Region-appropriate firearms: South America

[Markit]

Originally Posted by Mazryonh

So if South American forces are using the M16A2, is the IMBEL MD-3 (a 5.56x45mm rechambering of the FN FAL) then redundant? I can at least understand the niche that the Steyr AUG fills (a bullpup rifle with a scope can be more useful in certain circumstances than a full-size assault-rifle), but the M16A2 seems to be in the same niche as the IMBEL MD-3. Is the FN FAL still the premiere battle rifle of South American forces?

As Nyles said, you can't really describe South America as a monolithic entity. The MD-3 may be in the same niche as the M16, but it was also primarily oriented towards Brazilian security forces rather than export. The M16 on the other hand is more common in countries which have received a degree of American support, whether it was during the Cold War or as part of military assistance for counter-narcotics operations.

Likewise, although the FN FAL is still present in the arsenals of many South American countries, it is not uncommon for most countries to have several different service rifles depending on the type of unit. For instance, while Peru still officially uses the FN FAL as its standard service rifle, its special forces use M4 Carbines and Galils, while airborne infantry use the AKM.