FN-49 Survey Has Been Discontinued

[Goose52]

After nearly three years, I am discontinuing my FN-49 survey activity. My thanks to all the people who took the time to capture and submit the data on their FN-49 rifles and related equipment over the past 34 months.

The results of the survey, along with several thousand hours of other research, were documented in a recently published 200 page book on the FN-49 (see www.fn49.com).

Best regards,

Goose

[idsubgun]

Egyptian 8mm
Serial #173xx.
Crown on receiver ring crest.
No scope cut.
No middle sling swivel.
All matching #'s, but no firing pin safety stop cutout. But does have two piece firing pin.

[Goose52]

Thanks good buddy !

Goose

[NC Rifleman]

Have an Egyptian model, # 332xx, all matching, not sure about what to look for re firing pin stop, no middle swivel-has a replacement stock, has crown crest, scope rail.

[Dan at VOW]

Egyptian contract, serial 5159, crown, no middle sling swivel, no firing pin stop. Scope cut. Original stock with brass butt, 2 piece hand guards. ID disc is missing. HTH, Dan.

[ February 24, 2002: Message edited by: Dan at VOW ]

[EMDII]

Egyptian Contract (8x57 chambering – 7.92x57 for you purists):

- Serial Number
5831 in English numerals on L
receiver rail, and in Arabic on LS
of ring and everywhere else
- Receiver ring crest (crown or eagle)?
Crown
- Have scope cut on left receiver rail?
NO
- Have a middle sling swivel located about 2” in front of the magazine?
NO
- Note: The next question is only for rifles
with all-matching serial numbers:
Is the bolt machined to take a firing pin
safety stop?
YES

In addition:
- Nose cap on muzzle, but not welded on
- Barrel has import marked on RS near FH:
"CAI St A VT"
"M49 7.92"
- Brass unit disc on RS of buttstock
- PG has "K-over-Z" embossing on forward part of grip
- Not select-fire
- Brass buttplate
- Stock SN mismatched: 10554 in Arabic numerals, on LS just above safety pivot
- intact bayonet mount

[ February 02, 2002: Message edited by: EMDII ]

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

Topic "Topped" so it won't get lost in the crowd. Good Luck with your survey

[gunplumber]

Agentine Navy Serial number 0017.
No scope cut
paint over park

Argentine Navy Serial number 3486
no scope cut
paint over park

45869 on top cover. D10639 on R receiver in the same spot I'd expect the number, but in tiny font.


eagle
yes scope cut
Sling mount far forward (repo stock)
non-matching bolt. 34848 machined for fp safety, but safety is absent,

bolt is marked ".30" on top, even though an 8mm

27628
Crown
yes scope cut
no sling mount and
no FP safety

[ January 29, 2002: Message edited by: gunplumber ]

[cllary]

Egytian 8mm
Serial D104XX
Eagle on receiver
no scope cut
painted over park
repro stock w/plastic buttpad
non-matching
type III bolt without firing pin stop groove

[ January 28, 2002: Message edited by: cllary ]

[ February 02, 2002: Message edited by: cllary ]

[ February 02, 2002: Message edited by: cllary ]

[Mouse]

Venezuelan Contract (7x57 chambering):

Serial number
Have cartouche on the right side of the buttstock? If so, does it read “Fuerzas Armadas Venezuela” or something different?
Does the rear guard screw (behind trigger guard) have a small lock screw?
Optional question: If you already know - 2-piece or 1-piece handguard? (requires removal of stock end cap and loosening the lower band to find out – don’t disassemble your rifle just for this survey ! )

Note: It’s generally accepted that all Venezuelans had the scope cut and muzzle brake so I am not surveying for that data.

Here you go,
Serial # 67X
1 Piece Handguard
No lock screw an rearmost triggerguard screw, although the center and forward screws do have "dual screws"
Cartouche, well here's the deal. There is no cartouche on this rifle, I bought it from my friend who bought a crate of them in 1967-68!
This is the last one that he had left and he sold it to me so I wouldn't get it for free when he dies! :) "he drives a hard bargin" The rifle is un-mollested since he aquired it from the distributer. I have no idea why it doesn't have a cartouche but I can tell it has not been sanded and bubba has never had his hands on this one! It's a beautiful example and it is pristeen. Let me know if you want to know more. ;)
Mouse :cool:

[Goose52]

Wow - My thanks to the Moderator for "Topping" this thread.

For all - In case you want to take a look, I posted a pic of the different bolts over at: http://pub42.ezboard.com/fparallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforumsfrm52.showMes sage?topicID=613.topic This pic shows the 2 different types of FP stops.

NC Rifleman - you should be able to identify your bolt from the pic referenced above.

Gunplumber - I gotcha on your 2 Argentines and your first Egyptian. Confirm on your 2nd Egyptian (#276XX) that it DOES have the scope cut.

Thanks again to all!

Goose

[Goose52]

cllary - does your rifle have a black plastic buttplate and a repro stock? Serial numbers matching or no ?????

