T48 rifles of these United States of America

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 00:33

This is a photo documentation of the FAL type rifles at Marine Corps Base Quantico taken December 12 2008
Feel free to copy any or all of the images and use them as you wish.

Belgian prototype #28 as seen in the FAL Rifle reference book, Metric section page 94, figure 71
This rifle was proofed on March 14 1952 and then brought to America only days later.

Captain Ben Grant with #28

Pat Jones from SAF Lithgow.com with #28

second rifle from the right

The top cover is incorrect for this rifle but there were many different types of top covers and scopes tested on this rifle so it was very probable that the original was lost.

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 00:44

Belgian heavy barrel T48E1 that has gone through US trials.

Handguards are missing and were most likely broken during trials

OOPS I drooled

Carry handle is offset and swept back like the Canadian heavy barrel rifles

Here is a pristine example of the Belgian made T48 E1. Bipod has been removed for storage in the racks.
Note the highly polished bolt carrier.

Belgian made T48 light barrel rifle.
70 light barrel rifles ordered in 1953 and then another 833 ordered in 1954. (other configurations were supplied in those orders totaling 3403 rifles)

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 01:04

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 01:26

Belgian T48 light barrel ser# D115, this rifle is most likely one of the first 70 rifles ordered in 1953 as the markings on the left side of the receiver are marked "FAL.7.62mm" and has a full auto selector.
The 1954 order were marked "RIFLE Caliber.30T.48_F.N." and were semi auto only with semi selectors fitted from the factory.

US T48 Harrington and Richardson

Pat Jones from SAF Lithgow.com with one of the 70 remaining H&R T48's at Quantico

Captian Ben Grant with H&R T48

A small metal plate is pinned to the rear of the sight to prevent the aperture from sliding back and off the sight ramp.

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 01:43

Half of the rifles in the racks have the original wrap on them and show no wear except for test firing after assembly back in 1955.

Bottom of carriers are polished to make the action as smooth as glass.

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 01:47

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 01:51

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 01:52

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 01:53

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 01:54

Some more modern brand new unfired Belgian FAL's with type 2 receivers are also in the collection.
They are marked " ESSAIS OTAN" which translates NATO TRIALS

There is one Belgian para with a type 1 receiver and a 21" bipod cut barrel and standard combo device.

There approximately 7 Operation Desert Storm bring backs some of which were also NATO TRIALS rifles, these were sold to Kuait. Type 1 and type 2 receivers.

SLR-5000 · February 19, 2009, 08:36

New in wrap British L1A1's from different years and both Enfield and BSA manufacturers.
It is unheard of to have a British L1A1 with only one manufacturers parts used in it's construction.
The number of British L1A1's built was in the many millions and they were strictly military sales and therefore military grade (no polished poyers here).

The rough finish of the Brit rifle makes the Australian holding it look good.

armeiro · February 21, 2009, 07:47

...are there black and white images of it?

**W.E.G.** · February 21, 2009, 10:07

SLR-5000 · February 21, 2009, 17:12

I strongly suggest everyone go out and get a copy of the " THE FAL RIFLE collector edition"

SLR-5000 · February 21, 2009, 17:40

There are very few American made T48's in private hands. I recently saw H&R Ser#4396 at Knights Armament while taking a tour of the personal collection of Reed Knight but the highlight of the tour was all of Eugene Stoners collection that he left to Reed after his death. He also has serial #001 in the famed G series of Belgian FAL imports from back in the 60's.
Pat

**W.E.G.** · February 22, 2009, 14:38

saved and "stuck"

Potshot · June 29, 2009, 23:08

Hmmmmmm, if SLR starts offering 'find of the century' parts kits from an un-named military arsenal, we'll know.......

**moses** · September 14, 2011, 14:47

Wow! How did I miss this thread?

I was lucky enough to spend a day there too!!!!

It was around 2002 I think before digital camera's were plentiful and cheap.
All my pics are the old fashion ink and paper, I need to scan them!!!!!

Gotta say I didn't want to let those H&R's go!!!!

**jimsoden** · February 04, 2012, 13:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by moses

Wow! How did I miss this thread?

