How to Accurize an FAL L1A1

The FAL (Fusil Automatique Leger) is an automatic rifle initially designed and produced by Fabrique National in Belgium. The 7.62 mm selective-fire weapon was conceived as a joint endeavor in post-war Europe and eventually adopted by 90 countries, including most members of NATO. The FAL series' widespread use earned it the title "The Right Arm Of The Free World." As a battlefield assault weapon, it is better known for reliability and simplicity of construction than accuracy. Over 2 million FAL rifles have been manufactured under license by many NATO member countries. The L1A1 series is a British-made variant of the FAL.

Instructions

    • 1

      Evaluate which accuracy improvements are most feasible on the FAL. Three factors influence the accuracy of any firearm: The firearm itself, the ammunition it fires and the shooter. The term "accurizing" refers to adjustments, alterations or improvements made to the firearm. Gunsmiths that offer accurizing services for the FAL series generally focus on the trigger, barrel and sights.

    • 2

      Improve trigger action with replacement springs or a gunsmith's overhaul. As a stock, mass-produced assembly manufactured to government tolerances, the FAL trigger does not provide the fine, smooth action most target shooters prefer. Replacing all the springs in the existing trigger assembly with an improved quality, aftermarket set is one step in that direction. Having a gunsmith tear down and rework all trigger components to produce a smoother, reduced-weight trigger pull is a more definitive solution. No match-grade, drop-in replacements of the entire FAL trigger assembly are available on the consumer market.

    • 3

      Refurbish or replace altered barrels. Many FAL barrels suffer from poor workmanship, introduced by companies importing the rifles for sale to the civilian market. Third-party flash-hiders compliant with the U.S. assault weapon ban were welded on the muzzles and degraded accuracy. These barrels can benefit from shortening to remove the inferior alteration, then either can be crowned or have a high-quality flash hider installed. Surplus barrels, both chrome-lined and non-lined, to totally replace the existing barrel are available from a number of sources. Chrome-lined barrels have a longer useful life and better corrosion resistance, but non-lined barrels have more consistent tolerances which tend to increase accuracy.

    • 4

      Remove the original sights and replace them with aftermarket alternatives. The FAL's rear sight is known for mechanical instability. Stock models often displayed a tendency to wobble. The front sight post has limited adjustability, sometimes making it impossible to add sufficient elevation to zero the rifle. The Hythe-style sight is a common replacement for the factory rear sight, as is the rotary diopter sight used on Canadian-made FALs. Front sights with a greater range of adjustability are available from a number of aftermarket sources.