FN represents Fabrique Nationale the Belgian company that originally designed and manufactured the rifle, FAL represents (in French) Fusil Automatique Leger or Light Automatic Rifle.

During World War II, the United States had many allies; all of them shared a common problem. They all used a diverse number of different weapons and cartridges. This situation caused a supply and logistics nightmare. After the war, several of the allied countries formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and agreed that they should standardize all their weapons and cartridges so that in a future conflict they could easily assist each other, and reduce the hodgepodge of small arms, as well as their spare parts and ammunition. Although the theory was sound, implementing the plan would not be easy. Each country had its own idea of what was best. National pride and politics were also a problem. It seemed that no one wanted to adopt an infantry rifle that was designed by another country.  

During the war, there were two basic types of cartridges used. The full-power rifle round effective out to 500-meters, and the much smaller pistol cartridge that was used in handguns and submachine guns. When used in a submachine gun the maximum effective range of the pistol round was approximately 150-meters. Weapons using these cartridges each had their own disadvantages, one was too powerful for close-in fighting, and the other was too underpowered for long-range fire. What seemed ideal for most battlefield engagements was a cartridge with size and power somewhere in between the pistol and rifle rounds.

During 1945, the Germans fielded the intermediate 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge and the revolutionary Sturmgewehr assault rifle. The German midrange cartridge started a worldwide revolution in small arms design. The cartridge provided controllable full-automatic fire for close-range engagements, and accurate fire out to approximately 300-meters. Besides being an effective combat arm, there were quite a few other advantages as well. The smaller cartridges were lighter, allowing the infantryman to carry a larger ammunition load. The ammunition was also cheaper to produce, using fewer critical materials; this was a very important feature during wartime. Probably the most important characteristic of the midrange round was the ability to design and build lighter weapons to fire the cartridge.

 The Soviets fielded their mid-range round and the SKS rifle during the last months of the war. Like the Russians, the British were quick to grasp the German’s midrange cartridge concept and began the development of their own cartridge. The British began their program by establishing the Small Arms Ideal Calibre Panel, which first met in 1945. Research for the determination of the ideal cartridge for an infantry rifle was undertaken by Dr. Richard Beeching, Deputy Chief Engineer of the British Armaments Design Establishment. Dr. Beeching and his staff undertook an unprecedented study of projectile shape, weight, and ballistics to determine the optimum combination needed for a maximum range of 549-meters (or 600-yards). After reviewing the report generated from the extensive scientific study, the Panel proposed a 7x43mm round that had a 140-grain projectile and a muzzle velocity of 2415 feet per second. Although the actual diameter of the projectile was .276 caliber, it was designated by the British as the .280 caliber round.

FN’s very first prototype that led to the FAL rifle was chambered for the German 7.92x33mm cartridge. Working with the British, the next several FN prototype rifles were chambered for the Brit’s .280 caliber cartridge. After the British had designed what they felt was the optimum infantry round for adoption by NATO, they proposed their concept to the U.S. Ordnance Department. The U.S. Ordnance Corps, who were developing their own new cartridge, rejected the British cartridge as having less power than desired in a service rifle round. The United States simply refused to accept any cartridge that had less wounding ability, penetration, and range than the old World War II .30 caliber M2 round. The U.S. wanted NATO to adopt their newly developed the 7.62x51mm cartridge which had similar ballistics as the .30 M2 (30’06) round. In 1952, FN re-designed the FAL rifle to fire the U.S. proposed 7.62mm cartridge. In January 1954, Great Britain purchased a number of the FAL rifles chambered for the new 7.62 NATO cartridge for testing. There was considerable resistance from many NATO members who wanted to adopt a true intermediate cartridge. However, upon persistence from the U.S. Ordnance Department, the U.S. developed 7.62x51mm T65E3 cartridge was officially adopted as the standard small arms round of the NATO alliance in 1954.

The Belgian FN FAL rifle, as originally manufactured in Europe, was produced using the metric system of measurement. Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and the United States all used the Imperial or English system of inches. Any rifle produced in these countries would need to adhere to their standard of measurement. This resulted in two more variations of the FAL rifle. The metric model, and the inch pattern. Because of the different patterns, many parts including magazines were different. Canada was the first country to adopt the 7.62mm FN FAL, it would be followed by over 90 countries.  

