Venezuelan FN49 Matching FN-49 7mm Mauser Semi Automatic Rifle 1949-61 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,575

WOA#: WY231001CB002

Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN). Venezuelan Contract Rifle

Model: 1949 (FN49)

Serial Number: 7301

Year of Manufacture: 1949 – 1961

Caliber: 7x57mm (7mm Mauser)

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked with the Venezuelan crest and Belgian proofs. The right side of the receiver, right side of the bolt, and right side of the top cover are each marked with the serial number. The right of the receiver is also marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE_HERSTAL BELGIQUE”. The right rear of the top cover is marked with Belgian proofs. The top of the gas tube cap is marked “A”. The belly of the stock is marked with a “circled letter”. The right side of the stock is marked with a circular cartouche that contains “FUERZAS ARMADAS / VENEZUELA”. There are a few other small marks on the rifle.  The inside of the receiver is marked “70” and a 1 in a circle.  The right side of the bolt has Belgian proofs.

Barrel Length: Approximately 23 inches. 24.75 inches to the end of the muzzle break.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is an aperture tangent sight marked form “1-10”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hard wood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecaps, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a corrugated metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scratches, thinning and oxidation. The wood shows several scratches & compression marks. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as refurbished.

Type of Finish: Black

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright, and the rifling is deep. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows small scrapes & scratches that have removed small portions of the paint finish. The receiver and bolt show light operational wear. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

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:  The rifle comes with one magazine that shows scrapes & scratches as well as thinning along the bottom. It appears to function correctly. The hull, spring and follower are designed as one unit but the follower pops out of the hull when removed from the rifle. Magazines can only be loaded when in the rifle. This is just the way the rifle magazine was designed, there is no defect. The rifle has a canvas sling attached.

Our Assessment:  The Fabrique Nationale Model 1949 (FN49) was used by the militaries of Argentina, Belgium, the Belgian Congo, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Luxembourg, and Venezuela.
Venezuela was among the first countries to adopt the FN49, and the rifles were used extensively by the Venezuelan armed forces before being shortly superseded by the FN FAL.  Under the hood, the FN49 uses the same system as the FAL in all of its Right Arms of the Free World glory.  The FN49 in 7mm Mauser is particularly noteworthy for collectors and military history enthusiasts due to its relative rarity and the historical significance of the FN49 series in the evolution of military rifles. It represents a key transitional design in the shift from bolt-action to semi-automatic rifles in the mid-20th century.  Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.