H&R T48
The H&R T48 is a faithful, 100% US-made reproduction of the rifle that competed against the M14 and AR-10 in the United States service rifle trials of the 1950s. Produced as a limited run under the revived Harrington & Richardson brand, the T48 was the American-trials designation for the FN FAL — one of the most widely adopted battle rifles of the 20th century. Chambered in 7.62mm NATO with new US-made walnut furniture, a 21-inch chrome-lined barrel, and a forged steel receiver, the T48 is built as an instant collectible. These rifles carry the original serial number range with an "HR" prefix and, as a limited production run, won't remain available long.
Read our full H&R T48 Buying Guide ↓
The T48 and the 1950s Service Rifle Trials
In the early 1950s, the United States conducted service rifle trials to select a replacement for the M1 Garand. Three rifles competed: the T44 (which became the M14), the FN FAL submitted as the T48, and the Armalite AR-10. The T44 ultimately won the competition and was adopted as the M14, but the FAL went on to far wider global adoption, serving more than 90 nations and earning the nickname "the right arm of the free world." The H&R T48 recreates the FAL as it was submitted for those American trials — a significant and often overlooked chapter in American military rifle history, now reproduced with 100% US-made components.
H&R T48 Specifications
The H&R T48 is chambered in 7.62mm NATO and built to faithful reproduction standards with modern American manufacturing. The 21-inch barrel is 4150 steel, chrome-lined, with a 1:10 twist and a parkerized finish, capped with a flash hider. The receiver is forged 4140 steel and the bolt is 8620 steel. The lower receiver is US-made steel. The handguard, buttstock, and pistol grip are all new US-made walnut, giving the rifle its classic FAL appearance and feel. Overall length is 44.5 inches and weight is 9.4 lbs. Each rifle ships with one 20-round magazine. As a limited run, these rifles carry the original FAL serial number range with an "HR" prefix — a detail that adds to their collectible appeal.
The FAL Action: Tilting Breechblock and Adjustable Gas
The FAL operates via a short-stroke gas piston system driving a tilting breechblock — a robust, proven action that locks the bolt by tilting it into a locking shoulder in the receiver. The FAL's adjustable gas system allows the shooter to tune the amount of gas tapped from the barrel to operate the action, optimizing reliability for different ammunition or conditions. This adjustability was part of what made the original FAL adaptable to the wide range of climates and environments it served in worldwide. The H&R T48 faithfully reproduces this classic operating system in its 7.62 NATO chambering.
H&R T48 vs. M14/M1A: The Trials Rivalry Reborn
The H&R T48 and the M14 (in civilian form, the Springfield M1A) represent two of the three finalists from the 1950s U.S. service rifle trials, both chambered in 7.62 NATO. The M14/M1A uses a rotating bolt derived from the M1 Garand action; the FAL/T48 uses a tilting breechblock with an adjustable gas system. For collectors and battle rifle enthusiasts, owning the T48 alongside an M1A — and an AR-10, the third contender — recreates the historic trials competition with three of the most significant battle rifle designs of the era. Each brings a distinct action design and history to a collection.
The Revived H&R Brand and Collectible Value
Harrington & Richardson is one of the oldest names in American firearms, and the revived H&R brand has focused on faithful reproductions of historically significant American military rifles. The T48 fits this mission precisely — a 100% US-made recreation of a rifle that played a specific role in American military history. As a limited production run with the "HR" serial prefix and original serial number range, the T48 is positioned as a collectible from the start. For shooters and collectors who appreciate military history and want a US-made FAL reproduction, the limited nature of this run makes it a rifle to acquire while available.
Shooting and Hunting the T48
Beyond its collectible appeal, the H&R T48 is a fully capable 7.62 NATO semi-automatic rifle. The 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester chambering means ammunition is widely available and affordable, and the cartridge is fully capable for hunting deer, elk, and hogs at appropriate ranges. The chrome-lined 4150 barrel with its 1:10 twist is built for durability and consistent performance. The full-size walnut furniture and 9.4-lb weight give the T48 the authentic handling of the original FAL. For shooters who want a historically significant semi-automatic .308 that handles like the rifle that armed the free world, the T48 delivers the genuine FAL experience in an American-made package.
Related Pages
Explore related options at Impact Guns: .308 Semi-Auto Rifles • Springfield M1A • AR-10 Rifles • .308 Win Ammo • Collector Guns • Harrington & Richardson
No products could be found for your selection.