Shooting the FN49 SAFN rifle

Published on December 29, 2014
Duration: 12:06

This review covers the FN49 SAFN rifle, specifically a rare Luxembourg contract variant chambered in .30-06 Springfield. The speaker highlights its smooth action, fixed 10-round magazine, and compares its ergonomics and sights to the M1 Garand. The historical context of its design by Dieudonne Saive and interrupted development due to WWII is also discussed.

Quick Summary

The FN49 SAFN rifle, particularly the Luxembourg contract variant in .30-06 Springfield, is a rare and desirable military surplus rifle. With only about 6,000 produced in this caliber, it stands out from the more common 8mm Mauser versions and is highly sought after by collectors in the US.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Shooting
  2. 00:35Luxembourg Contract FN49 Overview (.30-06)
  3. 02:14Loading and Operation: Stripper Clips
  4. 04:22FN49 vs. M1 Garand Comparison
  5. 07:50Sights and Range Performance
  6. 09:39Historical Context: Dieudonne Saive & Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Luxembourg contract FN49 rifle special?

The Luxembourg contract FN49 is particularly desirable because it's chambered in the common .30-06 Springfield caliber. Only about 6,000 were produced in this configuration, making them rarer and more sought after in the US compared to the 8mm Mauser versions.

How is the FN49 rifle loaded?

The FN49 features a fixed 10-round internal magazine. It is loaded from the top using either individual rounds or, more efficiently, via stripper clips, similar to other military rifles of its era.

How does the FN49 compare to the M1 Garand?

Both rifles are similar in length and chambered in .30-06. However, the FN49 has a fixed 10-round magazine, while the Garand uses an 8-round en-bloc clip. The FN49 weighs around 9.8 lbs and features a slightly different sight system.

Who designed the FN49 rifle?

The FN49 was designed by Dieudonne Saive, who was the chief firearms designer for FNH. He also contributed to the development of iconic firearms like the FN FAL rifle and the Browning Hi-Power pistol.

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