F A L USER’s MANUAL LIGHT AUTOMATIC RIFLE CAL. 7.
I. INTRODUCTION The FN Light Automatic Rifle, colibre 7.62 mm N A T O , u s u a l l y k n o w n O S the “F. A. L.” or “L. A. R.“, has resulted from prolonged research and comoetitive trials made in various countries and unde; all types of climatic conditions. Fig.
I I. CHARACTERISTICS AND TECHNICAL DETAILS The FN Light Automatic Rifle is an automatic weapon, calibre 7.62 mm NATO, gas-operated and with a breech block which is mechanically locked before firing can take place. Rifle 1. Weights a) Rifle without magazine: 4.325 kgs (approx. 9.53 Ibs) b) Magazine (steel) empty: 250 g (8+ ots) c) Magazine (steel) filled 20 rounds Ball Ammn.: 730 g (1 lb 98 ozs) d) Barrel. approx. 800 g (1 lb 12a ozs) 2. Measurements a) Overall length . 1,090 mm (approx.
left side of receiver. 7. Cocking handle: 8. Chonge lever: left side of trigger frame. 9. Sights: adjustable, bocksight graduated from 200-600 metres, scaled by 100 m. 10. Rifling of barrel : 4 grooves, direction-right, p i t c h - l i n 305 m m (1 in 12”! 11. Cyclic rote of fire: 650-700 rpm. 12. Operational rate of fire, semi-automatic: up to 60 rpm. Cartridge 1. Colibre: 7.62 mm NATO (Fig. 2). 2. Weight of cartridge: (for ordinary ball round “SS 77”) approx. 24 g (0.86 oz). 3.
to FN booklet for Ammunition calibre 7.62 mm NATO, or other handbook on thk subject. Fig. 2 FN 7.
III. FUNCTIONING 1. COCKING Before firing, the breech block mechanism is forward, with the safety applied (change lever set at ‘5”). Insert a filled magazine obliquely in the housing under the receiver, swing it from front to rear and push fully home: the magazine is then. secured in the rifle at both front and rear. Pull the cocking handle, on the left side of the receiver, fully to the rear, then let it go forward: a cartridge is thus introduced into the chamber; the rifle is loaded and cocked.
shoulder in the receiver. The mechanism is then unlocked. The recoil of slide dnd breech block continues, the extractor removes the spent case from the chamber: extraction is completed; then the hammer, pushed by the slide, is forced to pivot to the rear. As recoil continues, the base of the spent case contacts the ejector, an integral part of the receiver; the case is then thrown out of the gun to the right, through the ejection opening.
pin protrudes beyond the rear face of the slide, when the front face of the slide is.fully home. In automatic fire, it is the safety sear which releases the hammer and thus causes the shot to be fired, because the trigger sear is not in action in this case, except for the first shot of each burst of fire.
the hammer each time the mechanism closes after the breech is completely locked: firing is automatic, When the firer releases the trigger, the nose of the sear rises, catches hold of the hammer, which then pushes the sear slightly to the rear; this positions the tail of the sear over the heel of the trigger and the mechanism is then cocked, ready to fire the next burst.
5. HOLDING OPEN DEVICE . When the magazine is empty, its platform pushes the holding open device upwards, in the pathway of the breech block, which is thus held to the rear, and the firer knows that his magazine is empty. After a filled magazine has been inserted, depress the lever of the holding open device so that the breech block is released and can continue its forward movement.
IV. HANDLING 1. FILLING MAGAZINE a) With Magazine Filler Each rifle is usually supplied with a magazine filler. - Fit the magazine filler over the mouth of the magazine, with the guides for the loading clip on the side of the magazine rib Fig.
- Insert a loaded clip into the reor guide of the magazine filler (fig. 3). - With the thumb as near as ‘possible to the clip, force the rounds down into the magazine. b) Without a Mogarine Filler - If the rounds are in clips, take them out. - Insert the cartridges one by one into the magazine, with the base of the round to the rib of the magazine. c) N o t e - After filling a magazine, particularly when a magazine filler has not been used, it is advisable to check the positioning of the .
Fig. 4 - The magazine is then secured at the rear by the magazine catch. 3. LOADING - Take hold of the pistol grip with the right hand. - With the left hand, pull the cocking handle (on the left side of the receiver) to the rear and then release it. - The forward movement ‘of the breech block will have extracted a cartridge from the magazine, chambered it and then locking of the moving parts will hove taken place automotically. The rifle is now ready to fire.
4. RELOADING After the lost round in the magazine has been fired, the holding open device, operated by the magazine platform, keeps the mechanism to the rear (see page 11). - Press the magazine catch (fig. 5). - Remove the empty magazine, swinging it forwords. - Insert 0 filled magazine. Depress the lever of the holding open device (fig. 6); the breech block will then move forward. Fig.
Fig. 6 The rifle is now ready to fire again. 5. UNLOADING - Put the rifle at safe (change lever set at “S”). - Remove the magazine. - Pull the cocking handle fully back to extract and eject the cartridge in the chamber. - Release the cocking handle and let the mechanism go forward.