In addition to the standard Model 50.00, the standard full stocked version, there was the Model 50.41 Heavy barrel, the Model 50.63 with a folding stock and 18-inch barrel, and the Model 50.64 with a folding stock and a 21-inch barrel. Although the FN FAL is capable of select-fire, most countries issued them as semi-automatic rifles. The full-auto feature was largely reserved for the heavy barrel models. The FAL is gas-operated; the gas system is driven by a short-stroke, spring-loaded piston housed above the barrel. The gas system is fitted with a gas regulator behind the front sight base, allowing adjustment of the gas system for variations in ammunition. The locking mechanism is the tilting breechblock type successfully used in other weapon designs. To lock, it drops down into a shoulder in the receiver. The FAL’s magazine standard capacity is 20 rounds, with 30-round magazines for the heavy barrel select-fire models. In fixed stock versions of the FAL, the recoil spring is housed in the stock, while in folding-stock versions it is housed in the receiver cover, necessitating a slightly different receiver cover, recoil spring, bolt carrier, and a modified lower receiver for the stock. 

In 1954, an educational contract was awarded to Harrington & Richardson Inc. to manufacture 500 7.62 mm inch-pattern FN-FALs (T48s) as a study to see what problems might be encountered in the domestic manufacture of the weapon. A small number of FN FAL rifles were also manufactured by the High Standard Company.

The United States extensively tested several foreign and domestic rifles from 1945 until 1957. In the end, two designs were remaining; the T-44E4, developed at the Springfield Armory, and the FN FAL as the T48 rifle, chambered for the U.S. 7.62 round (T-65). The Ordnance Department finally concluded after years of testing and development that both the 7.62 caliber T-48 (FN-FAL) and the T-44E4 (M14) were “suitable for army use”. In a decision that had been expected by many from the outset of the testing program, the U.S. Ordnance Department declared their own design, the T-44E4 the winner, and the weapon was adopted as the new service rifle of the U.S. Army. It was designated as the “U.S. Rifle 7.62 M14.” The reasons given for choosing the T-44E4 over the T-48 were: the T-44E4 was one pound lighter, had fewer parts, had no need for a manual gas regulator; it would also be easier to manufacture because of the similarities to the M1 rifle. While the U.S. Army adopted the M14, the rest of the free world chose the FN FAL. Many felt that the FAL was rejected by the U.S. because of the “not invented here” factor.

Although adopted in 1957, there were many manufacturing difficulties encountered with the M14 rifle. As a result, the first M14s were not issued until 1959. Production of the M14 ceased in 1964. By 1967 the M14 was being phased out by the 5.56mm M16. The M14 joined the Springfield Model 1892–99 Krag–Jørgensen rifle, as having one of the shortest service lives as the Standard “A” infantry rifle of the U.S. Army. However, many M14 rifles were brought out of storage and updated for limited service in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The FN FAL would remain in service with many international armies until the 1980s.

A rifle-caliber, semi-automatic pistol is an ugly artifact of the 1934 National Firearms Act which classifies short-barreled rifles as “restricted items” and are heavily taxed. Thanks to inflation, the $200 excise tax which once far exceeding the value of most rifles, is no longer the great deterrent to ownership. The year-long paperwork rigmarole imposed by BATFE, and the restrictions on travel with such rifles gave rise to firearms like the M+M Industries M10x pistol: a stock-less, semi-auto weapon with either a sling or an arm brace to steady it during firing. With the 12.5 inch barrel, the M10x pistol still makes most of the 7.62×39 Russian ballistics without excessive muzzle flash typical of 5.56mm handguns.

For the fans of the M10x design which makes for a highly accurate and reliable modular rifle, turning it into an SBR for improved portability, and potential one-hand use was the next obvious step. With SBR sales depressed by the regulatory impositions, the pistol sales took off smartly. The M10x shares almost all of the same components as its rifle counterpart,  but features a shorter barrel, as well as a  monolithic upper rail; it is, of course, missing the Magpul ZHUKOV stock.

The gas system is adjustable, with Regular (1), Adverse Conditions (2), Suppressor (regulator turned 180 degrees), and No Gas (0) settings. Its long-stroke piston is a separate part from the bolt carrier, but the two join while in use, with the charging handle as the connector. Its receiver is a modestly sized, forged, and machined part hidden deep within the lightweight aluminum upper. Overall, the pistol with its  12.5-inch barrel shaves off over a pound from the M10x rifle with its 16.5-inch barrel.

