page_title: ParaFAL
hierarchical_section_title: ParaFAL
caption_attribution_description: a photo of a modern Para-style FAL. Author: Karl Muth
context_page_description: The ParaFAL 7.62mm M964 A1 MD1 is a 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle which is a lighter-weight modification of the 30-year-old Brazilian-licensed and built FN FAL, MD2 and MD3. Existing FALs can be converted to the more modern ParaFAL specification by the Brazilian company IMBEL with a low-cost kit of parts. Amongst the changes is a shorter barrel, and replacement of aluminium by high-impact polymer parts. One of the larger changes being the placement of the buffer spring in relation to the new folding stock. The full length FAL has an M4 type buffer tube in the stock which would have interfered with the Para FAL’s folding stock, and so it needed to be moved to the receiver. The receiver was slightly re-designed to allow space for the buffer spring. The buffer spring on the Para FAL is located in the top of the receiver. It is because of this that parts between regular FALs and Para FALs are not compatible.
  The ParaFAL is increasingly used by the military police and some units of the Brazilian Army.
  In 2009 IMBEL received the order to produce the ParaFAL to replace the FAL as the standard weapon while the IMBEL MD97-A2 assault rifle is in development.
context_section_description: The ParaFAL 7.62mm M964 A1 MD1 is a 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle which is a lighter-weight modification of the 30-year-old Brazilian-licensed and built FN FAL, MD2 and MD3. Existing FALs can be converted to the more modern ParaFAL specification by the Brazilian company IMBEL with a low-cost kit of parts. Amongst the changes is a shorter barrel, and replacement of aluminium by high-impact polymer parts. One of the larger changes being the placement of the buffer spring in relation to the new folding stock. The full length FAL has an M4 type buffer tube in the stock which would have interfered with the Para FAL’s folding stock, and so it needed to be moved to the receiver. The receiver was slightly re-designed to allow space for the buffer spring. The buffer spring on the Para FAL is located in the top of the receiver. It is because of this that parts between regular FALs and Para FALs are not compatible.
  The ParaFAL is increasingly used by the military police and some units of the Brazilian Army.
  In 2009 IMBEL received the order to produce the ParaFAL to replace the FAL as the standard weapon while the IMBEL MD97-A2  assault rifle is in development.
caption: The ParaFAL with a folded stock
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