Weird, I had always heard that the Germans ripped off the FAL because the Belgians would not sell to them. Here is the Wikipedia version:
Quote:
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The CETME rifle was designed primarily by the German engineer Ludwig Vorgrimler, who based his design on the experimental German StG45(M) and the French-made AME 49. The StG45 used a roller-delayed blowback mechanism somewhat similar to the roller-locking system patented by Edward Stecke in the 1930s in Poland and used in the MG42. The MG42 locking system actually locks completely and requires a short stroke barrel that travels backwards to unlock, compared to the StG45(M) system that never completely locks and does not require a moving barrel. The CETME design inherits the StG45(M)'s fixed-barrel. The rifle was initially designed for other cartridges, including the 7.62x51 CETME, but due to feedback from H&K the rifle was chambered for the more powerful 7.62x51mm NATO round. Model B went on to be the foundation of the widely-deployed Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle.
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I wonder what truth is?
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Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.
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