Egyptian FN49 Matching FN-49 8mm Mauser Semi Automatic Rifle 1949-61 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1036

LSB#: 220423FW005

Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN). Egyptian Contract

Model: 1949 (FN 49)

Serial Number: 12339

Year of Manufacture: 1949 to 1961

Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “CAI ST. A. VT / M49 7.92”. The top of the receiver is marked “crown / Arabic script”, “asterisk / E” and with a Belgian proof that resembles an “arrow”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number and “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRA_HERSTAL BELGIQUE”. The left side of the receiver, left side of the top cover and left side of the bolt are each marked with the original serial number in Arabic. The rear of the top cover is marked “asterisk / E” and with a Belgian proof that resembles an “arrow”. The gas tube cap is marked with Arabic script. The rear sight is marked with Arabic “numbers”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 23 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is an aperture tangent sight marked in Arabic.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecaps, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows oxidation. The top of the butt shows a repair. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, shows a small surface repair. The front of the handguard shows a small crack. The front handguard is loose. It has about 1/2 an inch up & down play at the front. The handguard stays on the rifle but can be removed with minor effort. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. The stock has been oiled. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition as refurbished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is light intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes and small scratches. The receiver and bottom metal have oxidation bleeding though the new finish causing discoloration. The bottom metal shows surface reunion on the trigger guard. The bolt shows operational wear. The screw heads show useuse. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a refinished magazine. It shows scrapes and scratches. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
The hull, spring and follower are designed as one unit but the follower pops out of the hull when removed from the rifle. Magazines can only be loaded when in the rifle. This is the way the rifle magazine was designed; there is no defect.

Our Assessment: This FN 49 was made in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale. It was made as a contract rifle for the Egyptian Military sometime between 1949 and 1961. It has since been refinished but still has matching Arabic numbers on the receiver, top cover and bolt. This FN 49 looks good for a military rifle that is over 60 years old. The rifle has lots of deep Arabic markings on the metal which add to its histiory. The rifle has a good bore and can put 8mm downrange as fast as you can pull the trigger. Good luck.