DSA SA58 (FN FAL) to 500yds: Practical Accuracy 

He does it so casually, but folks who aren't shooters need to realize that knocking down targets at 500 yards with irons is absolutely next level skill.

Not only did the Rhodies jump with the FAL, they brought along the FN MAG for fun. All 12kg of it plus ammo.

decades ago I had one of these exact rifles at an outdoor range when a fast-moving, raging thunderstorm came in out of nowhere. the Rangemaster had us all take cover, and we left our weapons on the shooting benches. When I came back to the bench, my FAL had been completely drenched. I picked it up, tilted the barrel down, locked in a magazine, chambered a round, and started firing. It massively pumped/sprayed water out of itself in all directions, but it kept on working and never failed. that sealed the deal for me, and i still have that rifle.👍

This was my service rifle 1978 / 1979 in the SADF absolutely loved it.

I'm attributing those misses to the rifle not being painted with yellow stripes and you not wearing shorty shorts...

"can't jump with a full length FN!" Rhodesians: "Hold my shorts!"

I was a British Paratrooper and we jumped with these SLRs as standard. Fits into two sleeves attached to the side of our kit bundle ("container"). Released in flight to dangle on a rope attached to our harnesses. HALO jumpers didn't do that. They had the SLR attached to the side of the harness, under the left arm. They do this even with the GPMG (L7 - Brit version of the FN MAG). Land with it - but they're using ram air 'chutes. In the early 1990s (and today), we were jumping this way with the SA80 and LSW, the latter which is roughly the same length as the SLR, despite the LSW being a bullpup. I imagine the reason why we didn't jump with the SLR this way was because the "pistol" grip of the LSW is nearer central to the length of the weapon, allowing for it to be more securely turned and braced for the landing impact. SA80 can't beat the SLR except for quantity of amm carried, rate of firepower and ease of accuracy at closer ranges. SLR wins on everything else bar *full* cleaning on Ops. I have a metal target (road sign thickness) that's had both 5.56mm and 7.62mm sent through it. There are dents from ricocheted 5.56mm but the ricocheted strikes of the 7.62mm punched through it neatly as though it was paper. With the SLR, we used to deliberately aim slightly low on the ETR (electric target range) 'cause ricochets would knock down the targets with lethal power. That had to stop when we went 5.56mm...

I'm a simple man: I see FAL, I click.

When I was in the light infantry, we were taught to aim 6 inches above the centre mass for the round to drop centre and that was at all distances as long as you adjusted the rear sight to the corresponding distance. Our normal rear sight was placed at 300 for general battle conditions. Some years ago I was lucky enough to have a private tour of the Leeds armoury and held the FN serial number 1 !

I carried an FN in the Canadian Army, still my favourite rifle. Her name was "6L7362" and I miss her lol

I've fired literally thousands of rounds from the rifle. I know it inside out. I can remember when I had one put in my hands for the first time. From then on it was practically a part of my body. I could smash targets from 100 metres to 600 meters. Just a great reliable powerful rifle. Brings back sweet memories

This rifle was standard issue to the Rhodesian security Forces. It was a bit heavy carrying it on patrol but when you needed to fire it in anger it gave you a warm feeling hearing the sound of this rifle compared to the" tuk-tuk-tuk" sound of the AK's shooting back at you!

This was my gun in the Greek Special Forse Green Berets in 1993-94. I will never forget it. Durable material with very little maintance. You could be all day long in hush conditions, humidity, mud and still be ready to fire. 226 ΕΣΣΟ Lesvos island 👍

The Rifle of the Free World.

I used this rifle when i was in the Australian army 35yrs ago , i love it , the right arm of the free world

I remember firing this rifle while I served in the New Zealand Army in 1981. I love this rifle. Very accurate. We could expect a bruised cheek from the rifles recoil when you first shot it.

A long time ago this was my personal weapon while I was in the Dutch army,I loved it.

