Design The MD-2 and MD-3 rifles are the result of redesigning the FN FAL to use the 5.56×45mm NATO round in place of the FAL`s 7.62mm NATO chambering. The MD-2/MD-3 series externally resembles a short-barrelled FAL, but with an M16 magazine.
Early MD-1 prototypes retained the FAL-type tilting bolt with a locking shoulder immediately behind the magazine well. This was found to not work well with the 5.56mm round, so subsequent prototypes and the final design incorporated an M16-type 7-lug rotating bolt into the design. The FAL`s short-stroke gas piston, which is actuated by gas bled from the barrel via a vent located in the foresight housing, and which impinges upon the separate bolt carrier, is retained.
Feeding is from STANAG 4179 M16-compatible magazines. The versions differ in that the MD-2 uses the side-folding buttstock from the FN FAL `para` variant, while the MD-3 uses the fixed polymer stock of the standard FAL. The MD-2 series contains many FAL-derived parts, some of which remain interchangeable with the original FAL, and others which are modified to suit the new design.
Used by - Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy, Brazilian Military Police, Battalion of Special Operations, Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais and National Force (Brazil)
Fuzil IMBEL 7,62 M964 A1 MD1 - PARAFAL
Weapontype: Assault rifle
Manufacturer: IMBEL
Operation: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Cartridge: 5.56×45mm NATO (STANAG 4172Chambers: 5.56mm
Weight: 4.40 kg (9 lb 10 oz)
Length: 1,010 mm (39.8 in) (stock extended); 764 mm (30.1 in), stock folded
Barrel: 453 mm (17.8 in)
Magazine Capacity: 30-round
Feed system: Detachable box magazine, Various STANAG Magazines.
In Production: 1985-????
Sights: Aperture rear sight, hooded post front sight