Mouse - your rifle sounds perfect. We're finding out the Vennies aren't all the same after all. From the data so far, the early ones have no cartouche and a trigger guard with no rear lock screw - later ones do!

Goose

[gunhead]

Egyptian Contract
Serial Number 250xx
Receiver ring crest (crown or eagle)>> Crown
Have scope cut on left receiver rail>> NO
Have a middle sling swivel located about 2” in front of the magazine>> NO
Note: The next question is only for rifles with all-matching serial numbers:
Is the bolt machined to take a firing pin safety stop>> NO
GL with Survey :cool:

[ January 28, 2002: Message edited by: gunhead ]

[Squint]

Venezuelan '49

Paint over park finish.

SN# 506X

“Fuerzas Armadas Venezuela” cartouche - YES

2 piece handguard

Does the rear guard screw (behind trigger guard) have a small lock screw? - YES

Bolt carrier SN# is not matching. It is apparently from the rifle 3 down from mine in the series. I wonder if it was an arms room mix up or quick fix?

No SN# on stock but it has been sanded lightly. In my opinion not hard enough to remove the SN#.

One piece firing pin (in the white or chromed.)

The two main differences from my 30.06 '49 (besides caliber, muzzle brake, and scope cut are that the charging handle is knurled (smooth on the 30.06) and the top cover release lever is thinner (and simpler) and does not lock in a detent when moved into position for removal

[ January 28, 2002: Message edited by: Squint ]

[Goose52]

Squint - Thanks again for contributing.

I knew about the knurling differences on the bolt carrier charging handle but decided not to go there . . . as then I'd have to assure that the bolt carrier ser.no. matched the receiver. In general, I agree with you, most 30-06s and Argentines had smooth cocking handles. It seems ALL Vennies and Egyptians were knurled. BUT, I had a Luxie with all matching numbers that had a knurled handle AND, I still have a spare bolt carrier that is half and half ! :eek:

The receiver cover latch differences are already known too.

But keep that eye peeled for any other differences!

Goose

[Goose52]

Gunplumber/Mark - Caught your edit - thanks

Goose

[sledgehammer]

Egyptian 8mm
Serial #275XX
Crown crest
No scope cut
No middle swivel
Not matching
Two piece firing pin

Egyptian 8mm
Serial #D113XX
Eagle crest
Scope cut
No middle swivel
Not matching
Two piece firing pin

[ January 31, 2002: Message edited by: sledgehammer ]

[Goose52]

Sledgehammer - thanks for the data. Also sent you an email with a few more questions.

Goose

[K. Funk]

FN-49 Egyptian contract 8mm.

S/N 320xx
Receiver-crown
Scope rail-no
Middle swivel- no
Matching No.'s-Don't think so, but I didn't have a chance to tear it down and look. Top cover finish does not match rest of rifle, looks new. No numbers visible externally.

Other-Brass butt plate.

krf

[jramos]

Argie 7.62-all matching-05xx, no scope cut,originally black paint over park, and the damn muzzle nut is welded on per BATF at time of import(if anyone has any luck getting one of these off, I'd like to hear about it!)

[woodie]

Egyptian 8mm
Serial #141XX
Crown crest
No scope cut
No middle swivel
Two piece firing pin
Machined for firing pin safety stop, but none present.
no matching #s

[ February 01, 2002: Message edited by: woodie ]

[Goose52]

sledgehammer - caught your edit and your email - thanks again.

K. Funk - Can you do me a favor and check again on your left receiver rail for a machined dovetail for the scope mount? I posted a pic of the left receiver rails at the following link. Let me know which one looks like your rifle: http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=8&TID=2855&SID=1003621

jramos - Thanks for the info . . . and I don't even know if it's legal to break the weld on the nut . . . too many laws!

woodie - You didn't say, but does the serial number of your bolt match your receiver?

Thanks Guys

Goose

[Ken]

Egyptian contract, serial 1499X - all matching, crown, no middle sling swivel or scope cut, bolt cut for but no firing pin stop. Original stock with brass butt, but washer in place of ID disc, barrel marked CAI St A VT; M49 7.92. Nice solid but used rifle. Parkerized. I bought this from Century in the early-1980's and don't remember ever firing it.

[EMDII]

It'll be intersting to figure out what the Egyptian SN 'break' is on the ring marking: Crown (King) or Eagle (Abdel Nasser). SO far I have the low SN for the Egyptian. the 6xx Vennie is WAY low!

And two Egyptians?! Hoarder!

Mine is like Ken's, CAI M49, and it's nice to know it's WAY pre-ban! I've replaced the muzzle protector w/ a G-3 FH, and it looks somehow 'right'. I may have to manufacture a replica FH of the correct dimensions, so that I can mount the evil bayonet for photo purposes!

Ken- they are a sweet, easy shooter!

Anybody else got FN-49 bayonet? Want to start and additional C&R thread on the FN bayonets?!

[Ken]

Ted:

Does the G3 flashhider thread right on? One thing that always bothered me about my FN49 was the silly looking thread protector. I was a dealer back then and, if I can find copies of my paperwork, I'll let know know the exact year.

