Pre-Ban Belgian FN Herstal FNC 5.56 .223 17.5” Semi-Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $6,045
WOA#: WY231213LM012
Make: FNH (Fabrique Nationale Herstal)
Model: FNC
Serial Number: S013163
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1989
Caliber: 5.56mm (.223 REM)
Action Type: Semi-auto, long-stroke gas-piston
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL”, “FNC .223 MADE IN BELGIUM”, “GUN SOUTH, INC. BIRMINGHAM, AL.”, “CAL. 5.56 mm (.223), “HOWCO DIST. INC.”, and “LAUREL, MD. USA.” The left side of the lower is marked “S”, “1”, and “S013163”. The inside rear of the lower is marked “S”.
Barrel Length: 17.5”. 19” with the grenade launcher muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post between two protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable L-Type aperture up to 400m. The front sight also has a flip up grenade launcher sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a side folding stock with a sling loop and polymer buttplate. The pistol grip is smooth polymer. The handguard is polymer with finger grooves over an aluminum barrel guard. The barrel has a free spinning sling ring. The left side of the receiver has a sling loop. There are light scuffs and scratches throughout, with the pistol grip having the highest concentration of wear. The LOP measures 14.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate when the stock is unfolded. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very little erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The sides of the receiver and lower have faint, but noticeable drag marks. There is light wear along the edges of the magwell. There is some wear along the edges of the muzzle device. The pins are unmarred. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: None
Our Assessment: The FN FNC was developed in the 1970s as a replacement for the FN FAL to fit with the NATO standardization on the smaller 5.56 cartridge. Based on the unsuccessful FN CAL, the FNC was an attempt to make a cheaper and easier to maintain alternative to the M16. It was eventually removed from the trials, causing FN to look elsewhere to find buyers. The first country to officially adopt the FNC was Indonesia, doing so in the early 1980s. Indonesia later bought a license to manufacture it domestically. Sweden did the same in the mid-1980s, adapting it to fit their needs and designating it the Ak 5. Belgium also adopted the rifle but it would not fully replace the FAL as the standard service rifle until 1989. The FNC would become famous in the US after its appearance in the 1995 film “Heat”. This example is in nice shape and retains nearly all of its finish. There is some light wear along the sides of the receiver and lower, mostly in the form of faint drag marks. The stock folds and unfolds correctly, though it is very stiff when trying to unlatch it to fold. The bore is in great shape and looks to have been well-maintained. This is an interesting rifle and one that does not come up very often. Please see our photos.
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