A Classic Reborn: H&R Revives the T48 at SHOT Show 2026 

There are so many firearms in the world that have become absolute classics.  For most of us, however, they are either non-existent in the United States, or too expensive due to their rarity.  That is why it is exciting to see companies like SNT Defense and Harrington & Richardson (H&R) bring back classics that are more affordable and available.  The H&R T48 rifle is one of those classics that was reintroduced at Shot Show this year. 

The T48 rifle is a FN FAL Clone that will hit the market this year.  While companies like DS Arms have been making clones for a long time, they have had limited production runs and have been expensive to acquire.  Palmetto State Armory (PSA) aims to change that.  With there large manufacturing capabilities, they aim to mass produce the T48 to make it more affordable for me and you to own and enjoy.  This rifle will feature the classic wood furniture style that it became famous for during its years in service from the 1960’s through the 80’s.

FAL variants have been used by militaries all over the world.  They were even once in the run to be adopted in the United States in the 1950’s, but we chose the flawed Springfield M14 rifle instead.  The FAL rose to prominence due to its usage with British and Rhodesian troops during many conflicts throughout the 1960’s and 70’s. 

Isreal also produced a variant of FN Herstal’s famed designed that saw combat during the Six-Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War.  It became their standard issue frontline battle rifle joining the ranks with man countries in Europe at that time.  Since purchasing H&R in 2020 along side several other major firearm brands.  PSA has utilized many of the designs and patents that H&R had developed throughout it’s history.

Harrington & Richardson originally produced around 500 of these rifles back in 1954 for the United States government.  They were part of the trials for the replacement of the M1 Garand rifle.  Ultimately, the FAL design would not be chosen as the military would go with the above mention M14.  This makes these guns super rare within the U.S. with almost no examples making it into private hands.  When one of these do come up,  they can fetch up to $90,000.  This makes PSA’s run exciting for us to see.

They have been quick to bring back long dormant production lines such as the H&R 636, 636 CLET, and now the T48.  This has given firearm enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to own these rare guns.  It is always a treat to visit the PSA booth at Shot Show and see what they are bringing to the commercial market.  We got an opportunity to get and up close look at the T48 at their booth which we featured on our Youtube and Rumble (as Youtube frequently takes down our videos) .

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world.  As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube Channel @2ifbyseatactical or on Rumble @2ifbyseatactical and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.