[jramos]

Thats why I'd like to get the welded nut off my Argie if it's legal and doable without major surgery. I have one of the flash/hiders Sarco used to sell for my Egyptian and it looks good and works as a pretty good brake -I'd also like to try the G-3 brake. Any one have thoughts on the legality of braking the weld and using a F/H as opposed to a break?

[Goose52]

Just FYI - so far the lowest SN Egyptian in the survey (remember this is posted on 5 boards) is 11XX. Lowest Vennie is 2-digit (XX).

As of right now, I'm only seeing the Eagle crest on Century rebuild guns with "D" series serial numbers. I have a theory on this but would need to find someone that worked at Century 10-12 years ago to know for sure. Anybody have any contacts at Century ????

Ken - like Ted said - take your rifle out and shoot it (after making sure it has a 2-piece firing pin). :cool:

Goose

[avenge usa]

speaking of the 8mm 49, where do i get a good book on how to assemble, and headspace one of these bad boys

[K. Funk]

Goose,
I feel real dumb, :o , scope rail YES, full cut. It didn't look like a scope rail, really. You have to believe me!! I'm not that inept.

Anyhow, To avoid further embarassment, I took off the top cover (which has no number, but some small proof marks) and pulled the bolt and carrier. The carrier has Egyptian script that does not match the script on the receiver and the bolt has no number. The wood appears to be stained birch (like new) and the barrel is stamped CIA with the welded-on nut. Hope this helps,

krf

[Goose52]

krf - No problem, I just wanted to double check as your rifle is in the range where the scope cut is pretty standard.

Part of this is my fault too, cause I could have posted pics along with the survey questions to show what I was looking for!

Thanks for come-back.

Goose

[Deltaten]

Goose:
Just now had time to strip and view all parts of my Egyptian '49. Early to mid '80's CAI gun. Thread protector doesn't seem to be welded. Stock is all that's not matching, but close. Brass butt w/trap. Only one band/swivel. SN 15830, "crown" crest on rcvr top. No second screw @ rear TG. Bolt cut for FP stop (as per pics on link), but no extra pc as stop!? Fully knurled CH. Usual proofs (?) 'H' under arrow/flag (?)abound.

I do have some rather strange markings in/on the piece. A "+6" stamped on one side of dovetailed front sight, with "7.2" opposite. Same "7.2" inside on rcvr flat, just behind the hammer relief cut. Behind that, at the far rear on the flat is s small "303" WTF? "Inspected by #303"???

Can't tell if it has a one or two pc pin; and don't know how (yet!) to pull it anyway.

Did I miss anything else you wanted?

HTH,
Paul

ps. Any way to adj gas w/o removing band/HG???

[EMDII]

Originally posted by avenge usa:
<STRONG>speaking of the 8mm 49, where do i get a good book on how to assemble, and headspace one of these bad boys</STRONG>


Get Joe Poyer's book from North cape Publications. Advertise in SGN, etc.

[Goose52]

Paul - Thanks for the data. You have a typical mid-range rifle. The big news out of this survey is that we're now seeing some of these rifles, like yours, that have matching serial numbers that are fitted with a Venezualan-type bolt with the FP Stop cut but no stop installed. This goes against the popular theory that all Egyptians were fitted with non-cut bolts and against Poyer's statement in his book.

On your front sight stamping - that is typical and is also what is installed in my Egyptian. I have recorded on my own rifles front sight numbers of 5.4, 6, 6.2, 6.4, 7, & 7.2 - most likely = sight height but haven't measured to be sure. Just FYI, your rear sight leaf will also have a number stamped on it (between 1 and 4) and this most likely refers to apeture diameter (again, I haven't gotten a hold of some plug gages to find out).

On the receiver stamping, are you sure it's a "7.2" or "7.9" Most Egyptians and many 30-06s will have "7.9" or "30" stamped in that location indicating caliber.

Don't know about the "303" stamping. I've been too busy with the big stuff so far to start to take on these kinds of things.

On your bolt - take a look at the right side and you'll see where the extractor spring (long, flat piece on outside of bolt) hooks over the rear end of the extractor. On the top of the extractor spring, you'll see a little notch. This notch was designed to be engaged with a bullet tip and used to pry the extractor spring downward. Once the extractor spring has rotated down a bit it will release the extractor which just falls out. Continue to rotate the extractor spring down until it's almost 90deg rotated. At that time, push in on the exposed rear of the firing pin, which releases the extractor spring. Then shake firing pin (1-piece or 2-pieces) and the firing pin spring out of the firing pin channel in the bolt. Assembly is reverse!

Goose

P.S. There's no way to adjust the gas without removing the handguard - the theory then was that the armorer would do that and they didn't want the cotton-picking GIs messing with that!

