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Posted: 7/26/2009 8:37:58 AM EDT
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does anyone know of a good website or book that discusses Israel's problems with the FAL that led to their development of the Galil? I'm not interested in the Galil development, I am interested in understanding the FAL problems.
how effecive were the sand cuts introduced by the Brits to overcome this issue? this story seems to be the Achille's Heel of the FAL, I would like to learn more about it... |
| I've heard it repeatedly that their weapon maintenance standards were abysmal. Being a mostly conscript force, I find that easy to believe. As for not holding up in sandy conditions, most weapons won't. The sand cuts were quite effective in British service, but sand still has the ability to bring even the most tolerant weapon to halt, AK's included. |
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Quoted:
Didnt the SAS use FALs for awhile and they had to be operating in some sandy places? SAS had typically stayed away from the FAL/L1A1 for a variety of reasons, mostly to cut down on weight and size. The UK special forces have had a long affair with the HK system, HK carbines in 5.56 are popular as well as the MP5. Previous to the HK rifles in 5.56 the AR type was popular with the SAS as well. This does not mean that they did not use the L1A1, they did if the weapon fit the mission. |
| It all depends on how well you maintain your weapons systems, the Israeli's don't have a problem now with the M-16 and M4 because they regularly clean and keep up their weapon systems, just like the U.S. Military. Its a major part of developing a professional armed service. |
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The FAL was used extensively in Africa in sandy and rainy conditions and was extremely reliable. I think the Isaeli's weapons maintenance standards weren't very good, which may have contributed to the FAL's replacement. The Galil didn't last very long in the Israeli Army as well. They still use the M-16 and to a limited extent the new Tavor.
The FAL is the best 7.62mm battle rifle ever made! It has seen as much combat around the world as the AK-47. 101 |
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Chuck Taylor ran an article in the old SWAT Magazine, back in the 1980's, that's posted a the FAL Files. In it he references this story, and his sources in Israel put the blame squarely on the conscript army's lack of maintenence. It has parroted repeatedly as gospel by the gun press with no further evidence or investigation.
In later years (specifically Jeff Cooper) I've seen it written that the Israelis were on top of their small arms maintenece. I'll bet they learned that lesson in 1967 and not maintaining their FAL's.. |
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Quoted:
The FAL was used extensively in Africa in sandy and rainy conditions and was extremely reliable. I think the Isaeli's weapons maintenance standards weren't very good, which may have contributed to the FAL's replacement. The Galil didn't last very long in the Israeli Army as well. They still use the M-16 and to a limited extent the new Tavor. The FAL is the best 7.62mm battle rifle ever made! It has seen as much combat around the world as the AK-47. 101 Umm... the Galil is still being used, I have a buddy from Israel that has one as his issued rifle. |
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