The FAL Para has a shorter barrel than the original FAL and can be considered a carbine version of the full size FAL. The Para model is fitted with a folding stock. As with the full size FAL it comes in a variety of versions. Since it is a newer model it usually has a plastic or aluminum furniture. The Belgian model has an even shorter 436mm barrel to make it fit through the door of the C-119 when strapped across the chest.

The most produced version of the FAL is the full size battle rifle. FN recognizes three types: the FAL 50.00 has a fixed stock, the FAL 50.61 has a folding stock and the FAL 50.64 has a Hidumidium alloy lower receiver and folding stock. As the FAL has been produced under license in many nations a lot of weapons are different from the standard FN models. Most FAL 50.00 models are fitted with wooden forearms and butts. Many newer models, such as the folding stock versions, have plastic instead of a wooden furniture. Most Commonwealth models, such as the British L1A1 SLR, fire semi-automatic only. Austrian, Dutch and German models have metal forearms. The Israeli models have a forearm that is similar to the FALO.

The FALO is a light support weapon based on the FAL battle rifle. It fires the 7.62x51mm round from the same 20 round magazines. In Commonwealth nations the FALO was often issued with 30 round magazines instead of 20 round ones. As with the full size FAL it comes in a variety of versions as it is produced under license in modified forms. In all versions it is capable of full automatic fire and it is fitted with a bipod. The FAL 50.41 has a plastic stock while the FAL 50.42 has a wooden stock.