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Posted: 7/14/2011 7:36:35 PM EDT
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I picked this lovely rifle up a few weeks ago in trade for a 1911. (Didn't care for the 1911 so it didn't stick around for long) It's a 30-06 Luxembourg model but that's all I know about it. I haven't had a chance to go shoot it yet. Hopefully will on Saturday, though!      |
A long time ago, I had a nearly mint FN 49 in 7X57 Mauser (so long ago, surplus ammo in that caliber was very available and dirt cheap) It was one of my favorite rifles to shoot just for fun. Accurate, reliable. The only thing I didn't like about mine was, once in a while, could be 100 rounds, could be 500 rounds, you never knew, but it would throw a fired case straight over the top backward and feel like it implanted into my fore head. 
Sold it when all the surplus dried up. Wish I hadn't. 
Very nice rifle you got there! |
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I also had a Venesulian FN49 in 7x57 one of the few serial numbers I remember (#1964). Father to the FAL, and had an excellent field reputation in Korea with the Belguims. The .30-06 chambering was the most produced but not encountered often. The Venesualian models were only produced around 3000 or so IIRC.
Couple of traits. There is a chamber loaded indicator the protrudes down into the trigger guard when loaded. Gas system is adjustable like on the FAL but not as convenent to get to (under handguards). Use the gas cut off feature (again same as the FAL) marked A for Automatic or G for Grenade in front of the front sight. Use this feature when at the bench for a straight pull rifle instead of having your brass thrown all over. B-Square used to make a scope mount that replaced the rear sight ladder (was replacable). CD |
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Quoted:
There is a chamber loaded indicator the protrudes down into the trigger guard when loaded. There is no loaded chamber indicator on the FN-49: it's a cocked hammer indicator. 
Beautiful example, OP. I had an Egyptian 7.92mm for a while. Shot great with reloads and 1950's Yugoslavian. There are few guns that look more badass when a bayonet is affixed. |
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As to the FN49's mag design, you must remember that the actual design predates WW2. At this time fixed box magazines loaded with stripper clips were the norm.
There was a small number of '49s that the Argentine Navy converted to 7.62 NATO that also were converted to detachable box magazines. That is the only one I would want anymore. I had a very nice Egyptian contract in 8X57 for a short time. It was nice, but just never rang my chimes after seeing the internals and how fragile the firing pin is. Beautiful weapon though. |
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