Article

In the 1970s, the French Army tested the FN CAL rifle during its search for a new 5.56mm weapon. The FN CAL was evaluated alongside foreign rifles, including the HK33 and M16. Although it had a four-position selector switch, it fell short in grenade launching capabilities, prompting modifications for trials.

The HK33 performed best but was politically unacceptable, leading to the FAMAS being selected instead. The FN CAL faced multiple unsuccessful trials and was eventually replaced by the FNC design.