[Hefalump]

Egyptian Contract 8mm
Serial # 261xx
Crown on receiver ring
No scope cut
No middle sling swivel
Repro stock
2 piece firing pin
Cut for F.P. safety stop, but none present

[Goose52]

Hefalump

Thanks for contributing. BTW, is your bolt the same serial number as your receiver? The bolt serial number will be in Arabic and you can compare to the Arabic serial number on the receiver (or use the numbers on the rear sight to translate the Arabic numbers).

Thanks again :D

Goose

[Hefalump]

This bolt is mismatched, as it has EVVO (as Arabic).HTH

[Goose52]

Originally posted by Hefalump:
<STRONG>This bolt is mismatched, as it has EVVO (as Arabic).HTH</STRONG>

Thanks for the come-back. Translated, I believe your bolt number is "4775"

Goose

[EMDII]

Originally posted by Goose52:
<STRONG>

Thanks for the come-back. Translated, I believe your bolt number is "4775"

Goose</STRONG>

True.

[Goose52]

Any more FN49 owners want to come out and play? I've got data on over 170 rifles now . . . anybody wanna help me make it to 200 !

Come on you guys . . . I know there's more rifles out there . . . give the Goose a hand !

:D

Goose

[vitiaz]

Hey Goose,
Mine is a Luxie in '-06. The serial number is 11XX. It has the AL stamp on it. Just in front of the trigger guard is a proof stamp on the wood the looks like a script upper case R inside a circle. It has the baked black enamel finish on it. It does have the scope dovetail. The scope I have on mine says,

A.B.L.-1951
V5-0S 784-010B.G.
TIR. EL. TELESC. SCHERPSCH

up on the sunshade it reads,
A.B.L.
No. 1122

:cool:

[Goose52]

vitiaz

Just wanna check to be sure - your serial number is 11XX - that's the serial number that is on the receiver ring???

Do all serial numbers match on this rifle - receiver, receiver cover, bolt carrier, bolt, stock ???

Let me know!

Goose

[vitiaz]

Goose,
"Do all serial numbers match on this rifle - receiver, receiver cover, bolt carrier, bolt, stock ???"

That's a big a-ffirmative. All numbers are the same. I cannot find a number on the stock...only the circle/script R in front of the magazine.

:p

[Goose52]

vitiaz

Thanks - I just wanted to double-check. Most of the Luxies with the scope cut are in the Ser.No. 5000 range or higher. There have been just a few reported below the 5000 range like yours.

Goose

[Staple]

Egytian 8x57mm
serial#284xx
crested
scope cut-yes
no middle sling swivel. Century rifle with plastic butt.

[Goose52]

Staple,

Thanks for the info. When you say "crested" . . . I bet you meant the crown crest, right?

Goose

[Squint]

There is an Eagle crested Egyptian '49 for sale on Auction Arms or For the Hunt right now. I forgot which one. CAI import with the replacement stock. Maybe you could ask the seller what the serial # is. It is also cut for a scope mount.

[Goose52]

Squint,

I sent an email to the seller yesterday . . . !

Goose :D

[Squint]

The stoving job on his rifle looks perfect. It may be the original finish or an arsenal refinish and they just didn't get a stock with it. I don't think CAI repainted the rifles. My CAI Egyptian was just parked.

[Confed Pirate]

Hey Goose i havent got mine yet but the manual i got with was printed in 1971 it was edited by Donald B McLean i dont know if that book will help or not

[Goose52]

Confed Pirate,

I have several copies of the McLean book, printed by two different publishers. Until the Poyer book came along, the McLean book was really the ONLY FN49 book available.

If you're interested, follow the below link over to a thread on GunBoards where we discussed available FN49 literature: http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=8&TID=3337&SID=1104019

Goose

[barden]

Agentine Navy Serial number 32XX.
No scope cut
paint over park

[Goose52]

barden:

Thanks for the info. We're neighbors as my Argy is also in the 32XX range. :)

Goose

[barden]

Egypt D108XX
eagle
no scope cut
repo stock
no fp safety

[Goose52]

barden,

Thanks again for the data. :)

Just one thing, are you sure there's no scope cut on this one. Take a look at the pic on this link to be sure: http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=8&TID=3510&SID=1166229
I need to confirm this as there has only been one other "D" series rifle without the cut.

BTW, you just gave me data for the 210th rifle in the data base :D :D :D :D

Thanks,

Goose

[Dan at VOW]

Hey Goose, I just edited my original post. Serial number is 5159, and it IS cut for a scope. HTH with the info. Dan.

[Goose52]

Yikes!

Dan, I guess that does help . . . unfortunately, your rifle is now the ONLY rifle below serial number 16000 to have the cut (and I have data on 28 rifles in that range) :confused: :confused:

In fact, I have your rifle at 51XX and another at 168XX that are the ONLY 2 rifles below serial number 276XX to have the cut (I have data on 42 rifles in that range) ! ! !

These Egyptians are driving me nuts - just when I think I've got something figured out . . . another rifle pops up to prove I'm wrong :p

Thanks ;)

Goose

[barden]

D108XX does have short dovetail.
Also bolt is marked .30

[Dan at VOW]

Here is another thing on my Egyptian contract, the stock is original, has had repairs done, the finish is blued, not parked and appears to be original. It is worn in some areas from normal use, but is about 90-95%.