I was lucky enough to spend a day there too!!!!

It was around 2002 I think before digital camera's were plentiful and cheap.
All my pics are the old fashion ink and paper, I need to scan them!!!!!

Gotta say I didn't want to let those H&R's go!!!!

Can I please have one, too?

Jim Soden

Slave to the FN of Old!

Kyrottimus · February 19, 2012, 13:24

Why o' why didn't the DoD adopt this rifle instead of the M-14? Madness!!!!

**sturmgrenadiere** · June 21, 2012, 01:24

That was a good day for Pat. Glad I got him in there. Of course, don't let my expressions in the pictures fool you... I was beside myself with joy...

Good memory to share of Pat...

Ben

homelandprotector · June 21, 2012, 13:55

Wow! I'd sell one of my kidneys to own a few of those rifles...

Amazing historical value, and great memories of Pat, Thanks Ben

enbloc8 · August 05, 2012, 22:04

One word...wow.

Great of Pat to not only document them in such depth, but post the pics on an open site for all to see.

**Abominog** · September 27, 2012, 12:16

The FN prototypes and FN-made T48s look parked to me. Surprising, since the BGS rifles and early G1s were blued.

**def90** · September 27, 2012, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abominog

The FN prototypes and FN-made T48s look parked to me. Surprising, since the BGS rifles and early G1s were blued.

Maybe it was a specification of the country placing the order? I could also see them ordering several finishes just to see how they would hold up seeing that they were trials rifles just.

tywest · October 23, 2012, 10:34

this is just an awesome thread that serves to commemorate a mans lifetime love.

**JAVIER** · November 25, 2012, 20:27

I wonder when they are going to sell them rifles.......to offset the debt of this country.... pretty sure is a lot of money in the museum......LOL...... I like them all.....

**sturmgrenadiere** · December 05, 2012, 23:10

Selling Marine Corps property is not going to fix Medicare.

but... If they did sell any, I'll be elbowing my way to the head of the line as best I can

dirtyrice · January 06, 2013, 03:37

I'm just glad to see pats photobucket is still intact. Need to save all of these and many others. Too bad his main folder isn't public. All I can keep thinking is how many other neat l1a1 products he would have brought to market in the years he had left or found on his travels. I'm lucky I had the chance to do business with him.

**LaConservationist** · April 14, 2013, 15:33

Always amazing no matter how many times I visit this thread!!

LaC

February 19, 2009, 00:33	#1
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	T48 rifles of these United States of America This is a photo documentation of the FAL type rifles at Marine Corps Base Quantico taken December 12 2008 Feel free to copy any or all of the images and use them as you wish. Belgian prototype #28 as seen in the FAL Rifle reference book, Metric section page 94, figure 71 This rifle was proofed on March 14 1952 and then brought to America only days later. Captain Ben Grant with #28 Pat Jones from SAF Lithgow.com with #28 second rifle from the right The top cover is incorrect for this rifle but there were many different types of top covers and scopes tested on this rifle so it was very probable that the original was lost. Last edited by SLR-5000; February 22, 2009 at 16:28.

February 19, 2009, 01:04	#3
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Last edited by SLR-5000; August 22, 2009 at 14:50.

February 19, 2009, 01:43	#5
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Half of the rifles in the racks have the original wrap on them and show no wear except for test firing after assembly back in 1955. Bottom of carriers are polished to make the action as smooth as glass. Last edited by SLR-5000; February 19, 2009 at 01:50.

February 19, 2009, 01:47	#6
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Last edited by SLR-5000; February 21, 2009 at 16:28.

February 19, 2009, 01:51	#7
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Last edited by SLR-5000; February 19, 2009 at 08:35.

February 19, 2009, 00:44	#2
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Belgian heavy barrel T48E1 that has gone through US trials. Handguards are missing and were most likely broken during trials OOPS I drooled Carry handle is offset and swept back like the Canadian heavy barrel rifles Here is a pristine example of the Belgian made T48 E1. Bipod has been removed for storage in the racks. Note the highly polished bolt carrier. Belgian made T48 light barrel rifle. 70 light barrel rifles ordered in 1953 and then another 833 ordered in 1954. (other configurations were supplied in those orders totaling 3403 rifles) Last edited by SLR-5000; August 22, 2009 at 15:36.

