Venezuelan FN Model 1949 FN49 23” Barrel 7mm Mauser Semi-Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,185.00
LSB#: LSB251202KM056
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal
Model: FN Model 1949
Serial Number: 2545
Year of Manufacture: 1949
Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
Action Type: Semi-auto Short Stroke 10 round fixed box magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver has the Venezuelan crest. The right side of the receiver has the serial number, “2545”. All serialized parts are matched.
Barrel Length: 23”, 24.8” with the muzzle device
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post dovetailed into a base set between two protective wings. The rear sight is an aperture attached to a sliding escalator assembly, with two protective wings set behind the aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, metal nose cap, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, sling loop, and metal buttplate. The buttplate has multiple areas of oxidation. There are light compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There is a large crack at the front of the upper handguard. The LOP measures 13.1” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fair +overall condition.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very light erosion in the bore along with moderate fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8.5/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and wear marks throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads have light tooling marks. The markings are clear. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good + condition.
Mechanics: The action functions . 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: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Venezuelan-contract FN Model 1949, commonly known as the FN49, is an early postwar semi-automatic service rifle produced by Fabrique Nationale Herstal in 1949. The FN49 represented one of the first successful self-loading battle rifles adopted by multiple nations after World War II, bridging the gap between traditional bolt-action infantry rifles and later detachable-magazine battle rifles. The Venezuelan crest atop the receiver ring and low serial number 2545 place this example among the earlier production rifles of that contract. The 23 inch barrel and distinctive muzzle device maintain the classic FN49 profile that defined this transitional era of military small arms development. Chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, this rifle utilizes a cartridge long respected for its flat trajectory and efficient ballistics. Originally introduced in the 1890s, the 7mm Mauser continued in service well into the mid-20th century and paired effectively with the FN49’s short-stroke gas-operated system and 10-round fixed box magazine. The protected blade front sight and aperture rear sight mounted to a sliding escalator assembly reflect FN’s emphasis on durability and practical battlefield accuracy. The FN49’s solid receiver and controlled gas system helped establish it as a reliable and well-balanced semi-automatic service rifle during the immediate postwar period.
Conditionally, this example retains approximately 98 percent of its original black enamel finish with light scratches and wear consistent with service use. The bore remains semi-bright with sharp rifling and only very light erosion, rating 8.5 out of 10 despite moderate fouling. The stock shows light compression marks and scuffs, with a notable crack at the front of the upper handguard, placing the wood in fair plus condition. All serialized parts are matched, and the action functions correctly. Taken together, this Venezuelan FN49 stands as a representative and historically significant example of FN’s early semi-automatic service rifle production, marking an important step in mid-20th century military arms evolution. -R.E.
