Israeli FAL Heavy Barrel Hebrew Hammer 7.62×51 Semi-Auto Rifle FN FALO
SOLD FOR: $2,025
WOA#: WY240202JT019
Make: Imbel, Century Arms
Model: L1A1 Sporter – Israeli FN FALO Heavy Barrel (Hebrew Hammer) Kit
Serial Number: 121579
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 7.62×51 NATO / .308 WIN
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the lower has Israeli markings for the selection options. The bolt carrier and bolt are both marked with Belgian FN proofs. The right side of the upper is marked “L1A1 Sporter Cal. .308 / Receiver made by IMBEL – Brazil / Imported by CAI St. Alb VT”. Both sides of the handguard are marked with Israeli Proofs. The left side of the bipod is marked with an Israeli Proof. The sling swivel band on the barrel has an Israeli Proof. The buttplate is marked with an Israeli Proof and “1217-0133”. The left side of the trigger has an Israeli Proof.
Barrel Length: 21.25” Approximate. 23.75” with muzzle device
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post set between two ears. The rear sight is a sliding aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an original Hebrew Hammer set. The buttstock is wood with a sling ring in the belly, folding shoulder piece, and metal buttplate. The pistol grip is smooth polymer flared at the bottom. The handguard is a round wooden handguard with grip serrations along with a vented metal front portion that fits around the gas block and gas adjustment. The barrel is mounted with an original Israeli Folding Bipod. The LOP measures 14” and 14.25” from the front sight trigger to the back of the buttplate and shoulder piece respectively. The stock is in Very Good condition. There are some minor compression marks scattered about with a few shallow nicks.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Century Arms Refinished to Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no 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 some finish loss on the edges of the magwell and some minor scratches on the metal portion of the handguard from the bipod. The charging handle and nicks and scuffs around the edges. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The tale of the FN FAL and the FN FALO in the hands of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is not just a chapter in military history; it’s a narrative of adaptation, strategic foresight, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In the nascent days of Israel’s statehood, amid the turmoil and the fervor of the War of Independence, the Haganah’s eclectic arsenal was a testament to resilience. But with the establishment of the IDF, the nascent state recognized the imperative for a modern and standardized service rifle that could deliver reliability and effectiveness. Enter the FN FAL and its squad automatic weapon counterpart, the FN FALO, which would soon become the backbone of Israeli infantry.
The decision to adopt the FN FAL in 1955, a mere two years after its production began in Belgium, and to subsequently manufacture it domestically underlines Israel’s commitment to equipping its forces with the most advanced tools of warfare. This commitment was demonstrated on the battlefields of the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War, where the FN FAL and FN FALO proved their mettle. The intriguing exchange, purportedly trading the license for the Uzi with FN for the rifles and the manufacturing license, illustrates the ingenuity and strategic bargaining that characterized Israel’s military procurement strategy. Moreover, the adoption of the 7.62×51 NATO standard caliber even before it became a NATO standard is a remarkable example of Israel’s forward-thinking approach to standardization and interoperability. The rebarreling of the Kar98ks to 7.62×51, aiming for logistical simplicity, further showcases the IDF’s adaptability and resourcefulness. This journey from a diverse assortment of wartime arms to a standardized, modern arsenal encapsulates a profound evolution, highlighting the FN FAL and FN FALO not merely as weapons but as symbols of a nation’s resilience and strategic acumen.
This Imbel manufactured receiver built with an original FN FALO kit is in Excellent condition and will make an extraordinary new piece for any desirable collection or a new favorite range toy. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