I don't mind having the oddball of the bunch, or one of them anyway. :D

[Goose52]

barden

Thanks for checking that out.

Dan

When it comes to "oddball Egyptians" you got plenty of company out there good buddy. I've got data on nearly 80 Egyptians and probably only about 20 of them are "normal" all-matching, just the way they left the FN factory, kind of rifles. The rest all have something weird about them . . . nice rifles . . . but weird. :eek: ;)

Goose

[kwilal]

Goose52,
Egyptian, serial # 267XX (non-matching), crown, no scope mount cut, no middle sling swivel, no cross bolt.

[Goose52]

kwilal - good report, thanks, I'll plug it in. We're up to 282 rifles in the data base . . . :)

Goose

[Monster]

Egyptian 7.92x57
s/n 71xx
crown crest
no scope cut
no middle sling swivel (wish it did!)
no cross bolt (brass butt plate)
bolt non-matching
imported by CAI

[Goose52]

Kevin - Thanks for the report. You just put me up to 304 rifles!

:D :D :D :D :D

Goose

[Goose52]

Any new Board member have FN-49s and would like to contribute??

I'm up to 331 rifles and I NEED MORE, MORE, MORE !

:D :D :D :D :D

Goose

[frtyfivsevnty]

30-06,AL Luxumburg,serial#42xxscope cut,no crossbolt,metal buttplate with trapcdoor.

[Goose52]

Matt

Thanks for the report - you just put me at 345 rifles in the data base :)

Goose

[Mad Dog 7.62]

Goose,

Egyptian Contract 8mm
SerNo 129XX, all matching numbers
Crown crest on reciever ring
No Scope rails
Muzzle cap is not welded
Original Stock with brass butt and unit disk, no reinforcing lug
Bolt is Type 2, cut for firing pin stop, firing pin is Type 3
Finish is black over park

HTH

[Goose52]

Thanks MadDog - Good report - I'll plug that data in. I'm now at 352 rifles in the data base :)

Goose

[Goose52]

ER - Thanks. That's enough data so don't need to email. The Vennies have very little variation. We've determined that there are early (under approx. sn4000) and late (over approx. sn4000) variants of the Vennie but the rifles are remarkably consistent within each variant.

Only thing out of the ordinary with your rifle is the 2 piece handguards. Right now, I have 42 rifles under sn 4000 with 1-pc handguards and only 8 rifles with 2-pc handguards. One theory is that the 8 rifles may have originally had the 1-pc setup but were cut in half either in Venezuela or in the U.S. to make it easier to adjust the gas.

FN must have realized this also because (with the exception of one report of a 1-pc on an early Egyptian) ONLY the 1st 4000 Vennies had the 1-pc and all other FN-49s have 2-pc.

Thanks again for the data.

Goose

[xaztec]

"Frankenstein" Egyptian Contract (8x57 chambering - 7.92x57 for you purists):

Serial Number:
rec cover - 19079
rec - 950
bolt - 2677
Receiver ring crest (crown or eagle)? crown
Have scope cut on left receiver rail? no
Have a middle sling swivel located about 2" in front of the magazine? no
Have a reinforcing crossbolt in the stock? yes, it's a 30.06 stock I assume. Has the 30.06 style but plate too.

Optional question: Is the bolt machined to take a firing pin safety stop? (This machining is in the top of the bolt and is milled down into the firing pin channel on the aft end of the bolt). If so, does the bolt serial number match the receiver serial number? no it is not machined for the firing pin safety and no the numbers don't match.


Venezuelan Contract (7x57 chambering):

Serial number - 7722
Have a circular "Fuerzas Armadas Venezuela" cartouche on the right side of the buttstock? yes
Does the rear guard screw (behind trigger guard) have a small lock screw? yes
Optional question: Have a 2-piece or 1-piece handguard? (requires loosening the lower band in order to wiggle the handguards to find out). 2 piece

Note: It's generally accepted that all Venezuelans had the scope cut and muzzle brake so I am not surveying for that data. Mine has the scope rail but no muzzle break. Any idea where I can get my hands on one?

[Goose52]

xaztec

Great report - thanks.

On your Egyptian - can you confirm that the receiver serial number is "950" and has no leading zeros (like "0950").

Your Vennie is absolutely correct except for the missing brake. Unfortunately, there is no source for these. All you can do is keep your eye on the WTS ads on the boards. If you find any, buy TWO - I'd like to have one too !

Thanks again,

Goose

[Mangi One]

8mm
CIA Import with replacement stock
SN# 255XX
Brass buttplate on stock with trapdoor for cleaning kit
barrell, receiver, bolt, carrier, cover all serialized the same with Egyptian characters
Bayonet lug yes, scope mount no, mid sling swivel no

[Goose52]

Salvatore - Thanks for the data - I'm now up to 373 rifles in the data base :D

When you say a "replacement" stock - do you mean the typical Century beechwood repro stock or do you mean something like an FN stock from a 30-06?