Its reduced weight makes it possible to fire the pistol without a two-handed hold, with a rear-attached sling used to stabilize it before firing. An aluminum Tailhook brace, reversible for left- or right-hand use, adds stability both before the shot is taken, and while the pistol cycles. The pistol has minimal muzzle rise, and the flash from the shorter barrel is effectively mitigated by a specially designed flash hider/compensator.

The size of the pistol helps it to perform well in concealed-draw scenarios without sacrificing performance. Fired from a sandbag at 50 yards, the M10X pistol overlapped hits on steel with GECO ammunition and was inside of two inches with generic Comblock surplus. Accuracy testing was done with M+M’s own mini red-dot sight. The optic performed well and added little weight to the handgun. Velocity loss relative to 16.5in barrel was in the 120-150fps range. In other words, while a fight-stopping 125-grain bullet from .357Mag revolver might reach 1500fps, and from carbine a little over 2000fps, this pistol launches bullets of similar weight, with better a ballistic coefficient at 2150fps to 2250fps, depending on the load. With hunting ammunition, such as the highly accurate Federal Fusion soft points, this provides both penetration and expansion for either defense or deer hunting.

The ergonomics of the M10x pistol are quite nice: it features a reversible charging handle, a 45-degree ambidextrous safety, an M-LOK forend suitable for lights and lasers, and a full-length monolithic Picatinny rail on top for red dot sights. Field-stripping the pistol is easy: simply push the take-down lever on the back of the receiver to pivot the hinged upper away from the lower, unlock and remove the charging handle from the bolt carrier, slide the bolt carrier back out of the receiver. The gas piston is retained by the gas regulator and comes out of the front along with the un-tensioned recoil spring. That’s right: no springs fly out of this gun during field-stripping, and no force is required to reassemble it. With the entire recoil system contained within the upper, the rifle version can enjoy a folding stock, while the pistol version requires no buffer tube for functioning. A short tube may be added as an option for the brace. M+M recommends the Gear Head Works Tailhook pistol brace, but others are also compatible. The gun has an unusually low parts count at right around 40.

I have enjoyed superb reliability with M10x rifles, but the pistols have to pass a harsher test. The weapon is less supported during recoil as its shorter barrel requires a bigger gas port with the speeding up of the bolt and carrier during the cycle. During the entire 280-round test conducted at the worst of the ammunition drought, we’ve experienced no malfunctions at all. The bolt didn’t get very dirty, and no flame from the ejection port was visible. The latter is a typical problem with short rifles and rifle-caliber pistols.

Why would someone get a pistol rather than a slightly longer and heavier rifle? In many states, carrying a handgun, no matter what caliber or configuration, is legal. The laws are often less permissive with long guns. While the bark of the short barrel is a mild annoyance at the range, it can help clear some space in a close-quarters counter-ambush. With the brace over the forearm, even a 75-round drum can be supported steadily enough for 50-yard hits. The M+M M10x barrel is well ventilated and properly fenced to avoid burning the support hand. The pistol has a heat endurance of around 100 rounds fired continuously, so a drum and a spare box magazine can be expended without delay. Compared to AK pistols, it recoils more in a straight line, and stays on target better.

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V25N6 (Jun – July 2021)

MFT Battlelink Aluminum Minimalist Stock

The MFT Battlelink Aluminum Minimalist Stock is the lightest collapsible aluminum stock of its kind available today, while still maintaining the strength and dependability you rely on.

Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT), a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories, is proud to introduce the MFT Battlelink Aluminum Minimalist Stock. It is the lightest collapsible aluminum stock of its kind on the market, while still maintaining the strength and dependability you rely on. Manufactured from 6061-T6 Aluminum, billet, and extruded hard coat anodized to MILSPEC, the stock is completely adaptable to the needs of the environment and operation by utilizing custom accessory mounts, interchangeable butt plates, and accommodating a new custom sling configuration. All done without sacrificing any of the functional requirements.

The Battlelink Aluminum Minimalist Stock is a slide-on replacement for a collapsible buttstock. The angled, non-slip, checkered buttpad allows for faster presentation, even when donning body armor. It has rear-mounted sling slots with single-point mount points. Its Quick Detach Sling mounting point is positioned for optimum usage, including ambidextrous shooters. It comes equipped with a MILSPEC Buffer Tube, spec size 1.148” diameter receiver extensions, a removable butt plate for interchangeable configurations, and an enhanced cheek weld. Available in Black with an MSRP of $179.99.

