FN CAL
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| FN CAL | |
|---|---|
 FN CAL |
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| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin | Belgium |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Fabrique Nationale (FN) |
| Produced | 1966—1975 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.35 kg |
| Length | 980 mm |
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| Cartridge | 5.56 x 45 mm NATO |
| Caliber | 5.56 mm |
| Action | Gas-operated, Rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 650 rounds/min |
| Feed system | 20, 25 and 30-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights |
The FN CAL (Carabine Automatique Légère) was the Belgian arms manufacturer Fabrique Nationale's first 5.56 mm rifle.
[edit] Design
Contrary to popular assumption, it is not a scaled-down and rechambered FN FAL. FN had already constructed a Mini-FAL prototype before shelving the idea as unmarketable, noting the growing sales success of the HK G3 rifle. FN decided that for any future rifle to be competitive and successful, it would need to use fewer expensive precision-machined parts. These would be replaced by less expensive castings and stampings where possible. While the construction of the new CAL reflected these design principles, it met with no significant sales. It was eventually dropped for the even less expensive FN FNC.
[edit] See also
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