Fabrique Nationale Venezuelan FN40 FN-49 7x57mm Mauser Semi-Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1480
LSB#: 210427DR16
Make: Fabrique National (FN). Venezuelan Contract Rifle.
Model: 1949 (FN49)
Serial Number: 6281
Year of Manufacture: 1950-1951
Caliber: 7x57mm (7mm Mauser)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Clip-Fed Box Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked with the Venezuelan crest, “* / L” and the left with two Belgian proofs. The right side of the receiver and the right side of the top cover are both marked with the serial number, found again on the bolt and carrier. The right of the receiver is also marked “FABRIQUE NATIONAL D’ARMES DE GUERRE_HERSTAL BELGIQUE”. The top of the gas tube cap is marked “A”, the bottom is marked “R”. The left side of the front sight is marked “72”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23″, 25″ to the end of the muzzle break.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetail set, bladed post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is an aperture tangent sight marked from “1-10”. The left of the receiver is cut for a scope mount (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two-piece walnut with pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecaps, barrel band, 2 sling loops, one-piece handguard and a ribbed metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes and some pin prick surface erosion. The wood shows various scrapes and compression marks. There are some scattered more notable dings. Most have darkened with age and oil. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light finish wear with more notable wear on the sides of the top-cover rails and the exposed portion of the barrel. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The markings are deep. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with one magazine that shows light scrapes. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This FN 49 was made in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale as a Contract Rifle for the Venezuelan Armed Forces. It has a great Venezuelan crest and nice deep markings on the metal. The Fabrique Nationale Model 1949 (often referred to as the FN-49 or SAFN) is a semi-automatic rifle designed by Dieudonné Saive and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale. It was used by the militaries of Argentina, Belgium, the Belgian Congo, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Luxembourg, and Venezuela. While well regarded for its high build quality and reliability in comparison to the rifles of the time, its marketability was limited, as it was not developed in time for use in World War II but later, as many militaries had already begun the switch to selective fire assault rifles. As a result, it found itself in direct competition with a number of more modern rifles such as the Heckler & Koch G3 and Fabrique Nationale de Herstal’s own FN FAL, resulting in limited sales. This Venezuelan contract rifle looks great and is worthy of a place in your safe.