Goose

[Mangi One]

Beechwood no markings whatsoever

[Goose52]

Salvatore - Thanks - that's what I thought.

Goose

[rtl]

Egyptian 8mm #195XX. All matching except it has a new barrel with no number that I can find, and a new stock - brass buttplate.
Crown crest on reciever. No Scope rails, long 4 slot flashider, and 1 piece firing pin.

[Goose52]

rtl - Thanks for the data.

You may want to consider fitting the 2-piece firing pin to reduce the likelihood of an out-of-battery slam-fire in the event that the 1-pc pin ever breaks.

Sarco carries the 2-piece pin - their part number FN49-069. Numrich/Gun Parts also has them.

Thanks again,

Goose

[vegeta]

Serial Number :
298xx
Receiver ring crest (crown or eagle)?:
crown
Have scope cut on left receiver rail?:
yes
Have a middle sling swivel located about 2" in front of the magazine?:
no
Have a reinforcing crossbolt in the stock?:
no

Optional question: Is the bolt machined to take a firing pin safety stop? (This machining is in the top of the bolt and is milled down into the firing pin channel on the aft end of the bolt). If so, does the bolt serial number match the receiver serial number?:
yes and the numbers match the reciever.
only non matching part is the bolt cover.

[Goose52]

vegeta - Thanks for the report. You have a typical late Egyptian.

Just for grins, take a look at the enclosed pic and let me know which of the three bolts looks like yours.

Thanks :)

Goose

[vegeta]

the bottom one looks like mine.
I see what you were talking about now with the milled out section
I thought you meant the milled out part at the breech end of the bolt oops.

[Pluribus]

Columbian crest.
Has cross bolt.
Bolt/carrier, receiver and top cover ser. #0218.
Stock #0904.
Bolt/carrier stamped .30 Caliber is 30/06.
Has steel/ridged B/P.
One piece F/P.
Magazine?, well it is stamped on it's side, near top, with either 623 or 643, the 2 and or 4 are directly over stamped each other with the same style and size of number. Left side, front of receiver and on the bottom of mag have a light electro penciled number G2T9Q2 on them. Are these import marck's? I see no other name's as a typical importer would use. No scope cut either. HTH, DB

[Goose52]

db58*

Thanks for the report. There shouldn't be any import markings on your rifle as the Colombians were imported prior to GCA-68 and import marks weren't required until importation of milsurps was re-allowed around 1984. Can't help you with the electopencil numbers.

On the numbers on the mag, I do have a previous report of a Colombian with a mag serial numbered to the receiver so perhaps your mag box was originally on another rifle.

Too bad your rifle was altered as there were only 1000 Colombian contract rifles made.

Now, all Colombians to date HAVE had the scope cut on the left receiver rail. Could you take a look at the attached pics and tell me which one looks like your rifle - thx !

Goose

[Pluribus]

Goose, mine look's like the one on the bottm. That's scope cut I bet, right? Will I detract any or much value by replacing the top cover and rear sight, presuming course that I find correct part's? The finish is enamel and in about 80-85% intact except at muzzle where the front sight was long ago soldered on and then cold blued. Would be helping the value any at all or would restoring be just esthetically and hopefully not hurt it? I would welcome your's or anyone else's opinion. Thank's again, DB

[Goose52]

db58*

Yup - the pic on the bottom is the scope cut typical of the 30-06 guns (the 7mm and 8mm guns use a different cut).

Were I you, I would try to get rid of the add-on sights for sure. The closer you can get to original, the better, even if it's not absolutely correct.

You'll be able to get a 30-06 receiver cover easy enough. However, the receiver covers out there are mostly "take-offs" from Belgian contract rifles and will have high serial numbers - as high as 87,000 or higher. So, since only 1000 Colombians were made, unless you end up with a receiver cover with a serial number under 1000, an advanced collector will/should know that you not only have a mixmaster, but also a Belgian contract cover.

After you remove the front sight, you could try to touch up the barrel with paint to cover the blueing but you run the risk of having the touch-up be more noticeable that the original blemish.

On a restoration or refinish - your call. I saw Dennis Kroh from Empire Arms sell a Colombian at $1200 that he admitted was repainted and the stock had been refinished ! ! ! ! I believe that price was WAY to high for a non-original rifle BUT Dennis has a lot of traffic on his site and just has to wait for the right buyer to come along . . . someone with more money than patience !

On repainting, I've done it before (on a mixmaster Egyptian that started with a cracked stock so it was just about the LEAST collectible FN-49 around and I had nothing to loose). I covered the repainting on a thread over at Gunboards quite a while ago. Here's the link if you're interested: http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=8&TID=4550&P=1&SID=457179#ID13

Good Luck !

Goose

[Goose52]

Anybody have an FN-49 that hasn't played yet? I'm stuck at 488 rifles in the data base and need some help to get past 500 ! :rolleyes:

Thanks,

Goose

[Mangi One]

sr#3350
no disc on stock
no lock screw at rear of trigger guard
one piece hand guard
clean rifle no import marking
stock has steel butt plate

[markmckee]

Goose,

Just took possession of an Argie Naval in 7.62. Here are the particulars...