February 19, 2009, 01:26	#4
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Belgian T48 light barrel ser# D115, this rifle is most likely one of the first 70 rifles ordered in 1953 as the markings on the left side of the receiver are marked "FAL.7.62mm" and has a full auto selector. The 1954 order were marked "RIFLE Caliber.30T.48_F.N." and were semi auto only with semi selectors fitted from the factory. US T48 Harrington and Richardson Pat Jones from SAF Lithgow.com with one of the 70 remaining H&R T48's at Quantico Captian Ben Grant with H&R T48 A small metal plate is pinned to the rear of the sight to prevent the aperture from sliding back and off the sight ramp. Last edited by SLR-5000; August 22, 2009 at 15:41.

February 19, 2009, 01:52	#8
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Last edited by SLR-5000; February 21, 2009 at 16:00.

February 19, 2009, 01:53	#9
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Last edited by SLR-5000; February 23, 2009 at 09:05.

February 19, 2009, 01:54	#10
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	Some more modern brand new unfired Belgian FAL's with type 2 receivers are also in the collection. They are marked " ESSAIS OTAN" which translates NATO TRIALS There is one Belgian para with a type 1 receiver and a 21" bipod cut barrel and standard combo device. There approximately 7 Operation Desert Storm bring backs some of which were also NATO TRIALS rifles, these were sold to Kuait. Type 1 and type 2 receivers. Last edited by SLR-5000; August 02, 2009 at 08:43.

February 19, 2009, 08:36	#11
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	New in wrap British L1A1's from different years and both Enfield and BSA manufacturers. It is unheard of to have a British L1A1 with only one manufacturers parts used in it's construction. The number of British L1A1's built was in the many millions and they were strictly military sales and therefore military grade (no polished poyers here). The rough finish of the Brit rifle makes the Australian holding it look good. Last edited by SLR-5000; February 23, 2009 at 17:59.

February 21, 2009, 07:47	#12
armeiro Registered FALaholic #: 24968 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 2	...are there black and white images of it?

February 21, 2009, 10:07	#13
W.E.G. Administrator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 1211 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 31,056	__________________ . . . Ask me about the Mason-Dixon FAL Collectors Association.

February 21, 2009, 17:12	#14
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	I strongly suggest everyone go out and get a copy of the " THE FAL RIFLE collector edition"

February 21, 2009, 17:40	#15
SLR-5000 pat@SAFLithgow.com FALaholic #: 9674 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rathdrum, North Idaho Posts: 1,887	There are very few American made T48's in private hands. I recently saw H&R Ser#4396 at Knights Armament while taking a tour of the personal collection of Reed Knight but the highlight of the tour was all of Eugene Stoners collection that he left to Reed after his death. He also has serial #001 in the famed G series of Belgian FAL imports from back in the 60's. Pat Last edited by SLR-5000; August 22, 2009 at 16:21.

February 22, 2009, 14:38	#16
W.E.G. Administrator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 1211 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 31,056	saved and "stuck" __________________ . . . Ask me about the Mason-Dixon FAL Collectors Association.

June 29, 2009, 23:08	#17
Potshot Registered FALaholic #: 6398 Join Date: May 2002 Location: xxx Posts: 1,104	Hmmmmmm, if SLR starts offering 'find of the century' parts kits from an un-named military arsenal, we'll know....... __________________ "The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to permit the conquered Eastern peoples to have arms. History teaches that all conquerors who have allowed their subject races to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by doing so." --- Adolf Hitler "If it was up to me, no one but law enforcement officers would own hand guns..." Chicago Mayor Richard Daley "Armas para que?" ("Guns, for what?") -- Fidel Castro

