FN49 Review

[DirtyRussianAmmo]

MAC reviews an FN49 chambered in 30-06.

What a cool, elegant-looking rifle. If you're like me, and don't have one, this is really gonna make you want one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np31PVyZ1Gk

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I watched the video the other day. Good stuff. I just got an FN-49 recently in the 8mm flavor, can't wait to shoot it.

[TRICKSTER]

Watching that just helped me decide what is coming out of the safe for the next range day. It will fit right in with my latest Garand purchase.

[jamve]

Dam I knew I shouldn't have watched that video. I want one of those.

[DirtyRussianAmmo]

I watched the video the other day. Good stuff. I just got an FN-49 recently in the 8mm flavor, can't wait to shoot it.

Lucky dog! Although I know full well luck had little to do with it.

In the video he mentioned that the FN had slightly less felt recoil than the Garand. It would be interesting to compare the FN49 in 8mm with a 30-06 Garand. Or for that matter, the 8mm FN with the 30-06 FN.

[Discogodfather]

In another thread I said the FN49 was better than a Garand and people flamed me out, so good to see someone agree with me. It is a better, less complicated design. Yes the non-detach mag is not great, but no thumb losses either. The last generation FN-49 Argentine chambered in .308 with a detach magazine was the ultimate version. Several pounds lighter than a Garand too.

Of all the calibers I like my Vene in 7mm Mauser, butter smooth, lighter, and light recoil. Never shot one in the Argentine 7mm.

Flame suit on!

[89 Vision]

I sold my fn49, and still regret it. Don't know what possessed me to do it, but it's done. If I ever buy one again, I'm sure I'll pay way more than I sold it for.

[jamve]

It's as if the SKS copied it. I would like one in 30-06.

[Discogodfather]

It's as if the SKS copied it. I would like one in 30-06.

It's interesting because Sauve, the designer (also designed the Hi-Power and later the FAL) really had done enough work to enter the rifle in military trials as early as the mid 1930's, but WW2 ended development as he escaped to Britain. The British knew who he was and payed for a few more proto's to be developed during his time in England.

In another dimension the FN-49 might have pre-dated the Garand and SKS if history had gone a little different. The Garand was adopted in 1937 so it might have had a few years on it, but look at these highly developed rifles cira 1936-39:

http://www.forgottenweapons.com/prototype-fn-49-photos/

[smle-man]

In the good old days of surplus arms the 8mm version was never seen in the U.S. since it was still in service in Egypt. The .30 version was the shooter's substitute for the M1 which was pretty much unavailable to civilians.

I've enjoyed all of my '49s that I owned over the years (at least 5 that I can recall). Never had the 7mm, came this close to buying one at the Pomona show one year but passed on it because reliable surplus ammo wasn't on the market.

It wasn't until rifle #3 that I learned that the rear sight is windage adjustable!

[jyo]

FN-49s are truly great rifles---30.06 are rare and pricey---the rifle that preceded the other great FN rifle: the FAL. A FN-49 in 308 would be ideal...

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Since the obvious Garand - FN49 comparisons come up, I am curious as to how sensitive the FN-49 is regarding maintenance and particular types of ammo. I only shoot one of my Garands but I am extra careful to only use HXP type ammo and the rifle is well greased.

I know Turk ammo is off the table for the FN-49, but there are a dozen flavors of milsurp 8mm out there.

[Discogodfather]

I know Turk ammo is off the table for the FN-49, but there are a dozen flavors of milsurp 8mm out there.

It's just like the garand in that it needs alot of grease. Similar to the FAL as well in that you really do not want to run it dry ever. It runs very cleanly since the gas piston is actuated at the front of the gun.

It's got an adjustable gas system but it's a huge PITA to use, not nearly as good as the FAL. The early guns where even worse because they had a single piece top handguard and you had to basically disassemble the entire rifle to adjust the gas.

I have shot my 7mm Vene sparingly on various types of box ammo, no problems. I sold my Egyptian Century cobble together a few years ago and I put 500 rounds through that one in various crappy millsurp 8mm, and only once did I have a short cycle problem on some surplus Romanian. I just cranked up the gas and it worked again.

A friend has a Lux 30-06 and he swears its excellent, plus has none of the over-pressure ammo issues of the Garand. He shoots commerical 30-06 hunting ammo from big 5 all the time and just keeps the gas low.

[eighteenninetytwo]

Would love to have a 7.62 NATO version.

[JustaBlokeAnywhere]

I've had a FN49 in 308...honestly, it's a cool rifle, but why use that if you have a superior M-14.

Now a FN49 in 8mm....thats worth having. Especially if you were to move out of CA and adapt a 25 round MG13 mag to it....he he he Poor Man's BAR.