Springfield Armory Metric Imbel SAR-4800 Sporter 7.62 21” Semi Auto Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1,325.00

LSB#: LSB260611JS107

Make: Imbel, Springfield Armory

Model:  SAR-4800 Sporter

Serial Number: SA-16446

Year of Manufacture: Post-Ban / Modern

Caliber: 7.62 NATO

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Piston Operated, Detachable Metric Magazine Fed Rifle.

Markings:  The right side of the receiver is marked “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, GENESEO, IL, USA / MADE IN BRAZIL”.  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.-4800 7,62mm SA-16446 SPORTER”.

Barrel Length: 21” Non-Threaded

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable iron post within two protective ears. The rear sight is an adjustable sliding aperture marked out to 600M.

Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three piece green polymer set with a bipod cut vented forend, smooth pistol grip, and lightening-cut dropped comb stock with a soft rubber buttpad. The receiver has a black ribbed carry handle. The LOP measures 14.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 20 round metric pattern polymer Pro-Mag in Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Black Enamel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is semi-sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 9.5/10.

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: 1x Magazine

Our Assessment: The Springfield Armory SAR-4800 represents the post-1989 evolution of the company’s Brazilian-made FAL imports. Manufactured in Brazil by Imbel and imported by Springfield Armory, the SAR-4800 retained the proven metric-pattern FAL operating system while being configured to comply with changing U.S. import restrictions. Its short-stroke gas-piston action, tilting-bolt locking system, adjustable gas regulator, 21″ barrel, folding carry handle, and metric magazine compatibility preserve much of the character of the original FN FAL. This example has subsequently been returned to a more conventional FAL-style configuration with separate pistol grip and buttstock furniture, while retaining its non-threaded post-ban barrel and original Springfield/Imbel receiver. This rifle remains in Very Good Plus condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original black enamel metal finish. The exterior shows only faint handling marks, while the action exhibits light operational wear. The screw heads remain sharp, the pins are unmarred, and the markings are clear. The bore is bright with semi-sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The green polymer furniture shows normal handling wear but remains in Very Good overall condition, while the black ribbed carry handle and traditional metric-pattern controls retain the familiar appearance of the FAL platform. Mechanically, the action functions correctly.

For collectors and shooters interested in imported FAL-pattern rifles, the SAR-4800 occupies an important place between the desirable pre-ban SAR-48 and later domestically assembled FAL variants. Imbel’s Brazilian production has long been well regarded for its forged receivers and military-pattern manufacture, while Springfield’s association gives these rifles additional recognition in the American collector market. Although this example has been reconfigured from its original post-ban furniture arrangement, it retains its desirable Imbel receiver, 21″ barrel, strong bore, excellent remaining finish, and characteristic metric-pattern features. The included Springfield hard case, spare Picatinny quad-rail forend, and 20-round magazine make this a particularly well-equipped example. -R.E.