After World War Two, FN put the BAR back into production. This was initially the FN-D version with a quick-change barrel, but with NATO's adoption of the 7.62mm cartridge, there was a demand for the BAR in that chambering. The Belgian Army adopted this new round, and plenty of other nations did as well. This prompted FN to release a new version of the FN-D for it, designated the FN-DA1.

In addition to the new chambering, the DA1 also had these three changes:
- Larger bipod feet and a wider bipod stance
- A rear aperture sight instead of an open notch
- A more protected barrel release latch

The FN-DA1 would remain in production until 1967, when it was finally discontinued.