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5/20/2023 11:07:24 AM EDT
Almost 2 decades ago I traded for a SAR-48, shot it a couple of times and put it away. It came with 50 mags (they were $3-5 back then at gunshows).

I used to see them for sale quite regularly when I got it, I just looked and found 1 online that is listed at $6000. Back in the day we valued this thing at $1500.

I believe this falls under the 1989 import ban or at least it did, don't know the status of that any longer.

Anyone have any info on this model? I see some have black plastic furniture, is this one more or less desirable?






Imagine a man when it all began
The pilot of "Enola Gay"
Flying out of the shockwave on that August day
All the powers that be, and the course of history,
Would be changed forevermore...
5/21/2023 6:00:41 PM EDT
[#1]
The SAR-48 are the pre-1989 import ban models. The SAR-4800 were the post ban models.
5/22/2023 5:42:30 PM EDT
[#2]
I had one of those it was set up like yours but with a different scope mount.
Killed a deer with it one season.

It was very accurate for an FAL.
I wish I had kept it. I have other FALs but don't
have an HB in the collection now.

5/22/2023 5:48:30 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Stahlgewehr762:
The SAR-48 are the pre-1989 import ban models. The SAR-4800 were the post ban models.
View Quote

Right.

There were four models, you have the heavy barrel model built with some Israeli parts IIRC.
Other models were the standard 21" rifle, a Para configuration with folding stock and ~17.5" barrel, and a "Bush rifle" which was the para length barrel with a fixed stock.
This is...a clue - Pat_Rogers
I'm not adequately aluminumized for this thread. - gonzo_beyondo
CO, MI, SC, OR - Please lobby your legislators to end discrimination against non-resident CCW permit holders
5/23/2023 2:27:51 PM EDT
[#4]
The Imbel Mfg SAR48's are probably the finest FALs ever made.

Attached File


I stumbled across this one a the local pawn/gun shop and they kept lowering the price
until I had to buy it. It was in basically un-fired condition but no box.
5/23/2023 2:34:34 PM EDT
[#5]
Better pic.

Attached File
5/25/2023 7:52:55 AM EDT
[Last Edit: dmk0210][Edited] [#6]
I just saw one of these in a local gun shop (Looks just like the one EMSflyer posted, but I didn't look closely at the details). They are asking $4k for it.


5/25/2023 9:38:17 AM EDT
[#7]
They are running around 3500 on Gunbroker I hear
5/25/2023 10:36:01 PM EDT
[#8]
Originally Posted By Wolfpack:
Almost 2 decades ago I traded for a SAR-48
View Quote

Wow, I bet the party you traded with regrets that one!
5/25/2023 11:01:21 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Kisara:

Wow, I bet the party you traded with regrets that one!
View Quote


We both sorta do...I traded him a rifle that the younger McMillan of McMillan Rifles made in highschool. My buddy still has it. .300 Winmag and kicks like a mule....hated shooting it but the gun has history.
Imagine a man when it all began
The pilot of "Enola Gay"
Flying out of the shockwave on that August day
All the powers that be, and the course of history,
Would be changed forevermore...
5/26/2023 3:01:54 AM EDT
[#10]
The SA 21" FAL's have the nicest looking bipods that I have ever seen on a FAL
If I wanted to live in a socialist state, I would have moved to the PRK. If I wanted to live in a socialist country, I would have moved to Europe.
Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither. - Ben Franklin
5/28/2023 6:57:54 PM EDT
[#11]
I seem to recall that they were made by Hellenic arms in Greece under license from FN.I could be wrong on that.
5/28/2023 11:26:24 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Gamma762][Edited] [#12]
Quote History
Originally Posted By VK2XXM:
I seem to recall that they were made by Hellenic arms in Greece under license from FN.I could be wrong on that.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By VK2XXM:
I seem to recall that they were made by Hellenic arms in Greece under license from FN.I could be wrong on that.

No they were made by Imbel in Brazil. The heavy barrel models like OPs are mostly Israeli parts assembled by Imbel on Imbel receivers, I don't remember if the Israeli parts were made by FN or if they made them in Israel.

Originally Posted By EMSflyer:
The Imbel Mfg SAR48's are probably the finest FALs ever made.

Darn nice rifles for sure.

