I seem to remember that the IDF went away from the FAL because of problem with functioning in the sand. I never used one so I can't really say much about it. However, the Australians liked it in Vietnam. The only complaint that I ever heard from the Brits about it was that it was heavy, however they seemed to like it also. Me, I will stick with what I know, a M14 version of either the 7.62x51 or I would even go for it in 7mm-08( a short 7x57mm operating at a higher pressure). I am too old to ever hump a rifle in combat now but I still have opinions formed by a lifetime of shooting various calibers of rifles. Old is not necessarily obsolete and new is not always better. Discussing them is always interesting and sometimes downright informative. Life is interesting if you don't take it too seriously. james