SN: 0030, all matching except of bolt carrier (sn: 1133)
Finish: Stoving over park
Stock Set: FN walnut w. 2 pc handguards, cross bolt, Type 1 (30-06) buttplate
Mag Catch: Type 2 (similar to FAL)
Firing Pin: 2 piece (yay!) w. firing pin stop groove
Bolt: Type 1 w. "keyhole" firing pin stop cutout
Magazine: 10 round "reworked" from original 20 round (have 2 of these)
Markings: Argentine Crest on crown of receiver. Argie naval proof "ARA" on left side of receiver crown and on buttstock

This one had the muzzle cap welded on which a previous owner removed. I'll be hunting down a replacement to get back to the original configuration. Same thing for the finish. Someone removed all the stoving (with a buffing wheel no less!) except for that on the receiver and barrel under the stock (someone was too lazy to bother to remove what couldn't be seen when the rifle was assembled). Don't like to refinish a piece like this but in this instance don't have much choice.
Let me know if there's anything else you'd like for the DB.
Mark

[Goose52]

Mangi One - Thanks for the data. You didn't say, but I'm thinking that your rifle is from the Venezuelan contract chambered in 7x57?????????????


markmckee - Thanks for the report . . . that's all the data that I need. Also, I saw your post over on Gunboards and left a note about the rifle that I repainted in case you want to take a look.

Thanks guys,

Goose

[mpl897]

GOOSE...GUNPLUMBER will have my friends monday,the "blown-up one", 434#, Egyptian, let you know later on the rest. replaced stock no medal on side, matched #s.

[Goose52]

mpl897 - Thanks for the number - good luck on the repair.

Goose

[Mangi One]

Goose 52
The FN 49 S#3350
Detailed exam of this rifle showed new condition on all parts, with some small scratches on the exterior paint. The bolt has a one piece firing pin and the firing pin safety installed. Receiver, bolt, bolt carrier, barrell, and top cover all have the same serial number. The wood on the stock is dark red with some small circular marks that could be FN acceptance stamps. I could find no markings indicating the calibur. I know the original owner who stated he purchased this rifle in the late 60's from a gun importer in New York State as a Venezualan 7X57 FN 49. He sanded out several small scratches in the stock and reoiled it and replaced the extractor. He stated 8mm extractor would not work new 7mm installed restored functioning to rifle. In 1975 he gave it to a friend whose estate I bought it from. It has not been fired since the early 70's. When I can get some 7X57 ammo I will start blasting.

[Goose52]

Salvatore - thanks for the additional data. By your earlier description I was confident that it was a Venezuelan contract rifle.

Before you shoot the rifle you may want to read-up on some of the recent posts related to firing pins (which you may have already done). Here's one: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46630

At any rate, it's recommended that you fit a 2-piece firing pin to any FN-49 that you intend to shoot. At present, it looks like Gunparts/Numrich is the only outfit that presently has BOTH the front and rear pin sections in stock. If you decide to order a new pin set-up, make sure you get a rear section that is slotted for your firing pin safety stop.

Goose

[awp101]

BTT

Not to be confused with BBT:D

[Goose52]

awp101 - thanks again for the BTT . . . . . why not buy a couple more FN-49s so you can play for real !

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Goose

[awp101]

I's done did gots one!;)

I do have my eye on a Hakim maybe...

[hydrotx]

Egyptian Contract

274**
Crown
Scope Cut
No middle swivel
No reinforcing crossbolt i

Bolt is not machined for a firing pin safety

[Goose52]

hydrotx - Thanks for the report. I'm up to 592 rifles in the data base and looking forward to breaking the 600 barrier !

Goose

[Goose52]

Any new Board members have an FN-49 and would like to contribute?

Goose

[Dan at VOW]

Goose, picked up an AL with serial number 2326 for 350.00 !!!! It is marked RSA under the AL. I will post more info on it soon, Dan.

[Goose52]

Dan - $350 is a GREAT DEAL ! :cool:

I would be interested in hearing more about that RSA marking in addition to the other usual info. Can you take a pic of that marking?

Thanks,

Goose

[44echo]

Bought one today!!!!
8x57 Mau. Egyptian contract. CAI marked barrel
Serial Number: 237xx
bolt - 116xx
cover not matching
Receiver ring crest (crown or eagle)? crown
Have scope cut on left receiver rail? no
Have a middle sling swivel located about 2" in front of the magazine? no
Have a reinforcing crossbolt in the stock? no, brass butt looks like SMLE, been dragged for miles.

Optional question: Is the bolt machined to take a firing pin safety stop? yes
If so, does the bolt serial number match the receiver serial number? no
Hope this helps.
44 Echo

[Goose52]

44echo Every rifle helps so thanks for the report. I'm coming up on 625 rifles in the data base and my goal is at least 1000 so I'll take all the rifles I can get.

