The FN model 49

I love mine, they shoot straight and they are arguably the most sleek looking of battle rifles. Of the bunch I would say the Venezuelan FN49 in 7x57 mauser shoots the tightest group. My lux 30-06 is pretty close though, it just seems to have a bit more vertical spread despite having a smaller fps spread on the chrono. Whenever I find one for a reasonable price in reasonable shape I don't really hesitate to grab it. Egyptians or Venezuelans seem to be more common here. Ranging from about $1000-1400 in the last year. Typically Egyptians are cheaper and (at least in my experience) tend to be in rougher shape compared to the vennys. My lux was butchered by the previous owner though, needed a new gas block, front/rear sight, and 2 piece firing pin. It came with a broken 1 piece pin lodged forward in the bolt. Basically a gun destroying disaster waiting to happen.
 
mdsIBwG.jpg


The collection as it is so far!
From top to bottom,
A first batch order Venezualian in 7x57mm mauser
A second batch order Venezualian in 7x57mm mauser
An Argentine in .308/7.62x51 Nato
A Luxembourg in 30-06 Springfield
And an Egyptian in 8x57mm mauser

They sure are a lot of fun to reload for. I've been having a lot of luck with the FN49's gas system using BLC2 powder in all the calibers with 139gr to 170gr bullets.
 
Ethanb08 said:
mdsIBwG.jpg


The collection as it is so far!
From top to bottom,
A first batch order Venezualian in 7x57mm mauser
A second batch order Venezualian in 7x57mm mauser
An Argentine in .308/7.62x51 Nato
A Luxembourg in 30-06 Springfield
And an Egyptian in 8x57mm mauser

They sure are a lot of fun to reload for. I've been having a lot of luck with the FN49's gas system using BLC2 powder in all the calibers with 139gr to 170gr bullets.
Click to expand...

What’s the difference between 1st and 2nd batch Venezuelan FNs?
 
First batch is pre 4000 serial number, and the second batch is 4000 to 8000. The most notable difference is they stamped the right side of the butt stock in the second batch with this stamp.
20180310163929-3170.jpg
 
Great read.

I finally got a shooter grade FN49 after wanting one for years. I believe it was a Lux contract (30.06 w scope rail) that has been reblued and sitting in a refinished stock. I figured for the price I would finally check out this gun I've always wanted to see. I wish I didn't wait so long!! They shoot like a dream and come up to the face so nicely! I still prefer the sight picture of my M1 but I am extremely impressed!

This won't be my last FN49!! Might look for another 30.06 with a bit more provenance.
 
You could import one, just have to find a importer, pay their fee, buy one from somewhere (plus pay the exchange rate), and bring it over following the importers process.

Most milsurps it isn't worthwhile to do this unless there is a substantial price difference, or it is a item you cannot locate in Canada. Plenty of FN-49s about, just a matter of waiting for the right one to show up. I have owned two by this point, and wasn't too impressed with the design overall. Looks really good on paper, but once you start using it I have always been disappointed.
 
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