• Model Number: BMSMIL-MTL
• Weight: 8.8 oz.
• Height: 5.13”
• Width: 1.465”
• Length: 6.8”
• Aluminum Type: 6061-T6
• MSRP: $179.99
• missionfirsttactical.com

EAA Corp’s

MC9 Pistol with FAR-DOT Optics

The ultimate combination of Girsan’s new MC9 and EAA’s patent-pending Fast Acquisition Red Dot Optics (FAR-DOT) allows the shooter to draw, aim, view, and shoot- in record time!

“The Hunt for The Red Dot” is not a spy thriller or block-buster movie, but an actual reaction when trying to aim a pistol and find the elusive red dot in the pistol optic! Don’t lose precious time trying to put the red dot on the target with EAA Corp’s new patent-pending Fast Acquisition Red Dot Optic (FAR-DOT) mounted on the Girsan MC9 Standard and MC9 Match pistols.

The Girsan MC9 Optics pistol, in 9mm is an ergonomic pistol with a sleek design in a lightweight build; whether for competition, target shooting, or home defense, its fit, form, and function are first-class and known worldwide. The MC9 Optics includes EAA’s patent-pending design; the FAR-DOT optic mounts without an optics adaptor plate, translating to no shaking or distortion of the target while shooting. Unlike traditional red dots, which require the shooter to locate the red dot while acquiring the target, EAA’s FAR-DOT solves the hunt for the red dot! Literally, draw, aim, and shoot without losing time or the target. Three interchangeable backstraps come with the MC9’s to give the pistol a comfortable, custom grip for any size hand. A rail in front of the generous trigger guard offers an additional place for lights or lasers, increasing the versatility of the MC9 Optics pistol.

The Girsan MC9 Optics Match pistol features the same lightweight, ergonomic design as the standard version, but features three interchangeable backstraps, trigger guard forward rail, and a ported barrel. Also, the MC9 Optics Match pistol adds a little flash with a partially red trigger, and magwell.   eaacorp.com

MasterPiece Arms (MPA)

DS9 Hybrid Pistols

MasterPiece Arms (MPA), manufacturers of the MPA BA Rifles and Chassis Systems, announces today that it has absorbed the wide-body, double-stack 1911 pistol line from Freedom Gunworks into the MPA product line up. The first product to be introduced is DS9 Hybrid Pistol. This model is available in a variety of finishes and configurations. These competition-ready pistols provide incredible accuracy and reliability, and come with MPA’s lifetime warranty.

All parts of the 9mm DS9 Hybrid Pistol are machined in the USA from Barstock and Billet and include no MIM, castings, or forgings. The components machined by MPA include the full-length steel light rail five-inch frame, slide, MPA 416R stainless bull barrel, stainless steel beavertail/grip safety, stainless steel ambidextrous safety, stainless steel slide stop, firing pin stop, ejector, magwell, and 7075 black anodized aluminum grip.

The DS9 Hybrid Pistol also includes a Koenig hammer, sear, and disconnect, Wolff Springs, custom machined aluminum trigger shoe, a 2 lb. trigger pull, and a true one-piece toolless guide rod. The FGW slide serrations with slide lightening cuts create less reciprocating mass. Each pistol is hand-built, including lapping the slide/frame interface, and comes in a custom MPA single pistol case with one MPA 140mm magazine.

The DS9 features the Accuracy X Multi Sight patented Modular Sight System, allowing the customer to change back and forth from slide-mounted optics to iron sights in minutes. The DS9 Hybrid Pistol is available in either an Iron Sights or Optics Ready configuration. The Iron Sights configuration includes an Accuracy X Sight Base with Kensight Bomar Style Adjustable Rear Sight and Front Sight Blade. The Optics Ready configuration includes an Accuracy X Red Dot Sight Base (customer’s choice) and Front Sight Blade (Co Witness only available in certain combinations). MSRP is $2,999.00.

masterpiecearms.com

Blue Wonder

Gun Cleaner

Imagine… A mirror clean bore… That is exactly what you get with this powerful concentrated gel. It adheres to the surface of the bore for deep cleaning action. Once in the bore, it completely removes copper and lead deposits, powder residues, and plastic build-up. It also removes black powder corrosion, leaving a chemically clean, bare metal surface – in minutes!

In addition, Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner will remove rust from the exterior finish of a gun without harming or affect the bluing! Add to that, it is completely non-toxic and bio-degradable!

