"...it's not a bloody purse!"
The FN-C1/C1A1 was the service rifle during my time in the Canadian Army. Let me assure you, the carrying handle was used a LOT and was also much appreciated. Army training manuals of the day specifically included the use of the handle for field carry. The rifle balances nicely at the handle whether loaded or unloaded, and the "trail arms" carry mode allowed many options for hauling other gear, and for shifting the load distribution when one position became wearisome.
I carried a C1 for MANY miles and hours, and personally would not have an FAL-type rifle without the handle.
There are times when a service rifle must be carried at the ready. There are also plenty of times when routine marches can make ease of carry very valuable. Even from the trail position, the rifle can be brought into action in very short order by a man who is accustomed to it.
This of course is the opinion of a former infantryman who LIVED with this rifle, and for those shooters without the needs of the soldier, an FAL with or without the handle is simply a matter of choice. My choice is as stated above.
Dang...I need another FAL.
The FN-C1/C1A1 was the service rifle during my time in the Canadian Army. Let me assure you, the carrying handle was used a LOT and was also much appreciated. Army training manuals of the day specifically included the use of the handle for field carry. The rifle balances nicely at the handle whether loaded or unloaded, and the "trail arms" carry mode allowed many options for hauling other gear, and for shifting the load distribution when one position became wearisome.
I carried a C1 for MANY miles and hours, and personally would not have an FAL-type rifle without the handle.
There are times when a service rifle must be carried at the ready. There are also plenty of times when routine marches can make ease of carry very valuable. Even from the trail position, the rifle can be brought into action in very short order by a man who is accustomed to it.
This of course is the opinion of a former infantryman who LIVED with this rifle, and for those shooters without the needs of the soldier, an FAL with or without the handle is simply a matter of choice. My choice is as stated above.
Dang...I need another FAL.