6. FIRING SINGLE SHOT - Insert a filled magazine. - Use the tip of a cartridge to push the plunger in the gas plug fully down and hold it in this position (fig. 22). - Turn the cartridge and the gas plug 180” so that the letter “G” appears on top, instead of the letter “A”. - Let the plunger return to its housing (the notch in the plug is towards the bottom). - Carry out the loading operations (see page 14). - After firing each shot, repeat the loading operations. 7.
necessary for normal functioning, without causing undue wear on the various parts of the mechanism. Turning the gas regulator to the right (clockwise) reduces the opening by which gas escapes, thus increasing the quantity or “intake” gas used to drive the piston to the rear. Turning the gas regulator to the left (anticlockwise) causes the opposite effect: gas escape is increased and the balance available to work the piston is decreased.
Fig. 8 Fig. 9 b) Operations O p e r a t i o n 1 . A f t e r screwing the gas regulator right down against the gas block (fig. 8), unscrew by one complete turn so that the figure 7 is in line with the axis of the gas escape hole (fig. 9). This is the fully open position and, when a round is fired, causes a “short recoil”, identifiable by the holding open device failing to engage the mechanism. Operation 2.
nism, repeat Operation 3, after closing the gas regulator by one click. If necessary, repeat Operation 4 Operation 5. until 5 consecutive shots result in the holding open device holding the mechanism to the rear 5 times. Operation 6. The gas setting for the rifle is now determined, but it is always advisable to allow a small reserve of “working” gas by reducing the gas escape by two additional clicks. Note - If the special spanner (fig.
An ejection of cases cation of the gas setting. to a distance of 1.50-2 m from the rifle and at f 45” in relation to the barrel axis can be Violent ejection shows considered normal. that too much gas is being admitted and, in this event, the gas escape must be increased. On the contrary, weak ejection shows that insufficient gas is being taken in and, in this case, the gas escape should be reduced. 9. ZEROING The rifle is zeroed, i.e.
If the M. P. I. is to the right of the point sighted, the screw on the left of the sight is loosened and the screw on the right is screwed up, thus moving the sight laterally along its dovetail from Tighten the screw on the left. right to left. When the correction has been made, and before shooting, tighten both screws. If the M. P. I. is to the left of the point sighted, the sight must be moved from left to right. A movement of 1 division (or click) is equal to a variation in M. P. I.
Procedure for immediate action - Remove the magazine; - Pull the cocking handle fully to the rear and release; do this twice; - Replace the magazine; - Load (recock the rifle by pulling the cocking handle to the rear and releasing so that a new round is fed into the chamber); - Resume firing. If the stoppage recurs, consult the armourer or instructor to find out the cause.
V. GRENADE LAUNCHING The F. A. L. is equipped with a combined device, serving as both flash-hider and grenade-launcher; with this fitment, anti-tank and anti-personnel grenades can be launched with great accuracy. . Fig. 12 1. CARTRIDGE A special type of ammunition is used, generally known as a propulsive, or grenade, cartridge. This cartridge has no bullet and the mouth of the case is closed by a “star” crimping which is waxed to ensure complete tightness (fig. 12).
2. HANDLING I. Put the rifle at SAFE. 2. Unload (chop. IV, 5). 3. Set the rifle for firing single shot (see chapter IV, 6). 4. With the left hand, cock the rifle. With the right hand, insert the propulsive cortridge in the chamber (fig. 13). Let the mechanism go forward (it is easier if the muzzle of the gun is held downwards). Fig. 13 5. Put the grenade on the launcher and make sure that it is fully home 6. Releose the safety from the rifle and, as required, remove the grenade safety.
3. FIRING POSITIONS 0) - Direct fire (fig. 14) - Grasp the middle of the handguard firmly with the left hand. - Hold the pistol grip firmly with the right hand, with the index finger securely in front of the trigger. - Hold the butt under the right armpit, n e v e r lean it on the shoulder. For the 3 usual positions (standing, kneeling, prone) the method of holding the rifle is the some. Fig.
N. 6.: A sling can be used to help take the recoil but this is left to the discretion of the user. b) Indirect fire (fig. 15) Fig. 15 - Dig the heel of the butt into the earth, with the pistol grip uppermost, i.e. towards the firer. - Incline the rifle at the required angle. - Hold the foot down on the front of the butt to prevent it from moving out of position.
Note: So far as possible, it is advisable to avoid positioning the butt against any hard surface, such as concrete, rock, etc. This is particularly important for indirect fire from the prone position, where the soldier naturally tends to anchor the fore part of the butt to avoid the effects of recoil. , :.
VI. FIELD STRIPPING The soldier should know the field stripping routine so well thot it con be carried out in darkness. For this stripping, he will need to use the nose of a cartridge; no other tools are required. - Remove the magazine. - Cock the mechanism to ensure that the rifle is clear and there is no round left in the chamber, allow the breech block to go forward and set the change lever at safe, leaving the hammer cocked. 1.