I wish at least the light barrel models were Type I receivers, although I understand that the heavier Type IIIs are stronger.
This is...a clue - Pat_Rogers
I'm not adequately aluminumized for this thread. - gonzo_beyondo
CO, MI, SC, OR - Please lobby your legislators to end discrimination against non-resident CCW permit holders
5/29/2023 10:20:08 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AEnemaBay][Edited] [#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By VK2XXM:
I seem to recall that they were made by Hellenic arms in Greece under license from FN.I could be wrong on that.
View Quote


That was the Springfield Armory SAR-3/SAR-8, which were G3's built under license from HK in Greece. I had one that I regret selling. Was very nice.
AK building addict in recovery.
5/29/2023 8:05:39 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Gamma762:

No they were made by Imbel in Brazil. The heavy barrel models like OPs are mostly Israeli parts assembled by Imbel on Imbel receivers, I don't remember if the Israeli parts were made by FN or if they made them in Israel.


Darn nice rifles for sure.

I wish at least the light barrel models were Type I receivers, although I understand that the heavier Type IIIs are stronger.
View Quote


The earliest ones were Type 2 receivers ..... most were FA guns...... I've been looking for a T2 semi gun for at least 20 years
6/2/2023 4:10:51 AM EDT
[#15]
The SAR-48 is pre-ban.

The ones with Israeli barrels and parts were assembled by Springfield in the US, on Brazilian receivers.

The Israeli barrels have metric receiver threads, while the Brazilian receivers have inch barrel threads.

Common practice is to tap the inch threaded receivers with the metric threads of the Israeli barrels, but Springfield passed this step and simply forced the Israeli barrels into the Brazilian receivers, with the mismatched threads.

As long as the barrel isn't removed, you'll never know the difference.
6/2/2023 4:16:21 AM EDT
[#16]
I bought my cousins last December for 1400. His is a SAR48 but he dumped the rear sight and added a fugly scope mount but a nice Lupy scope.

Need to find front and rear sight now.
“Liberty and love
These two I must have.
For my love, I’ll sacrifice
My life.
For liberty, I’ll sacrifice
My love.”
Petofi Sándor
6/2/2023 10:08:09 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Air_Soft_Contractor:  The SAR-48 is pre-ban.

The ones with Israeli barrels and parts were assembled by Springfield in the US, on Brazilian receivers.

The Israeli barrels have metric receiver threads, while the Brazilian receivers have inch barrel threads.

Common practice is to tap the inch threaded receivers with the metric threads of the Israeli barrels, but Springfield passed this step and simply forced the Israeli barrels into the Brazilian receivers, with the mismatched threads.

As long as the barrel isn't removed, you'll never know the difference.
View Quote


Why were the Brazilians not using metric threads?
Death to quislings.
6/2/2023 10:23:00 AM EDT
[#18]
Classic FALs are beautiful rifles.  The SAR-48 was a fine example.

I've never been impressed with the HB ("BAR equivalent").
6/2/2023 2:50:47 PM EDT
[#19]
I'm pretty sure the SAR48 is an all Metric rifle.
6/2/2023 3:41:37 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Jozsi:
Need to find front and rear sight now.
View Quote

Was going to recommend DS Arms hooded rear sight, but just looked on their website for a link and they don't appear to have them anymore
This is...a clue - Pat_Rogers
I'm not adequately aluminumized for this thread. - gonzo_beyondo
CO, MI, SC, OR - Please lobby your legislators to end discrimination against non-resident CCW permit holders
6/2/2023 3:48:53 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Gamma762][Edited] [#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


Why were the Brazilians not using metric threads?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Originally Posted By Air_Soft_Contractor:  The SAR-48 is pre-ban.

The ones with Israeli barrels and parts were assembled by Springfield in the US, on Brazilian receivers.

The Israeli barrels have metric receiver threads, while the Brazilian receivers have inch barrel threads.

Common practice is to tap the inch threaded receivers with the metric threads of the Israeli barrels, but Springfield passed this step and simply forced the Israeli barrels into the Brazilian receivers, with the mismatched threads.

As long as the barrel isn't removed, you'll never know the difference.


Why were the Brazilians not using metric threads?

It's somewhat confusing, "metric" and "inch" are nomenclature for the different configurations, they aren't dimensioned differently. The barrel threads are the same.

The "inch" pattern uses shims of different thicknesses to set the timing between the barrel and receiver. "Metric" configuration barrels have the threads and barrel shoulder cut to an exact spec to time to the receiver, which has matching timed threads. Inch barrels & shims can be installed on metric receivers, but not necessarily the other way around.
This is...a clue - Pat_Rogers
I'm not adequately aluminumized for this thread. - gonzo_beyondo
CO, MI, SC, OR - Please lobby your legislators to end discrimination against non-resident CCW permit holders
6/2/2023 3:54:04 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Gamma762:

It's somewhat confusing, "metric" and "inch" are nomenclature for the different configurations, they aren't dimensioned differently. The barrel threads are the same.