I was an Australian soldier in the 1970s and this was our rifle. Many of my friends who are range shooters ask how accurate these things were and I would say about 12 inches over 400 meters if you were a good shot. They are shocked. My Remington bla bla. Its simple. If you have an auto or semi auto battle rifle you have a simple choice. Better accuracy or better reliability. Military firearms get covered in sand ice snow and mud and dirt. You clean them twice a day but in the field in combat that is what happens. So for a reliable military auto firearm you sacrifice accuracy which is just not a problem as most combat rifle casualties are at close range. Machine guns mortars artillery and "section or squad area fire" often called indirect or suppression fire is responsible for most longer range casualties. Suppression fire is the usual. You know about where they are and you fire intelligently at where you think they are most likely to be at a rate that will keep them from taking the initiative while not burning your ammo.You get some sometimes. If you have a bunch of ammo burn away. Usually you are holding them in place for a heavy weapon to engage their general location and evaporate them and the cover they are in. If you get the order to move in on them before this occurs you know you are all in trouble or that a flanking team has them suppressed. You hope. Go flanking team. That is not because the rifle is inaccurate it is because a soldier in combat rarely gets a chance to line up a long range shot at an enemy combatant. You have to spot him at long range in his cammo, you have to get a good rest, you have to get him to stay vewy vewy still for you and you need to do your auto aiming and breathing and range estimation and all the time other people are trying to shoot you back. They frikkin very rarely co-operate like that unless they have already been shot. Most sniper rifles are bolt actions for this reason although semi autos are getting used. However a sniper rifle semi auto is very expensive and made to tighter tolerances and would jam if in conditions that would not bother stock M4 or AKM or FAL You know how the Fins made that awesome AK47 in 7.62 NATO and made it better by getting the tolerances closer and calling it the Valmet Hunter? They jam. We used to back up his 300 magnum Parker Hale in Buffalo hunting until we got sick of it jamming and went back to using a bolt. AK 47s were not sloppy because the Russians could not make a tighter tolerance. They deliberately made the tolerance what it was so the gun would not jam when dirty and would operate without oil if necessary. No oil will definitely help in dry dusty conditions where oil will create sludge and lead to jams. . (As much. They will still jam when full of crap. Anything will).

Reminds me of my sniper training in the SADF (1976), R1 rifle with iron sights. Sniper table started ar 700 meters _ run to 600 meters and do 10 push-ups. Run to 500 meters and take 5 prone shots. Run to 400 meters and do 10 push-ups. Run to 300 meters and take 5 prone shots. Run 100 meters take 5 kneeling shots. Run 50 meters take 5 standing shots. The first round was hilarious, only one guy (a permanent force Rhodesian), succeeded. The rest of us failed miserably. On a weekend pass, I gathered all the front sights and had them precision ground to a smaller diameter. The instructors allowed us one day with scopes to see where we were shooting but to qualify, we had to use iron sights. By the end of our training we were successful.

In the early/late 70's I took part in inter-regimental/corps competions and we fired our SLRs (UK version of FN FAL) at 100m, 200m, 300m and 600m. The 600m shoot was obviously from the prone position but unsupported, no rifle rests were allowed. We only used battle sights, but at 600m we did have a spotter. The targets were quite large, maybe > 1.5m x 1.5m, black outer, white inner. We also used Browning HP/GP 35 9mm pistols at 10m and 25m and Sterling 9mm SMGs at 25m, 50m, 75m and 100m.

I love how there's no filler at all in these videos, they just skip straight into the good stuff

When I arrived at Bragg in the late 80s we were jumping M16A1's and A2s which are only a bit shorter than the standard FAL (about 3 or 4 inches I think). It really wasn't that bad since the rifle itself was pretty light. Now jumping a M60, that's a beast. Almost broke a couple of ribs one night jumping Holland DZ during a mass tac. Had so many twists in my risers that when I finally had full canopy control there was the ground. No time to lower equipment and bam. Of course it beats jumping a mortar or mortar plate, LOL.

"FN FAL: perfect If you want to reach out and touch someone at 400m." - I heard a South African say once.

Love this piece of art. Used to be weapon of the Indian Armed Forces along with Lee Enfield 303 Ishapore .

Awesome weapon...i used it for two years in the SA Army between 1978 to 1980...carried it..shot with it..used it in actual contacts...awesome..all o can say..

Using the L1a1 SLR (British version of the FAL) in the early 1980s we used shoot at a standard NATO man size target at 600 yards with iron sights and hit consistently without much problem, even in wind. British Army knows how to teach marksmanship. Having shot the M14 and the L1a1 I’m afraid the M14 is very much bringing up the rear.

I’ve jumped with this rifle. I didn’t realise it would have been much safer with something a bit shorter in length. You always drop your load about 50ft from the ground anyway. Making those targets with iron sights is very impressive. Unbelievable actually.

Those original FAL sights are a masterpiece. Simple, easy to manufacture, robust and they DO THEIR JOB (looking at you para)

These videos are the only thing keeping me sane on deployment...Keep em coming!! G3/HK91 next!!!

Your spotter is great. The way he asks his questions really makes you think about your shot instead of winging it. Great team! Great rifle still being carried by great nations.

Fun stuff guys. I bought an FN-FAL about 25 years ago so this was fun to watch. I love your dedication to service rifles.

