[Jeff Higgins]

You guys might remember when, very recently, I put out an inquiry regarding the venerable FAL rifle. Well, I'm happy to report, a fellow Pelican came through and offered up an outstanding example of the breed, which I quickly snatched up. I have to admit, not being conversant in the lingo of the FAL, I really had no idea what the significance of a real, relatively unaltered, original "IMBEL" was, but I soon found out. Essentially, everyone I know who I have shown or mentioned it to has been in awe. I had no idea.

Anyhoo, my younger son and I retired to the local (actually, not quite so local, being 70 miles away) gravel pit to give it a thorough workout. He absolutely loved it. Flawless functioning with a variety of ammo, easy hits on my 8" gong from any field position at ranges out to 250+ yards. Definitely "battle worthy". Unquestioned build quality, especially against the backdrop of today's "black rifles".

So, why did it leave me relatively non-plussed? Maybe because I was able to match its performance with my Model 71 (updated 1886) Winchester lever gun in .348 Winchester. Granted, not the same (20 round) capacity, but I could easily keep it running by topping it off as needed, while he had to wait to empty the magazine before he would change them. Then, when all were empty, I could still keep topping mine off while he reloaded magazines...

Oh well. Maybe it's a generational thing. He loves it. He's ecstatic with it. It exceeds all of his expectations. Couldn't be happier. Me, I see a Parkerized, plastic stocked, rather soulless "appliance", contrasting with beautiful blued steel and walnut. And, at least in a "civilian" situation, at least equal effectiveness. Maybe I'm just too much of a romantic or something. It really is a fantastic rifle, by the measure of those who are into them. He is happy, and I'm happy that he is happy. But I think I'll stick to my lever guns...