Venezuela was one of the early adopters of the FAL rifle. They purchased two of the initial FN prototypes, and made the decision to purchase it in quantity in 1955, with an initial order of 5,000 rifles. Venezuela had previously bought FN49 rifles in 7mm Mauser, and wanted to retain the 7mm bore diameter to simplify ammunition production. At this time, FN was offering the FAL in both 7.62x51mm and also a cartridge called 7mm Optimum 2, or 7mm Liviano. This is basically the American T65 case paired with the 7mm Mauser projectile, and it required only a different barrel to use in the FAL (the bolt and magazine are identical to 7.62mm). Venezuela was the one and only country to adopt the FAL in this caliber.
Within a few years, the caliber decision was changed, and later Venezuelan purchases were chambered for 7.62mm NATO. A batch of new barrels was bought, and the guns in Venezuelan inventory were rebarreled for 7.62mm. This example from the Ars Mechanica collection is still in 7mm, and also includes other very early Venezuelan features including the unique flash hider and rotary rear sight (which was used only by Venezuela and Paraguay). Many thanks to the Ars Mechanica Foundation for giving me access to this unique rifle to film for you!
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