We used these in the SADF up to the early 80's when the R4 (Galil) replaced it. Totally reliable and packed a nice punch.

certainly brings back memories thank you gentlemen

As a former paratrooper jumping with this, I tell you it's a great and robust rifle all the way ...the sweetest thing on that FAL was that little handle up the top that rested the whole weight of the gun on our mil. belts on those endless marches (sling use was not aloud) !

The South African parabats jumped with this rifle. Amazing sensation on the shooting range - 40 guys firing at the same time.

Great video! I have always loved the FN FAL and most of its variants. I just received the license for my DSA SA58 and will be doing some serious range work the coming weekend. Keep up the awesome content.

I loved using the Brit version of the FAL....great weapon

*Laughs in SLR* Service in NI and the Falklands proved the SLR to be absolutely amazing~

Just bought one of these and am super pumped to start playing with it.

You'll never miss...open sights up to a kilo...lovely to see her again

Love the FN FAL, its a beast of a weapon!! Love shooting it and never had any problems with it. Keep up te good work guys!! Awesome vids! Greetings From Holland!

Although South Africa largely replaced the FAL with the Galil, the remaining FALs were upgraded and are used as Designated Marksman rifles - an intermediate role between regular infantry and Sniper.

This is a superb battle rifle and like all veterans of this rifle's era I mourn its passing!

I had one of these at the range recently and was getting solid groups at 200 yards with peep sights. Fantastic, dependable rifles.

Who remembers these !! MARKSMANSHIP PRINCIPALS 1. The position and hold must be firm enough to support the firearm. 2. The firearm must point naturally at the target without physical effort. 3. Sight alignment must be correct. 4. The shot must be released and followed through without disturbance to the position.

I carried the FN L1A1 for about 10 years till the SA80 was introduced. It was like replacing a classic well built car with a mass produced one. The FN would work and work, was reliable, easy to clear stoppages, strip and clean. Your shooting is a good reflection of it's accuracy. Our Annual Personal Weapons test was to 300m and it would be difficult to miss a man size target. The British Paras carried and jumped with the full size rifle.

Thanks for reminding me why I love my FAL! Nice shooting.

My DSA “Cold Warrior” FAL came in today. So far, I’m happy with it!

I loved my SLR British Army version of the FAL semi auto only but hated cleaning the gas plug

We used to fire the FN in the Irish reserves here in Ireland. Irish UN soldiers had them in the Congo.

Ah, nostalgia! Takes me back to my service in UK. Elephant rifle.... At distance whatever it hits isn't running away. As you rightly said, the length was it's only concern especially for CQB or vehicles.

Another great video guys of a classic battle rifle I own one now and it’s my favourite Carried one for 9 years in the 70,s in the British army 👍

We jump with full length M249's and 240B....Jumping with the full length wouldnt be fun but can be done

Wooden stock SLR (L1A1) was my personal weapon in the Australian Army for nearly 20 years. One thing you shouldn't do is rest the magazine on the ground/bench or hold it in any way, causes miss feeds. When given the choice of this, the M16 or even the steyr, most would choose the SLR. Even if you just "wing" teh target, they go down like a bag of shit.

Hey boys, from central ks USA I send you thanks for all you guys sevice. It's fun reading your comments. Living in the U.S. I've shot hundreds of guns over the past 55 years and maybe into the thousands. In the 50s and 60s surplus was widely available and cheap. My dad had most anything you can think of at one time or another. Did some competitive pistol shooting. Great times. But have only shot one fnfal so far. Interesting weapon. God bless you one and all.

This rifle and derivatives i found were fabulous to fire when you got the correct training ( ex military )..they required cleaning frequently ..proper lubrication (not lashings enough to ensure slick working parts ) i was lucky enough to be part of battallion shooting team so learned all the tricks..superb weapon..deadly accurate all way up the target distances

Great shooting, 500yds iron sights is very tough. Great job.

This is one of my favorite guns

Great video guys! Respect from Cyprus!

Excellent video and excellent shooting skills. The FAL is a awesome rifle as standard. With a half decent small scope dialled in, its a beast.

Also, you made me check my phone a dozen times with that vibrating noise before I realized it was the video.

Loved the SLR when I was in army 500 yards or 600 yards was no problem with iron sites ,don’t forget it was an individual weapon out to 600 yards then a section weapon out to 1200 yards that was mostly just suppressing fire mind ,but you could get the occasional hit

Thanks, it s very transparent to do a accuracy shoot with the wind ripping. Kudos.

I watched this vid a couple of years ago and have wanted a FAL ever since... Actually wanted it before that! Finally getting my chance for a DS Arms Cold Warrior, super excited!!! It's a Legend!