Features:

• Powerful Concentrated Gel – sticks to the inside of the bore to work more effectively
• Removes copper fouling
• Removes lead fouling
• Removes rust without harming bluing
• Removes plastic buildup from shotguns
• Removes oil from oil-soaked stocks
• Safe for ALL firearms including polymer frames
• Non-Toxic
• Biodegradable
• Non-Flammable
• bluewonderguncare.com

STREAMLIGHT

WEDGE RECHARGEABLE EDC LIGHT

Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, introduced the Wedge, a USB-C rechargeable everyday carry flashlight with a thin, compact design for deep pocket carry. Featuring an intuitive rotating thumb switch, the Wedge provides two modes: 300 lumen Constant On mode, and 1,000-lumen momentary THRO (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) mode.

“With its unique ergonomic design, the Wedge sets a new standard for EDC pocket lights,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “It’s both slim and flat so that it can be carried comfortably, features a reversible pocket clip, and allows for full concealment in a pants pocket. It’s the ideal EDC light, whether for patrol duty or tactical maneuvers, outdoor uses, or automotive, industrial, and DIY jobs.”  

On the THRO momentary setting, the Wedge delivers a 35-second burst of 1,000 lumens and 3,000 candelas over a 110-meter beam distance. In Constant On mode, it provides 300 lumens, 1,200 candelas, a beam distance of 69 meters, and a 3-hour run time.

The Wedge uses a 1500 mAh Lithium Polymer cell battery that recharges by plugging a USB-C cord into the light’s waterproof rear socket. Red and green LEDs indicate charging status.

Made from rugged anodized aluminum, the Wedge measures just 5.46 inches long and 1.0 inches high and weighs 3.3 ounces. The new light is IPX7-rated for waterproof operation to one meter; it is also impact-resistance tested to one meter. 

Available in black and coyote, the Wedge has an MSRP of $149.95 and comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

streamlight.com

SENTRY Products Group

Next Gen AR-15 Mag

The SENTRY Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 Mag uses a proprietary blend of Carbon Fibers for a stronger, lighter AR-15 magazine.

After the acquisition of the Hexmag brand in 2017, SENTRY Products Group set out to refine and expand their magazine and on gun accessory line. The most recent advancement is SENTRY’s Carbon Fiber AR-15 magazine, made from a proprietary carbon fiber composite blended with our Polyhex2 polymer, offering exceptional durability and consistent performance. While Hexmag’s polymer magazines are known for exceptional reliability and resiliency, the introduction of Carbon Fiber significantly increases the overall strength and rigidity which further enhances performance. An added benefit to the end-user is that Carbon Fiber reduces the total weight by 20 percent over the standard magazine.

As with all Hexmag products the new Carbon Fiber AR-15 Mag features the patented HEXTURE pattern for confident and positive grip, no matter the environmental conditions. With the industry’s first tool-less takedown design, the magazines can be easily cleaned and maintained. A heat-treated stainless-steel spring eliminates corrosion and resists fatigue even while loaded for long periods of time. Customization can be done through Hexmag’s True Riser system to create State compliant 10, 15, and 30-round configurations; and with the SENTRY HexID color identification system, the user can quickly identify caliber and ammo type through the coded safety system featuring high visibility followers and latch plate.

Available in black with an MSRP of $21.99 you can find this product through Midway, RSR, and the SENTRY website.

sentrytactical.com

Premier Body Armor

Bulletproof Wallet

Premier Body Armor is proud to announce their Bulletproof Wallet. These lightweight and functional wallets offer NIJ Level II protection for your most valuable assets. The new wallets are constructed from the same material as their proven body armor options and complement an already established line of accessories.

A bulletproof wallet is far from a complete solution, but does have a place in the Premier Body Armor product lineup. “If we’re to trust Hollywood’s portrayal of gun-shot wounds,” said Jason Mammano, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Premier Body Armor, “the derriere is a prime target. Premier Body Armor is dedicated to the eradication of posterior trauma. Our new Bulletproof Wallet is a step in the right direction.”

The new Bulletproof Wallet is built from 600D Cordura, and lined with Kevlar. The bi-fold design offers secure storage for bills and cards, and is produced the same made-in-the-U.S.A. Kevlar used in Premier’s vests and backpack inserts.

Bulletproof Wallet Features:

• NIJ – Level II Ballistic Panels
• 600D Cordura Outer Shell
• Kevlar Lining
• Clear-View Armor Window
• Bill Divider
• 8 Card Pockets
• 100% Made in the U.S.A. of Domestically Sourced Materials

premierbodyarmor.com

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V25N6 (Jun – July 2021)