FN 49 problem

[CDN_SAFN]

Hi guys!

I'm hoping that I can get a bit of help with a problem I'm having with my 8MM SAFN-49. Regardless of the ammo or gas port setting, it won't fully cycle enough to eject the case, and the upper front hand guard gets sent flying. If I set the gas port block to "off" and fire it manually cycled, it ejects just fine, but still I have the hand guard issue. When I put it all back together, and re-fit everything, the hadguard is tight, no play. I've even soaked the wood in oil to get it to swell even more so it fits tighter. I've disassembled it and compared it to my 30-06 SAFN-49, and there are no missing pieces, etc. and wear/condition is reasonably similar. Neither have the peices to hold the bolt open on firing the last shot, but I understand this to be fairly common, and not critical to the functioning of the rifle. The 30-06 cycles just fine, by the way.

So... any ideas?? Anyone?? I know I'm the seedling-green Newbie here, but I did try to poke around the group's past postings for some leads first.

[lew]

The reason for the handguard flying off is that the tabs on the underside are not underneath the tabs on the collar that goes around the gas block. Unscrew the screw that holds it, slide it forward, put the forward handguard on, slide the collar back being sure the tabs are in the proper position, and screw the screw in.

[Lucske]

Yep,I have had the same problem some time ago.
Lew's answer is good.

[lew]

'Course it's good. I learned it the hard way. Doh!:uhoh: :rolleyes: :D

[CDN_SAFN]

Tabs were ligned up... barely. They're pretty bent. I hope that is the cause, and not a result.

Any ideas on the cycling problems??

[yarro]

Once you have the handguard issue solved. Clean the chamber and verify that it is not rough or that there are no burrs. Clean the gas port in the barrel as when I had mine it did not function and the gas port had enough rust and carbon in it that it was no longer large enough. Close the Gas system and start opening it up until it cycles. If that fails, try different ammo. If that does not work, measure the ID of the gas block and the OD of the Piston and then get some others on the forum to do the same and see if yours falls within the same ballpark.

-Yarro

[CDN_SAFN]

How do you suggest cleaning out the gas port? What did you use/method? I'm thinking that may be where I am down to looking at, since I've done the strip and clean now several times. Chamber is smooth though. I don't have a micrometer or anything like that, but using a patern maker's calipers, the piston is the same OD as the one from my 30-06. Springs are good, no binding. Aside from the front hadguard issue, I can't see a single difference between the 8mm and the 30-06 (aside from the barrel from the Egyptian 8mm is in slightly better condition then the barrel from the 30-06). The trigger feels smoother on the 30-06, but it's just spring-bind on the 8mm, and I haven't gotten around to smoothing it out. That shouldn't have any impact on cycling... I would think anyhow.

[lew]

Send a private message to member Goose52. He wrote a book on the things, so he should be able to help.

[CDN_SAFN]

Will do, thanks for the lead lew.

[lew]

Don't mention it. :D

[CDN_SAFN]

Hey! I found another 8mm up here in Canada for $650, and new 8mm barrel assemblies at a local distributor. I can't get a license to get an FAL, so the SAFN is as close as I can get. I'm not sure I can pass up on another SAFN for $650. Nice condition, new barrel already installed, and shoots! Dealer will send along 5 targets, 10 shots per target using 5 different kinds of surplus and commercial ammo to back up that the gun is a reliable shooter.

I'd still like to get the 8mm I already have running though....

[lew]

Get the other one and have two. Mine's getting rebarreled now. Don't tell anyone, but I like it more than the FAL.

[CDN_SAFN]

:D I like the way you think!

I've e-mailed them already and asked for a little more info, and pics if possible, since they are out West, and I'm Central/East so can't go for a look myself. They also have a shipment of Soviet STV 40's in very nice condition for $550 including ammo pouch, sling, and oiler that is tempting... but they have 18 of those displayed (maybe more in back) and only the one SAFN and I know where my priorities and preferences are. If they can send some pics, and they look decent, I think I'll pick it up.

[lew]

My brother has an SVT. While it's an awesomely fun gun to shoot, the 49 beats it in every way. Since getting both probably isn't an option, get the FN first.

[CDN_SAFN]

Exactly... I stand a better chance of them having an SVT still in stock at a later date than the single SAFN. Besides that, I'm trying to build and limit my collection to the SAFN and straight-pull bolt rifles. $$ is a factor, but I do like a good condition oddity. Now... if only I can find a .308 Argy SAFN or a Ross M-10 straight pull.... :tongue:

[CDN_SAFN]

Just an update:

Thanks to everyone and all suggestions. It turns out it is the gas pistion, but it only binds when it is in a certain rotated position , and only about 1/2 inch back from rest. The rest of the time, it slides smoothly and freely. No odd wear marks, or any visual clues, and still passes my "pool queue test" as far as I can see. But, it duplicates the same problem in the same orientation in the 30-06. Very strange indeed.... but now it gives me a good excuse to put together a proper "spares" order, and get things working again.

lew, I missed out on that other 8mm SAFN I found, it was sold by the time I called. I did get the SVT 40 though.

You were all on the money with the hadguard tabs. They were all bent out of shape pretty badly. I've done my best to tighten the fit up, and get the edges square to each other again. I hope this fixes things.

[gunsmoke]

I couldn't resist posting my favorite FN 49 story. 29 years ago at the Houston Astrohall Gun show I founf two guy who had a pair of 49s in '06. Both came with the original trigger group and magazine and a spare installed that had been modified to accept modified BAR mags. There were 20 modified mags that went with each gun. They wanted $650 each.

If only I could go back in time! I should have bought both, but I walked on by.

Oh well, whever you are :whiskey:

[CDN_SAFN]

Oh, now that would be a deal to find..., though $650 now isn't quite the same as it was then. Back then, it was almost 3 months rent! Now, it's a real good price for a rifle in G-VG condition in 8mm... if you're lucky!

[lew]

Originally posted by CDN_SAFN


lew, I missed out on that other 8mm SAFN I found, it was sold by the time I called. I did get the SVT 40 though.

Enjoy it. I know you will. :biggrin: :bow: