The Very First FAL Prototype (in 8mm Kurz)

Dieudonne Saive at Fabrique Nationale began developing the FAL to submit for the British post-war program to adopt new small arms. He built the first example in the German 8x33mm Kurz cartridge, as this was of a lot of interest at the time, and offered the possibility of controllable automatic fire from the shoulder. The rifle was tested successfully, and led to a British request for two more guns for more substantial testing - but those next two were to use the .280 (7x49mm) cartridge. This example, serial number 1, is really the only intermediate-caliber FAL ever made.

Many thanks to the Ars Mechanica Foundation for giving me access to this unique rifle to film for you!

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