Calibre: 7.62mm x 51 NATO
Mass:
- 4.31kg empty)
- 5.06kg with full magazine
Magazine Capacity: 20 round magazine
Length: 1.100m
Barrel Length: 0.533m
Muzzle Velocity: 823m/s
Rate of Fire:
- 650 to 700 rounds/min (cyclic)
- 120 rounds/min (automatic)
- 60 rounds/min (single shot)
Description
The R1 is the South African version of the basic Belgian FN-FAL which has been in service in many countries and long served as the benchmark against which other assault rifles were measured due to its accuracy, strength and reliability. Its weight, small magazine capacity and heavy recoil however counted against it and it has been phased out in most armies in favour of lighter 5.56mm weapons.