bipod, locking tab for bipod.
Our Assessment: The Pre-Ban Israeli Springfield Armory SAR-48 Match FALO is a semi-automatic version of the Israeli heavy-barrel FAL, a variant of the FN FAL battle rifle. Produced by Springfield Armory, the SAR-48 is essentially a civilian version of the renowned FN FALO, which earned its reputation as the “Right Arm of the Free World” due to its widespread use by NATO and other Western-aligned forces during the Cold War. The FALO (Fusil Automatique Léger Ordinaire) designation refers to the heavy-barrel version of the FAL, designed to serve as a squad automatic weapon (SAW) in military service. The SAR-48 Match FALO is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester), a powerful and versatile cartridge widely used in both military and civilian applications. The heavy barrel configuration of the FALO model distinguishes it from standard FAL rifles, providing better heat dissipation during sustained firing. This feature made it effective as a light support weapon in its original military role. For civilian shooters, the heavy barrel enhances accuracy and reduces barrel whip, especially during rapid or prolonged firing sessions. Springfield Armory imported the SAR-48 into the U.S. before the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, which is why it carries the “pre-ban” designation.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the Pre-Ban Israeli Springfield Armory SAR-48 Match FALO represents a desirable combination of historical significance and performance. The pre-ban status, combined with the FAL’s legendary reliability and the heavy-barrel configuration, makes it a highly sought-after rifle in the civilian market. Its historical connections to the Israeli military and the FAL’s widespread use during the Cold War add to its allure. As a semi-automatic version of one of the most iconic battle rifles of the 20th century, the SAR-48 Match FALO remains a prized possession for collectors and shooters alike. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.