Matching Commercial FN-49 23” Barrel .30-06 Semi Automatic Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB260216DM048
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Belgium
Model: 1949 (FN 49)
Serial Number: 24102
Year of Manufacture: 1949 – 1956 / C&R
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi Auto, Short Stroke, Tilting Lock, Fixed Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver has no crest. The left side of the receiver is marked, “24102 / FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE” All serialized parts are matching. There are various Belgian proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 Inches, threaded.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is an aperture tangent sight marked to 10.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece wood set with a split forend cap & bayonet lug, barrel band w/ sling loop, finger grooves, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate w/ storage door. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are several repairs throughout. The top of the rear handguard is cracked. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore align with some light fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and chips throughout. There are moderate spots of patina at the exposed surfaces. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly due to the recoil spring jamming up. 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: Cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: The FN Model 1949 is one of the most refined early semi automatic military rifle designs, developed by Dieudonne Saive at Fabrique Nationale as a bridge between bolt action service rifles and later detachable magazine battle rifles such as the FN FAL. Produced in the late 1940s through the 1950s, the FN-49 was adopted by several nations and also offered in commercial configurations, such as this crestless example. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a cartridge introduced in 1906 and widely used by U.S. forces through both World Wars, the rifle offers strong ballistic performance paired with a reliable short stroke gas piston system and tilting bolt design. This example retains approximately 90 percent of its original black enamel finish, with scattered scratches, nicks, and areas of patina visible across exposed surfaces. The bore is semi bright with sharp rifling and rates 8 out of 10, showing light erosion and fouling. The wood stock set shows moderate wear, including scratches, dents, chips, and multiple repairs, along with a crack in the rear handguard, though it remains largely intact, rating in Good condition as refinished. All serialized parts are matching, and Belgian proofs remain visible. It is noted that the recoil spring is currently binding, preventing proper function, though the action remains otherwise intact.
The FN-49 represents an important step in the evolution of modern semi automatic rifles, combining traditional fixed magazine feeding with advanced gas operation and robust construction. Its design directly influenced later FN developments and remains highly regarded for its engineering and historical significance. This example, with matching numbers and commercial configuration, offers a representative piece of that legacy, showing honest use and requiring attention to restore full mechanical function. -R.E.