Matching Venezuelan 2nd Contract FN-49 7mm Mauser Semi Automatic Rifle, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,551.99

LSB#: LSB251208BL003

Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN). 2nd Venezuelan Contract

Model: 1949 (FN 49)

Serial Number: 5133

Year of Manufacture: 1950 to 1951

Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)

Action Type: Semi Auto, Short Stroke, Tilting Lock, Fixed Magazine

Barrel Length: The barrel proper is 23″, approximately 25″ to the front of the correct 6-port muzzle brake.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective ears. The blade has been painted orange. The rear sight is an aperture tangent sight marked 1-10 in hundreds of meters. The left of the receiver has an integral segmented-cut scope mounting dovetail.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a two-piece handguard, semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecaps, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a ribbed steel buttplate. The stocks have evenly scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The cartouches, found on 2nd contract models, are clear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered minor oxidation. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Black Enamel

Finish Originality: Black enamel finish is Original with matching numbered parts. The rear sight arm appears to have been polished and the slider has been fire-blued.

Bore Condition:  The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent light erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with most notable wear on the bottom metal. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition.

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: None.  

Our Assessment: The Venezuelan Contract FN-49, chambered in 7mm Mauser (7x57mm), is a semi-automatic rifle produced by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium. This rifle was part of a series of contracts that FN fulfilled for various countries during the mid-20th century. The FN-49, also known as the SAFN (Semi-Automatic FN), was designed by Dieudonné Saive, a Belgian arms designer who worked for FN. It was one of the last great battle rifles of the pre-assault rifle era, combining the reliability of semi-automatic fire with the powerful 7mm Mauser cartridge.

The FN-49 operates using a gas-operated system with a tilting bolt, a design that ensures reliable cycling and reduces recoil. The gas system is adjustable, allowing the rifle to be fine-tuned based on ammunition load and environmental conditions. This feature made the FN-49 versatile and dependable in different combat environments. The rifle fed from a 10-round fixed magazine, which could be loaded via stripper clips, similar to other military rifles of the era. Some variants of the FN-49 could be modified to accept detachable box magazines, though this feature was not common in the Venezuelan contract rifles.

The Venezuelan Contract FN-49 was actually FN’s first customer for the model, with their first contract order placed in March 1948. Venezuela recognized its potential as a modern military rifle for its armed forces. The rifle was highly regarded for its accuracy, durability, and semi-automatic capability, which represented a significant improvement over the bolt-action rifles that were still common at the time. One of the key features of the Venezuelan Contract FN-49 is its chambering in 7mm Mauser, a cartridge well known for its flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and excellent accuracy. The 7x57mm round had been in use by many countries, including Spain and Latin American nations, for decades due to its effectiveness in both military and hunting applications. The FN-49’s semi-automatic action allowed soldiers to fire multiple rounds more quickly than a bolt-action rifle, giving them a significant advantage in combat situations. The Venezuelan FN-49 played an important role in the modernization of Venezuela’s military, bridging the gap between bolt-action rifles and the fully automatic rifles that would dominate later decades. It remained in service for several years, prized for its reliability and power, although it was eventually replaced by more modern firearms like the FN FAL.

This example is from the 2nd contract, placed in June 1950 with deliveries completed June 1951. It has all correct and matching markings and features, showing wear consistent with a 1950s service rifle, but retaining a strong bore and good mechanics. The rear sight assembly appears to have seen some polishing and a refinished slider, but the rifle is otherwise in original condition, a fine addition for collectors of post-WWII battle rifles, FN-49s, or South American service small arms. Please see our photos and good luck!

-Bud