FN FAL 50.64 Para
FN Herstal · Battle Rifle · Discontinued · 1963
Also known as: FAL Para, FAL 50.64
Overview
The FN FAL 50.64 is a full-length paratrooper variant of the FN FAL battle rifle that combines the standard 533mm barrel with the side-folding tubular steel stock of the Para series. Unlike the carbine-length 50.63, the 50.64 retains full-power ballistic performance and effective range while still folding for compact carry, making it popular with airborne and mechanized units that wanted FAL accuracy without the bulk of a fixed buttstock. Like the rest of the Para family, it features a revised lower receiver, a folding charging handle, and a redesigned upper to accommodate the folding stock. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and fed from 20-round magazines, the 50.64 preserves the gas-operated short-stroke piston action and tilting breechblock that made the FAL one of the most widely fielded battle rifles of the Cold War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4250 g (149.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1095 mm (43.11") |
| Folded Length | 845 mm (33.27") |
| Barrel Length | 533 mm (20.98") |
| Sight Radius | 549 mm (21.61") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3346 J (2468 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3800 m (4156 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62 NATO, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Tilting Breechblock, Side Folding Stock, Folding Charging Handle, Adjustable Gas Regulator, Select Fire, Full Length Barrel, Revised Lower Receiver
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 1963 · as FAL Para
- Argentine Armed Forces · as FAL Para
Conflicts
- Falklands War (1982)
- South African Border War (1966-1990)
Production
Production years: 1963-1988
Produced within FN's metric-pattern FAL family; no separately published 50.64-specific totals.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Dieudonne Saive
Discontinued: 1988
Notes
The 50.64 is distinguished from the 50.63 Para by retaining the full-length 533mm barrel (the 50.63 uses a shortened ~436mm barrel). It features a revised lower receiver construction and, like the L1A1, a folding charging handle. Para-pattern components are not interchangeable with standard fixed-stock FAL parts.
Background
The 50.64 gave airborne troops the best of both worlds: the full muzzle velocity and reach of a standard FAL, yet a buttstock that folded alongside the receiver so the rifle could be strapped down for a jump.