Scarce Pre-Ban FN-FNC Sporter “Paratrooper” .223 Rem. 16” Semi Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $5,226.00
LSB#: LSB260606KS001
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Belgium. Imported by Gun South Inc.
Model: FNC Sporter “Paratrooper Version 2”
Serial Number: 038396
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1989 / Modern
Caliber: .223 Remington / 5.56×45 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Long Stroke Piston Operated, Detachable Magazine Fed Rifle.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “F.N. 038396 / FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL / MADE IN BELGIUM / GUN SOUTH INC. TRUSSVILLE AL. / CAL. 223 REM SPORTER”. The lower is marked, “S 1”. There is a belgian tower proof on the bottom of the receiver hinge.
Barrel Length: 16” 19” W/ Muzzle Device
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post within two protective ears and a flip-up V notch grenade launcher sight/gas cutoff. The rear sight is an adjustable 2 position peep sight with protective wings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a three piece reinforced polymer/aluminum set with a vented metal heat shield, polymer ribbed handguard, polymer pistol grip, sling loop, and tubular folding stock w/ serrated metal buttplate. There are faint handling marks throughout. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates about Very Good to Excellent overall condition. There is a free swiveling sling ring banded around the barrel.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks and small scratches throughout. The action has faith wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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. The gas block has a gas shutoff and lever for regular or adverse settings.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The FN FNC was developed in the 1970s as Fabrique Nationale’s more practical successor to the earlier FN CAL, combining a long-stroke gas-piston system, rotating bolt, detachable 5.56mm magazine, and compact military layout. In the United States, semi-automatic FNC Sporters were imported in relatively limited numbers, with Gun South bringing in approximately 5,000 rifles from the mid-1980s through 1988. The folding-stock 16″ configuration was specifically offered as a Paratrooper variant and is among the most desirable commercial FNC patterns. This example retains the classic tubular folding stock, ribbed polymer handguards, two-position rear sight, grenade-launching sight and gas cutoff, and the distinctive two-setting gas system for normal or adverse conditions. This rifle remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original black enamel finish. The metal surfaces show only faint handling marks and small scratches, with faint operational wear around the action. The screw heads remain sharp, the pins are unmarred, and the markings are clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, though light stubborn fouling remains throughout, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The reinforced polymer and aluminum furniture shows only faint handling wear and rates in Very Good to Excellent condition. The free-swiveling barrel-mounted sling ring remains present. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the gas block retains its grenade-launching gas cutoff and normal/adverse regulator system.
For collectors of pre-ban military-style rifles, the FN FNC Sporter occupies a particularly interesting niche because of its limited U.S. importation, Belgian manufacture, and close relationship to the select-fire military FNC. The 16″ Paratrooper configuration with folding stock is especially appealing, combining compact proportions with the distinctive operating system and controls that separate the FNC from more common AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles. Gun South importation ended before the 1989 restrictions on certain semiautomatic rifle imports, giving surviving Sporters genuine pre-ban status. With its excellent original finish, strong bore, scarce folding-stock configuration, and intact period features, this is a highly attractive example of one of FN’s more uncommon commercial rifles. -R.E.