It's not a Practical Accuracy video unless Chan is walking up those stairs with the rifle slung

I was a British Army Reservist for 23 years, I found that 7.62 mm Self Loading Rifle, ( variant of the Belgian FAL ) Manufactured under license in the UK , I have jumped with this weapon, much to chagrin of the two muppets in the video. I have literally fired thousands and thousands of rounds on the range and found it to be a great weapon, for accuracy, and reliability in almost all weather conditions. Still today, it would be my rifle of choice. Well Done Fabrique National.

That guy has some serious skills, well done. I have used SLR's and we now use the EF88 and I can say for accuracy it beats it like it was a red headed stepchild so much so the scoring area now is 1/3 of what we used for the SLR's.

Takes me back to my army days, awesome weapon. You just knew you could stop a man with the FN.

Esse armamento é excepcional! Saudações BR !

So much with iron sights. Impressive!!

Super interesting test! I could never realize the different effectiveness btw the two types of rear sight. Now I could "touch with my eyes", so to speak :)

I used to close both of my eyes instinctively when firing the L1A1 SLR, I broke a pair of glasses on the rear iron sight back in the day, so this is impressive!!

Great video! Can you do a video on the Hk 91 or PTR-91? Thanks again & good job!

Itd be interesting to see a series where you revisit the same rifles but with optics and compare results. Obviously we all know that optics will increase performance but by how much exactly would be insightful.

I had one of these for awhile and loved it.

FN FAL , one of the best rifles to learn and higly acurate , the dutch navy still used them in 2006 . Also the dedicated FALO conversion was wonderfull . full auto rifle with wooden grips. . I loved that thing.

Shouldve adopted this instead of the M14

I have nothing but respect for this weapon. Great Rifle... And yes id choose the SLR over any other.

The best video on range ever!

I was in the Infantry for 18 years and when I first got in we used the FNC1 and C2. The PWT started at 600 with a run down to 25 m. Kill 'em all.

Desmontava e montava o FAL de olho fechado. Não sei quantos tiros efetuei, foram muitos. EB 38 BI - Brasil. Excelente fuzil.

It's never the rifle, it's the shooter. I'm tired of people saying what accurate and all this.. take good care of yourself and your rifle and Zero, Zero, Zero your rifle. 💯

I used the FN SLR version for 14 years as a Royal Marine. I can still feel the weapon in my hands to this day. I loved it for it's accuracy, hitting power and beer bottle opener on it's cocking handle.

Well done. Great shooting. Beautiful rifle.

I used to have one of them 40 years ago in the T.A. Pity I had to give it back.

Carried an SLR for twenty years, a must, if possible “ bore sight” the rifle, and correctly zero it, remember your “ marksmanship principals

What a beautiful rifle old memories always present.

He makes that look easy in stiff wind. Kudos!

Fue usado en la batalla de las Malvinas por los Argentinos y por los ingleses, si, ambos bandos usaron el FN FAL en 1982.

With 18 year old eyes, I could get 6 inch groups at 300 yards with my issued FNC1. I miss my FN.

Excellent shooting once again Henry.

Did my first range practise in 1985 on her. Still fondly remember the experience.

Going back to the differences that good rear irons can make, I'd be interested to see how both the M16A1 and the M16A2 would do here (in semi-auto guise, of course). I know that there's other differences between these two rifles but I wonder how tough it would be to get hits with the A1 carry handle sights vs the A2?

"...Can't imagine to jump with this!...." Well, my Father is laughing at you.

Timg ,Fondly remember the hot case down the back of the neck on the firing point. Our range points seemed perfectly spaced for the eject distance. Licking phosphor matches for cleaning gas plugs was a bit gipping but did the job. Bloody good gat. L85A1 was a shock when first received with the bits dropping off, however I will say that once you had "tuned" yours it was accurate. IF it fired!

That was our issue in South Africa in the mid 70's its a great rifle. Mine had a wood stock which made it a bit heavy.

For those who didn't know. The reason its called the SLR in PUBG is because it takes the name of the British variant of the FAL. The L1A1 SLR

Still my favourite rifle....7.62 mm accurate at 400 m never missed .

Back in the 1970s the FN FAL was the standard battle rifle of the Canadian Armed Forces. Known as the FN C1, it was the rifle I shot while at basic training at CFB Cornwallis (Course 7331), and it was also the rifle I shot at small arms qualifying while stationed at CFB Montreal.

We had the L1A1 SLR version of the FN and it was almost universally loved by squaddies (unlike its replacement the L85 A1 which was a piece of crap) ,the furthest we ever fired at on the range was 400 yards, so I was well impressed by that shooting.