T48–The FAL That Failed

Many people might not know this, but in the 1950s the Belgian Fabrique Nationale (FN) FAL almost replaced the legendary M1 Garand in the US military.

The 30-06 caliber M1 Garand had the US served admirably during WWII. Gen. Patton even once wrote a letter to the Springfield Armory praising the rifle: "In my opinion, the M1 rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised". But by the end of the war, intermediate caliber, selective-fire, rifles with higher capacity detachable magazines–which could replace both battle rifles and sub-machine guns–were the hot trend. In the Soviet Union, this led to the adoption of the iconic AK-47, but in Western Europe and the US, it wasn't that simple.

Following NATO's official formation in April 1949, a "Small Arms Steering Committee" was created to promote the adoption of a standard NATO rifle and cartridge. This interest in standardization prompted a redesign of the FAL to accommodate the more powerful 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, which the Americans insisted upon, rather than the less powerful intermediate cartridges (such as the British .280). The US Army’s Small Arms Board also hinted to FN and the rest of NATO that the US might accept the 7.62mm FAL (especially with a US manufacturing license).

Accordingly, the U.S. tested the FAL in several forms; initially manufactured by FN, and later in the final T48 configuration as an official competitor for the new Light Self-Loading Rifle to replace the M1 Garand. The trial T48s were manufactured by FN in Belgium; Harrington & Richardson (H&R) in Massachusetts; and High Standard in Connecticut. During the trials that ran from 1953-1955, the T48/FAL went head-to-head against the US Springfield Armory’s T44 rifle, basically rechambered and an improved 7.62mm M1 Garand with a detachable magazine and select-fire capability.
 

Initially the two rifles performed roughly the same. But when it came time to test the rifles under Arctic conditions, the T44 performed significantly better. The Springfield Armory used their home-field advantage to spend several weeks tweaking and improving their rifles in their on-site cold chamber. Neither FN, H&R nor High Standard had this capability, so the T44 rifles significantly outperformed the T48s during the cold weather tests. The T44 had some other advantages over the T48 as well though; it was about a pound (approximately half a kilogram) lighter, it was a simpler design with fewer parts, it had a self-regulating gas system, and it was argued that it could be manufactured using existing M1 rifle machinery. This last argument was later proven to be untrue and unworkable. 

Nonetheless, the T44 was adopted by the US military and entered service as the M14. Ironically, it would have the distinction of being the US rifle with one of the shortest lengths of service. The FN FAL on the other hand was adopted by over 90 countries and served for approximately 75 years – earning itself the nickname "the right arm of the free world" due to its use during the Cold War by NATO and many other Western-aligned countries as well.
 

But the story of the T48 did not end there. This year the modern incarnation of the Harrington & Richardson brand (now owned by Palmetto State Armory) has teamed up with FAL experts DS Arms to produce a totally accurate real-steel replica of the T48 rifle as tested in the 1950s (minus the full-auto capability). We got a a closer look and a run-down on the rifle at the SHOT Show in January. 

This near-perfect replica of the original Harrington & Richardson T48 FAL features several unique characteristics:

• Factory-correct markings
• Wood furniture
• Folding winter trigger guard
• Higher sight line
• Vertical break-open lever
• Ability to top up magazine from stripper clips

The company’s aim is to provide enthusiasts and collectors with a faithful representation of the historic T48 FAL, combining modern manufacturing techniques with classic design elements. At the time of writing, the price of all this retro goodness has not yet been announced, and although the rifle was supposed to be released onto the market this month (July 2025). DS Arms has confirmed that the rifles are in production, but the actual release date / availability, pricing and order taking will be through Palmetto State Armory. 

In the meantime, you can check out the other FAL models that DS Arms currently offer, on the company's website.