Any Photos of Spec Ops with FALs in Iraq or Afghanistan?

[JM]

Does anyone have any photos with spec ops or othe Western soldiers using FALs or L1a1s?

Thanks

[Argyll]

JM,
The L1A1 or the SLR as it was commonly known, was phased out in the late 80's,we changed from the SLR to the SA80 in 1987.
I doubt very much SF would carry it nowadays,for several reasons,
1.It was 7.62 mm ammo,we are now using 5.56mm which is NATO standard and weighed if I remember 9lb 9oz
2.SF favour the M4/Deimaco C7/8 series slightly lighter,but means you can carry more ammo to weight ratio
The good thing about the SLR was it had stopping power,targets fell and didn't get up after being hit!!
It was also reliable in temperate climates such as desert etc!

[JM]

Thanks for the reply.

I am aware that the UK and US have for the most part phased out 7.62 battle rifles. I have heard from various sources that SEaLs and SF have been using FALs in Afghanistan and Northern Iraq. Of course, I can't verify this.

[Royal]

I doubt it, certainly as far as the brits are concerned. We still have G3's in the armoury, but the old L1A1 is long gone :cry: To the best of my knowledge they havn't been used outside NI for years

[MolliG]

Hmmm...from what I've heard the FAL and its copies were very tempremental with sand and dust compared to say the G3 which has seen its fair share of action in the desert/dusty places. (Loads in Africa and the Saudis used them in the 1st Gulf War).

I doubt US SF would be using them becuase they have access to the M14 and 7.62mm Armalite varients. And also the SAS/SBS would probaly take the G3 as the SLRs are now just worn, uncared for, pieces of metal :(.

Some were used in the 1st Gulf War but they were coming to the end of their life (my dad had to take the L85 [was it 'A1' in '90/'91?] over there instead of his old SLR and L4A4 [7.62mm Bren])

:)

Long Live The SLR! :D