Fig. 16 Fig. 17 2. REMOVING THE COVER Slide the receiver cover to the rear (fig. 18).
Fig. 18 3. SEPARATING THE SLIDE FROM THE BREECH BLOCK Disengage the fore part of the breech block from the slide and continue to separate with a levering movement against the rear part of the breech block, keeping the thumb on the rear end of the firing pin (fig. 19). 4. REMOVING THE FIRING PIN Exert pressure on the rear end of the firing pin and push out its retaining pin. If the pin does not fall out easily, use the nose of a cartridge to push it out (fig. 20).
Fig. 19 Fig. 20 When the retaining pin has been removed, the firing pin will come out of its housing under action of its spring (fig. 21).
Fig. 21 5. REMOVING THE GAS PiUG Use the nose of a cartridge to press in the plunger (fig. 22), then turn the gas plug a quarter turn in a clockwise direction (fig. 23). Fig 22 Fig.
In this position, the plug will be pushed from its housing by the piston spring. 6. REMOVING THE PISTON Remove the piston and its spring from the gas cylinder (fig. 24). Fig. 24 Separate the piston spring from the piston rod (fig. 25). Fig.
Note: There is no need for the soldier to strip the extractor. It is necessary to use a cartridge for this, or a special tool, and it is normally done by the armourer when making o perio?Jic inspection. 7. ASSEMBLY AFTER FIELD STRIPPING - Replace the piston spring on the piston rod (fig. 25). - Replace the piston and its spring in the gas cylinder (fig. 24). - Insert the gas plug, compressng the piston spring, with the big end of the plunger turned towards the barrel (fig. 23).
grooves in the receiver. When this is done, the breech block should be in its forward position (fig. 17) and the muzzle of the rifle pointing downwards; the mechanism will then fall into position correctly. - Close the rifle, still holding the muzzle downwards, to prevent any possibility of the slide rod protruding.
VII. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 1. GENERAL REMARKS It must be emphasized that all automatic weapons require constant cleaning and maintenance and that most of the stoppages mentioned elsewhere are the result of the soldier’s negligence or lack of knowledge of his weapon. All weapons, whether automatic or repeating rifles, should be cleaned at the end of a day’s firing and special core must be taken after firing with blank cartridges. 2.
Clean the slide, rear of the barrel and inside the body; Clean the breech block, firing pin and its housing; Clean underneath the extractor claw, without stripping it; Remove the gas plug, the piston and its spring and carefully clean these parts, as they are exposed to gas fouling; Clean the gas cylinder and wipe with a slightly oiled rag; this rag should also be passed through the barrel; Very slightly oil the moving parts of the mechanism.
3. COMPLETE CLEANING OF BARREL AND GAS CYLINDER The barrel and gas cylinder must be cleaned regularly so that they never get into such a state that the use of abrasives is necessary; all abrasive material such as emery paper, sand, etc., is always harmful. The full cleaning of barrel and gas cylinder should be done unhurriedly, when circumstances permit, 0s follows: Wash the barrel, using barrel brush, or sponge, steeped in special oil.
Note: The inside of the barrel and inside of front half of the gas cylinder come into direct contact with the combustion gases and are also submitted to friction; they consequently require more care and attention. Other components are protected against oxidising by phosphating (parts of the mechanism and receiver) and the piston and gas plug are hard chromed.
4. PREPAkATlON OF RIFLE BEFORE FIRING The L. A. R. functions with very little or procticolly no lubrication. Before firing, wipe off any oil remaining on barrel and gas cylinder surfaces; if the piston and chromed part of the gas plug have been slightly oiled, dry clean these too. The tabulation given below gives on one side the list of parts which can be slightly oiled, on the other the list of parts which require no oiling and which, in some cases, can be adversely affected, if oiled.
INDEX I. II. I I I. IV. . . . . . . 3 .... . . . . . . . . . Functioning . I. Cocking . . . . 2. Rear movement of the mechanism . 3. Forward action of the mechanism . . . 4. Change lever . . . . 5. Holding open device . . . 4 Introduction Characteristics ond Technical Details Hondling . . . . I. Fillbtg M a g a z i n e ......... a) With magazine filler ...... b) Without magazine filler . . . . . . ....... c) Note on checking .......... 2 . Charging 3. Loading ............ ........ 4 .
VI Field Stripping . . . . . . 1 . S t r i p p i n g t h e m e c h a n i s m . ‘. 2. Removing the cover . 3. Separating the slide from the ‘breech block 4. Removing the firing pin . . 5. Removing the gas plug . . . . . 6. Removing the piston ... 7 . A s s e m b l y a f t e r f i e l d s t r i p p i n g . .’ : VII. Cleoning and Maintenance . . . General remarks . 2. Maintenance of the rifle : : : 1 : a) Maintenance by the soldier b) Inspection and Maintenance by the unit armourer . . . 3.
