AFN-49: The Forgotten Full-Auto Brother of the FN-49

Published on October 20, 2023
Duration: 11:19

This guide details the disassembly of the AFN-49's fire control group, focusing on the selector mechanism and the specialized tool required to engage full-auto fire. It highlights the internal workings of the trigger group and the auto-sear's function. Instruction is provided by Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

The AFN-49 is the selective-fire variant of the FN-49 rifle, with nearly 50% of production being automatic. It features a unique selector lock requiring an armorer's tool. Originally developed for military contracts including Belgium and Luxembourg, many were later imported into the US and converted to semi-automatic.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the AFN-49
  2. 01:00Development and Military Contracts
  3. 02:00The Selector Switch and Locking Mechanism
  4. 03:33Internal Trigger Group Mechanics
  5. 05:20The Auto-Sear and Safety Trip
  6. 07:26Practicality and Rate of Fire
  7. 08:42US Import History and Conversions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AFN-49?

The AFN-49 is the selective-fire, full-automatic variant of the FN-49 rifle, developed by Fabrique Nationale. It was produced in significant numbers, with nearly half of all FN-49 production being automatic models.

How does the AFN-49's selector mechanism work?

The AFN-49 features a selector lever on the right side of the trigger guard marked 'SA' and 'A'. It is secured by a locking pin requiring a special armorer's tool to prevent unauthorized full-auto use, ensuring controlled access to automatic fire.

What were the main military contracts for the AFN-49?

The full-auto AFN-49 saw interest from the Dutch and Belgian armies. Major contracts included those for the Belgian Army, the Belgian Congo, and Luxembourg, highlighting its adoption by several military forces.

What happened to AFN-49 rifles imported into the US?

In 1966, Interarms imported 2,200 AFN-49s. To comply with US regulations, they were converted to semi-automatic by removing selector components and grinding off markings before stricter machine gun import laws were enacted.

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