Matching Venezuelan Contract FN-49 7mm Mauser Semi Automatic Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,650.00
WOA#: WY240613MO006
Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN). Venezuelan Contract
Model: 1949 (FN 49)
Serial Number: 4340
Year of Manufacture: 1949 to 1951
Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Short Stroke, Tilting Lock, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver has a Venezuelan crest. The right side of the receiver is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE / 7251” The dust cover is marked, “4340” The bolt is marked, “4340” The stock is marked with a Venezuelan crest.
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, 2 sling loops, and a ribbed steel buttplate. The buttplate shows oxidation. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9.5/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. Some of the enamel has worn off. There are scratches throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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: 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 Venezuelan Contract FN-49 was one of the early examples of this model and was part of an order placed by Venezuela in the early 1950s. Venezuela was one of the first countries to adopt the FN-49, recognizing 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 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 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.
Today, the Venezuelan Contract FN-49 is known for its historical significance, craftsmanship, and chambering in the classic 7mm Mauser cartridge. The combination of the rifle’s semi-automatic functionality and the legacy of FN’s renowned engineering makes it a prized piece in military surplus collections. Its connection to Venezuela, one of the early adopters of this advanced rifle, further adds to its appeal among firearms enthusiasts. -R.E.