FAL

The FN FAL is a belgian Battle Rifle that were delivered to every single member of NATO except for the United States. It is nicknamed the right arm of the free world.

Overview
The first prototype for the FN FAL was developed during 1947 by Dieudonné Saive, and was designed to fire the intermediate 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge that was used by the Nazis during World War II. After testing this prototype in 1948, Britain urged FN to develop more prototypes, including a bullpup configuration prototype that was chambered for their new .280 British caliber intermediate cartridge. After testing the bullpup prototype, FN decided to return to the original design for future production. In 1950, the United Kingdom presented the redesigned FN FAL as well as their own EM-2 to the United States for comparison testing against the United States Army's design of the time, the T25. FM decided to hedge their bets on the US, as the British seemed to favor their EM-2. In 1951, the FN made a deal with the US that they could produce the FAL royalty-free for the US, especially when the British adopted the EM-2 design the very same month. However, the deal was rescinded after the General Labor Union lost the general elections and was ousted from Parliament with Churchill regaining office, as well as Truman and Churchill getting into an arguement that the british accept the EM-2 while America accepts the FN FAL in 1952. Due to insistence on continued rifle testing, the T44 won out eventually, although the FN FAL was still issued throughout NATO for the time being.

During the Peace Walker Incident, The Militaires Sans Frontieres managed to procure design specs for the FN FAL while sneaking through the Mine Base's AI Weapon Hangar in an attempt to retrieve gear belonging to Big Boss (who was captured and held captive by Dr. Strangelove during this time). The MSF later managed to enhance it and make it easier to utilize by trimming down its barrel, and later, with help from specialists in Optical Technology, added in a targeting laser addon.

Post-Peace Walker
Nearing the end of the Cold War, the FN FAL was starting to be replaced by several countries to update their arsenal. As a result, the United States got a surplus of these weapons, as well.

During the events of the mission to intercept Big Boss's remains in Eastern Europe, The Paradise Lost Army, led by Big Mama, who was formerly known as EVA, utilized the FN FAL while attempting to defend the pyx from Liquid Ocelot's army.

In-game weapons description
"A high-performance assault rifle, one of the two mainstays of the West alongside the M16. Solid, powerful, and reliable, the FAL is a very well-rounded weapon. Its chief drawbacks are its large size, which makes it a bit unwieldy, and the high recoil produced by its high-powered ammunition, which makes it difficult to control during sustained fire. The FAL's highly precise aim allows for AUTO AIM over a wide angle. It is versatile enough to provide stopping power from a distance while still holding its own in a sudden gun battle at close range. (Rank 4) The FAL's highly precise aim allows for AUTO AIM over a wide angle. This model has also been fitted with a laser sight, making it quick to aim and even more effective at long-range gun battles."

- FN FAL's weapons description from Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker