Rare Matching Belgian FN-49 .30-06 Semi Auto Rifle 1949-61 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
WOA#: WY240408JT009
Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN).
Model: 1949 (FN 49)
Serial Number: 66232
Year of Manufacture: 1949 to 1961
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Short Stroke, Tilting Lock, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE / 66232” The dust cover is marked, “66232” The stock is marked, “66232” The bolt is marked, “66232”
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 hardwood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecaps, barrel band, 1 sling loop, and a steel buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows oxidation. The top of the handguard has a repair. The wood shows faint, scratches and compression marks. The stock has been refinished. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Black Paint
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is faint handling marks throughout. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as C&R.
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: This rifle comes with one magazine.
Our Assessment: The FN-49 in 8mm Mauser, also known as the SAFN-49, is a semi-automatic rifle developed by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium. Designed by Dieudonné Saive, the FN-49 was intended to bridge the gap between bolt-action rifles and the emerging fully automatic battle rifles of the mid-20th century. It was widely regarded for its reliability, durability, and robust construction, making it a popular choice among several countries’ armed forces. Chambered in the 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm) cartridge, the FN-49 offered considerable firepower and effective range. The 8mm Mauser round is known for its ballistic performance, providing good accuracy and stopping power, which made the FN-49 a formidable weapon on the battlefield. The rifle operates using a gas-operated system with a tilting bolt mechanism, which contributed to its reliability in various environmental conditions. One of the distinguishing features of the FN-49 is its robust design. The rifle has a solid steel receiver and a wooden stock, giving it a sturdy and traditional appearance. It typically comes with a 10-round detachable box magazine, although some versions were equipped with fixed magazines and could be loaded using stripper clips. The FN-49 also features adjustable iron sights, with a rear aperture sight and a front post, which allow for precise aiming at various distances. The FN-49’s development and production history are noteworthy. Initially designed in the late 1930s, its production was delayed due to World War II. It was not until the late 1940s and early 1950s that the FN-49 saw widespread adoption. It was used by several countries, including Egypt, which was one of the largest users of the 8mm Mauser version. Other nations that adopted the FN-49 include Belgium, Luxembourg, Indonesia, and Venezuela, each with variants tailored to their specific requirements and chambered in different calibers.
While the FN-49 was eventually phased out in favor of more modern assault rifles like the FN FAL, it remains a significant piece of military history. Collectors and firearm enthusiasts often seek out the FN-49 for its historical value, craftsmanship, and the role it played in the transition from bolt-action to semi-automatic rifles. The 8mm Mauser version, in particular, is prized for its powerful cartridge and the notable service it saw in various military conflicts during the mid-20th century. -R.E.