The "inch" pattern uses shims of different thicknesses to set the timing between the barrel and receiver. "Metric" configuration barrels have the threads and barrel shoulder cut to an exact spec to time to the receiver, which has matching timed threads. Inch barrels & shims can be installed on metric receivers, but not necessarily the other way around.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Gamma762:
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Originally Posted By Air_Soft_Contractor:  The SAR-48 is pre-ban.

The ones with Israeli barrels and parts were assembled by Springfield in the US, on Brazilian receivers.

The Israeli barrels have metric receiver threads, while the Brazilian receivers have inch barrel threads.

Common practice is to tap the inch threaded receivers with the metric threads of the Israeli barrels, but Springfield passed this step and simply forced the Israeli barrels into the Brazilian receivers, with the mismatched threads.

As long as the barrel isn't removed, you'll never know the difference.


Why were the Brazilians not using metric threads?

It's somewhat confusing, "metric" and "inch" are nomenclature for the different configurations, they aren't dimensioned differently. The barrel threads are the same.

The "inch" pattern uses shims of different thicknesses to set the timing between the barrel and receiver. "Metric" configuration barrels have the threads and barrel shoulder cut to an exact spec to time to the receiver, which has matching timed threads. Inch barrels & shims can be installed on metric receivers, but not necessarily the other way around.


I'm still not understanding the issue.  If the bbls and receivers are threaded the same, it's just a question of timing, then what is Air_Soft_Contractor talking about?
Death to quislings.
6/2/2023 4:37:59 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Gamma762][Edited] [#23]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
I'm still not understanding the issue.  If the bbls and receivers are threaded the same, it's just a question of timing, then what is Air_Soft_Contractor talking about?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
I'm still not understanding the issue.  If the bbls and receivers are threaded the same, it's just a question of timing, then what is Air_Soft_Contractor talking about?

I don't know. Israeli rifles have some differences in some of the parts, sight height is different, selector and lower receiver, some other things, but AFAIK they're typical metric pattern on the barrel to receiver. Imbel is, in general, all standard metric pattern stuff, IIRC they made some inch receivers as component parts for people to use with inch parts kits.

Originally Posted By EMSflyer:
I'm pretty sure the SAR48 is an all Metric rifle.

The light barrel versions follow the standard FN "metric" pattern. The heavy barrel is the outlier, in that it's mostly Israeli pattern.
This is...a clue - Pat_Rogers
I'm not adequately aluminumized for this thread. - gonzo_beyondo
CO, MI, SC, OR - Please lobby your legislators to end discrimination against non-resident CCW permit holders
6/2/2023 4:39:04 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


I'm still not understanding the issue.  If the bbls and receivers are threaded the same, it's just a question of timing, then what is Air_Soft_Contractor talking about?
View Quote


The Israelis used a thread dimension for the barrel and receiver that differed slightly from the standard FAL thread. Usually, Israeli barrels just need to have the threads chased with the proper-sized die if they are being installed in a non-Israeli receiver.
"What is socialism? The most difficult and tortuous way to progress from capitalism to capitalism." -Stated at an intel conference, East Berlin, Oct. 1988

"Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods." -H.L. Mencken
6/2/2023 4:49:34 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Gamma762:

Was going to recommend DS Arms hooded rear sight, but just looked on their website for a link and they don't appear to have them anymore
View Quote
That's a shame. I have one of those on my Austrian (mostly) FAL and it's really nice.

Glad I got one before they were gone.
6/8/2023 3:25:12 AM EDT
[#26]
Originally Posted By Wolfpack:
Almost 2 decades ago I traded for a SAR-48, shot it a couple of times and put it away. It came with 50 mags (they were $3-5 back then at gunshows).

I used to see them for sale quite regularly when I got it, I just looked and found 1 online that is listed at $6000. Back in the day we valued this thing at $1500.

I believe this falls under the 1989 import ban or at least it did, don't know the status of that any longer.

Anyone have any info on this model? I see some have black plastic furniture, is this one more or less desirable?

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/15404/20230518_110855-2820741.jpg


https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/15404/20230518_110955-2820743.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/15404/20230518_111203-2820744.jpg
View Quote


That is not the same as the full Imbel pre or post ban imports. That is an Israeli parts kit build on a Springfield imported Imbel receiver. They were sold as complete rifles by Springfield that way, but they are not factory Israeli or Brazilian guns.
6/8/2023 8:52:23 AM EDT
[#27]
This is correct.

