Make: Imbel, Itajuba Brazil / Pacific Armament Co. Import

Model: C3A

Serial Number: PAC12396

Year of Manufacture: Modern

Caliber: 7.62 NATO

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Stroke Gas Operated, Magazine Fed

Markings: The right side of the mag-well is marked, “PAC12396” and the receiver is marked with an Imbel logo and, “Receiver made by IMBEL. Itajuba Brazil / PACIFIC ARMAMENT CORPORATION. MODESTO, CA USA”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “Fz SA 7.62 - C3A”. The inside of the mag-well is marked, “2002”. The trigger housing is marked, “S R A”. The safety selector is marked with “R”. The muzzle device is marked, “FSE USA 06A”.

Barrel Length: 18” 19.5” Including the muzzle device.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable iron post within two protective ears. The rear sight is a two position diopter.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece set with a vented bipod cut handguard, smooth pistol grip, and folding metal stock with a serrated butt-plate. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock set rates in about Very Good overall condition. There is a free swiveling sling ring banded around the barrel in front of the gas block. This rifle sports a ribbed polymer carry handle attached to the receiver.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 20rd steel magazine in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Black enamel, Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion in the bore and some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is light handling wear throughout. The action has only minor wear consistent with light use. The bolt is sand cut. The screw heads are sharp and the pins unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. Note: This rifle has a three position selector that will cause hammer follow if used, which is normal for Imbel rifles. The gas system is adjustable and there is a gas cutoff on the front.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One Magazine.

Our Assessment: This Pacific Armament Import Brazilian Imbel C3A Para FN-FAL, chambered in 7.62 NATO, is a high-quality, semi-automatic battle rifle, built to the renowned FN-FAL pattern by IMBEL (Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil). IMBEL has long been recognized for producing some of the best FN-FAL variants, supplying rifles to military forces around the world while maintaining the original design's rugged durability and battlefield reliability. This C3A Para model, featuring an 18-inch barrel (19.5 inches including the muzzle device), provides an excellent balance of accuracy, maneuverability, and firepower, making it an outstanding choice for collectors, enthusiasts of military rifles, and those seeking a dependable .308 battle rifle. One of the key features of this IMBEL C3A Para FAL is its folding metal stock, which enhances the rifle’s compactness and portability, making it ideal for transport and storage. The rifle retains about 92% of its original finish, with minor handling marks and light operational wear, consistent with careful use rather than hard service. The semi-bright bore with strong rifling indicates that it remains a capable shooter, with only light erosion and some stubborn fouling present.

For FN-FAL collectors, military rifle enthusiasts, and those looking for a high-quality, Brazilian-made variant of the iconic battle rifle, this IMBEL C3A Para FAL is a fantastic option. With its durable black enamel and parkerized finish, sharp markings, and solid mechanical function, this rifle remains in very good condition and is an excellent representation of the FN-FAL legacy. Whether kept as a collectible piece, used as a functional shooter, or displayed as part of a Cold War-era rifle collection, this IMBEL-built C3A FAL stands as one of the finest examples of the "Right Arm of the Free World" still available today.