Egyptian Contract FN-49 in 8mm Mauser Semi Auto Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,500
WOA#: WY240223WT008
Make: FN/ Belgium
Model: 49
Serial Number: 30936
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1950s
Caliber: 8mm Mauser
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Box Mag
Markings: This rifle is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE 30936” on the right side followed by the serial in Egyptian. The stock has Egyptian. The top of the receiver has a crown with Egyptian and some proof marks.
Barrel Length: 23.5” 26” with the muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: This rifle has a dovetail front blade with protective wings, the rear sight is an adjustable tangent peephole rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two piece smooth wood furniture set with finger grooves in the forend, semi-pistol grip, and flat brass buttplate with a rubber cover. There is foam glued to the buttplate. There is a plastic cheek riser screwed into the stock. There are only minor pressure dents and small scratches. There are built in sling loops. The LOP is 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock rates in at about Very Good overall condition for a C&R rifle.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 10 Round internal mag
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 10/10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is wear on the bolt and the receiver. There is light scratching on the barrel and receiver. The trigger guard is lightly rusted. The screw heads are unmarred, the markings are visible. The internals are lightly worn from use. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition for a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Sling, Harris Bipod, and scope mount.
Our Assessment: The Egyptian Contract FN-49 is a variant of the FN-49 rifle produced by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium. It was specifically manufactured for Egypt under a contract between the Egyptian government and FN. The FN-49 itself is a semi-automatic rifle designed by Dieudonné Saive, who also played a key role in the development of the iconic FN FAL rifle.
Chambered in 8mm Mauser (7.92×57mm), the Egyptian Contract FN-49 served as the standard-issue rifle for the Egyptian military. It features a gas-operated action with a tilting bolt, providing semi-automatic functionality. The 8mm Mauser cartridge was a widely used military round known for its power and effectiveness.
These rifles saw service with the Egyptian military in various conflicts and operations throughout the mid-20th century, including the Arab-Israeli conflicts. While they were eventually phased out of frontline service in favor of more modern rifles, the Egyptian Contract FN-49 remains a sought-after collector’s item and a testament to FN’s reputation for producing high-quality firearms for military use. -R.E.