Have had both and my current std. barrel SAR48 is a made in Brazil completely.
Probably the finest FALs ever made.
6/9/2023 3:41:41 PM EDT
[#28]
I don't think that would bring 6K. If you sell it, take the scope off.  The type of buyer to pay a premium will be looking for a more pure configuration.  They are in demand because a preban collector may want to fill a hole for the Israeli HB variant. They used to be less desirable even just a few years ago. Not so now.
6/9/2023 5:03:30 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Originally Posted By EMSflyer:
The Imbel Mfg SAR48's are probably the finest FALs ever made.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/46283/IMG_3722-631421.JPG

I stumbled across this one a the local pawn/gun shop and they kept lowering the price
until I had to buy it. It was in basically un-fired condition but no box.
View Quote


Rhodie
6/15/2023 4:27:35 PM EDT
[#30]

<------  Mine has a giggle-switch.
Happiness=UPS+ORMD

See my youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx8dT3bnLFUvuEQ-N3Z6rg
6/15/2023 8:48:00 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Originally Posted By stimpsonjcat:


<------  Mine has a giggle-switch.
View Quote


They are fun aren't they?

My transferable Imbel SAR48 converted to an OSW config.

6/15/2023 9:45:59 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jbntex:


They are fun aren't they?

My transferable Imbel SAR48 converted to an OSW config.

https://i.imgur.com/LyTh3ab.jpg
View Quote


I put a 16" bbl on my SA48 and it was uncontrollable...I put the Izzy HB front end back on instantly.
Happiness=UPS+ORMD

See my youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx8dT3bnLFUvuEQ-N3Z6rg
9/6/2023 8:24:09 PM EDT
[#33]
My SAR-48 is the middle rifle.  Bottom is DSA 16", top is a select fire FN paratrooper.  I wish I could buy that style of bipod, the feet are so pretty compared with standard bipods, and finished nicely in black.  My brother had the heavy barrel version.  The SAR-48 is one of the nicest FAL's I've seen, well built on Imbel, and accurate.



If I wanted to live in a socialist state, I would have moved to the PRK. If I wanted to live in a socialist country, I would have moved to Europe.
Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither. - Ben Franklin
9/6/2023 8:36:08 PM EDT
[Last Edit: stimpsonjcat][Edited] [#34]

<-----Mine is missing the R and has a giggle-switch.


HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA  double-tap...wait mag dump!
Happiness=UPS+ORMD

See my youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx8dT3bnLFUvuEQ-N3Z6rg
9/6/2023 8:54:04 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Originally Posted By stimpsonjcat:


<-----Mine is missing the R and has a giggle-switch.


HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA  double-tap...wait mag dump!
View Quote
There are actually two select fire SAR-48's in my small town.  Quite rare, I think they only made 50 of them.
If I wanted to live in a socialist state, I would have moved to the PRK. If I wanted to live in a socialist country, I would have moved to Europe.
Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither. - Ben Franklin
9/6/2023 8:58:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AK_Mike][Edited] [#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jbntex:


They are fun aren't they?

My transferable Imbel SAR48 converted to an OSW config.

https://i.imgur.com/LyTh3ab.jpg
View Quote
Yes, they are.  Dealer sample FN Paratrooper with 11" OSW.  I kept it light and clean.


If I wanted to live in a socialist state, I would have moved to the PRK. If I wanted to live in a socialist country, I would have moved to Europe.
Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither. - Ben Franklin
10/6/2023 6:54:28 PM EDT
[#37]
To this day I regret passing up a SAR-48, it was some state militia trade in deal.  It was cheap, but not as cheap as the Century STG-58 kits on Imbel receivers I bought ($400 each) or the SLR-95’s I bought ($325?). At the time, just the Imbel receiver was $400 itself.  After looking at the accumulated total of all the stuff I did grab, I passed on the SAR-48…..  should have just done it anyhow though…. Think it was like $550 or $600 at the time.
2021 can’t come soon enough!

Edit- well maybe 2020 wasn’t so bad after all.....
10/6/2023 7:14:02 PM EDT
[#38]
Like butter.


10/6/2023 7:45:19 PM EDT
[#39]
I picked up an excellent condition SAR-48 recently on GB for about $2500 with all the taxes and fees.  Mine is the light barrel version.

I don't think the HB version's are as popular - def not $6k.  I'd put it on a 2 week penny auction ending on a Sunday night around 9pm EST to get top dollar.

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