September 14, 2011, 14:47	#18
moses One of the original 400 Contributor FALaholic #: 392 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: charlotte nc usa Posts: 5,476	Wow! How did I miss this thread? I was lucky enough to spend a day there too!!!! It was around 2002 I think before digital camera's were plentiful and cheap. All my pics are the old fashion ink and paper, I need to scan them!!!!! Gotta say I didn't want to let those H&R's go!!!! __________________ . Military rifle steel plate match schedule for 2013, March 9th, May 26th(Sunday), Sept. 14th & Nov. 9th AKA "8.47"

February 19, 2012, 13:24	#20
Kyrottimus Registered FALaholic #: 18036 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 3,042	Why o' why didn't the DoD adopt this rifle instead of the M-14? Madness!!!! __________________ Anomaly in Progress Esto Perpetua; Semper Armatus, Semper Liberi

June 21, 2012, 01:24	#21
sturmgrenadiere Moderator Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 1010 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Quantico, Va Posts: 2,539	That was a good day for Pat. Glad I got him in there. Of course, don't let my expressions in the pictures fool you... I was beside myself with joy... Good memory to share of Pat... Ben __________________ They had Kings and Queens, we had a flag. The grass is neither greener or better. It is just grass, and it still itches. No rubber dogshit out of Hong Kong yet, but I am waiting for that mission...

June 21, 2012, 13:55	#22
homelandprotector Registered FALaholic #: 16592 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 6,137	Wow! I'd sell one of my kidneys to own a few of those rifles... Amazing historical value, and great memories of Pat, Thanks Ben __________________ We need about 3000 Ron Paul's in Washington.....HLP

August 05, 2012, 22:04	#23
enbloc8 Registered FALaholic #: 51665 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 828	One word...wow. Great of Pat to not only document them in such depth, but post the pics on an open site for all to see.

September 27, 2012, 12:16	#24
Abominog Old Fart Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 372 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Finger Lakes, NY Posts: 6,557	The FN prototypes and FN-made T48s look parked to me. Surprising, since the BGS rifles and early G1s were blued. __________________ They will live a long time, these men of the South Pacific. They, like their victories, will be remembered as long as our generation lives. Longer and longer shadows will obscure them, until their Guadalcanal sounds distant on the ear like Shiloh and Valley Forge. --- Michener, Tales of the South Pacific Tempus Edax Rerum

October 23, 2012, 10:34	#26
tywest Registered FALaholic #: 66761 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: West, GA Posts: 1,283	this is just an awesome thread that serves to commemorate a mans lifetime love.

November 25, 2012, 20:27	#27
JAVIER Veteran Member Contributor FALaholic #: 5002 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: ohio Posts: 1,014	I wonder when they are going to sell them rifles.......to offset the debt of this country.... pretty sure is a lot of money in the museum......LOL...... I like them all.....

December 05, 2012, 23:10	#28
sturmgrenadiere Moderator Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 1010 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Quantico, Va Posts: 2,539	Selling Marine Corps property is not going to fix Medicare. but... If they did sell any, I'll be elbowing my way to the head of the line as best I can __________________ They had Kings and Queens, we had a flag. The grass is neither greener or better. It is just grass, and it still itches. No rubber dogshit out of Hong Kong yet, but I am waiting for that mission...

January 06, 2013, 03:37	#29
dirtyrice Registered FALaholic #: 20129 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,782	I'm just glad to see pats photobucket is still intact. Need to save all of these and many others. Too bad his main folder isn't public. All I can keep thinking is how many other neat l1a1 products he would have brought to market in the years he had left or found on his travels. I'm lucky I had the chance to do business with him. __________________ “The people are the best guardians of their own rights and it is the duty of their executive to abstain from interfering in or thwarting the sacred exercise of the lawmaking functions of their government.” -William Henry Harrison “I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process.” -Benjamin Harrison Ron Paul 2008. Wtf happened people :( God Bless Texas!

April 14, 2013, 15:33	#30
LaConservationist IN DENIAL NOT ADDICTED!! Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 42319 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South Louisiana Bayous! Posts: 6,433	Always amazing no matter how many times I visit this thread!! LaC __________________ In MEMORY of Roger "DUNKRD" Dunkelbarger September 13, 1943 - May 09, 2010 "Any one who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him, better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford

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