The G1 FAL, adopted by the German Border Guard (Bundesgrenzschutz), represents a significant chapter in the evolution of military firearms. Originating from the aftermath of World War Two, when Germany was initially subjected to perpetual disarmament, the nation's security was entrusted to the oversight of French, British, and American forces. However, as the geopolitical landscape shifted with the onset of the Cold War, the strategic importance of West Germany came to the forefront. In response, the Bundesgrenzschutz emerged in 1951, initially armed with surplus WW2-era Wehrmacht equipment.

In their quest for modernized small arms, the BGS conducted comprehensive trials in 1955/56. The culmination of these evaluations led to the selection of the FAL. The initial order from FN encompassed 2,000 rifles featuring wooden hand guards and a fixed flash hider, akin to the standard Belgian FAL, classified as the “A” pattern. A subsequent order of 4,800 rifles, identified as the “B” pattern, incorporated a metal handguard and introduced a folding bipod, marking the inception of the integral bipod on the FAL, a feature that would later become sought-after by other military organizations.

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Simultaneously, in 1955, the German Army, known as the Bundeswehr, was reinstated. After evaluating the BGS's rifle assessments, the Bundeswehr also opted for the FAL, commissioning 100,000 rifles denoted as the “C” pattern. These variants accommodated specific German preferences, including sights lowered by 3mm, along with a versatile set of swappable muzzle devices comprising a flash hider and blank-firing adapter.

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Despite this adoption of the FAL, FN's unwillingness to license production to West Germany led to an alternate decision. This prompted the Germans to embrace the Spanish CETME as the G3 rifle, a choice that allowed for licensing. The G1 FAL, characterized by its distinctive features tailored to German specifications, soon became an integral part of the Bundesgrenzschutz's arsenal. Its legacy extended beyond the borders of Germany as surplus G1 rifles found new homes in the arsenals of allied forces around the world. This transitioned the G1 FAL from a frontline infantry rifle to a storied relic, embodying an era of adaptability, strategic foresight, and technological innovation.