You may have already read the posts on this, but you want to strip your bolt and make sure that you have a 2-piece firing pin.

Thanks,

Goose

[44echo]

Well glad I could help.
Got another 8x57 Egyptian here in front of me.
#285xx scope cut, crest was ground off and grind area was not refinished. No swivel, plain stock with many repairs. CAI marked.
Bolt not avaiable.

Also have a replacement barrel I got awhile ago.
Has sight base/bayo lug/gastube.
Chamber marked with 89, ELG in a crown topped ring, E with a star over it. No indication of chambering, was sold to me as a 8x57.

Lastly a flash hider of M16A1 style, 22mm od, 53 mm long. Has spring at base that contacts barrel. Sold to me as for FN.

Keep up the good work!
44 Echo

[Goose52]

44echo - thanks again for the report.

On your new spare barrel - it is most probably an 8x57. On the "68" marking . . . is one end of the "8" smaller than the other end ?

I thought this was a "68" marking as well until I looked real close at my spare barrel and noticed the "8" stamping. I now I believe that it's an "89" stamp when I put the small end of the "8" up ! Check out the pic on this thread: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46907&highlight=fn49+barrel

On your flash hider, FN never offered anything like that for FN-49s. It sounds like the part that Numrich/Gun Parts sells. The only FN-provided muzzle devices for the FN-49 were a blank firing adapter, and the muzzle brake that was fitted to the Venezuelan contract rifles and to the Egyptian snipers.

Thanks again,

Goose

[BlueNavion]

Howdy Goose
Bought an Egyptian contract 8mm FN-49 a couple of weeks ago, Here's the Data.

Serial #2365x
Crown crest
No scope cut
No middle swivel
No reinforcing Bolt
No cuts in Bolt for the fireing pin safety

Over all it's in good condition , it's been rebarreled with a new gas system .

Only discrepancy that I can see is that the new barrel has thread on muzzle device, about 21/2 inches long .
HTH
Ned

[Goose52]

BlueNavion - Outstanding - thanks to you as well for reporting your data.

I have a feeling that your muzzle device is also the GunParts/Numrich part.

As I mentioned to 44echo, make sure you have a 2-piece firing pin in your rifle to reduce the likelihood of slamfires occasionally caused by breakage of the long 1-piece pin. :eek:

Goose

[44echo]

You were right, 89.
Gun Parts or Sarco would have been where I got the barrel and muzzle device. Too long to remember now.
PS. muzzle device looks just like HK item.

44 Echo

[elbo]

Goose,
I'm new here and just found your FN49 threads, surveys.

Here's what I have:
Egypt, CAI parts gun, SN 3465X matching numbers (Egyptian) on reciever and barrel. Top cover # (using rear site to translate)20690, bolt carrier #27573, bolt #12005 cut for SS, not installed, two piece FP, by the way you can also shim the spring if it fails the inerta test, don't file. Reciever has crown crest, no third swivel, no lock screw on rear TG, cut for scope. Stock has been repaired with a plug on both sides above the safe lever, has brass BP w/trap and hole for brass disk but no disk. Breach of barrel is marked 7,9 opposite the extractor cut (cannot make out other markings). Underside of barrel breach has a large L and mabe an O in a box. Gas piston guide has an S.

Well this was fun, now I have to put this thing together.

[Goose52]

elbo - thanks for the detailed report! Just FYI, your stock is probably not original to the rifle as all of the rifles in this serial number range have the 3rd/middle sling swivel mounted just in front of the magazine so Century swapped the stock on you as well as the other parts.

Good point on shimming the spring . . . but make sure that the shim doesn't create any drag in the firing pin channel, eh!

Welcome to the Files :)

Goose

[elbo]

At least my barrel and receiver got to stay together, and mabe a screw... mabe two.:|

[44echo]

Got an update on rifle 285xx, bolt is uncut and hand numbered to rifle.
44 Echo

[Goose52]

44 Echo - Thanks

Goose

[Goose52]

Anybody out there get an FN-49 for Christmas and would like to give the 'ole Goose a New Year's present and contribute to the survey?

:D :D :D

Goose

[G_FAL]

Hey Goose,
Have you seen this website yet.
It has an article by a John A. Landry with some pictures of a replica flash hider.

http://www.fn-collectors.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=listarticles&secid=1

[Goose52]

G_FAL - I have had that FN web site bookmarked for quite a while but for the FN-49, all they had was a link over to the original Landry site at: http://walnut.tmcom.com/%7Ejlandry/firearms/FN49.html This old site is still active and has "Version 3.53", dated 10-31-99, of Landry's work posted.

The FN web site how has a "Version 3.54", dated 12-24-02 posted. I just scanned the text and didn't see anything new but there are some new/better pics. There are some errors in this text, but nothing major and I frequently send posters to the Landry site for the basics . ..

The muzzle device shown on this new page is not a replica . . . it's the original FN-produced device as fitted to the Venezuelan contract rifles and to the Egyptian snipers.

Goose

[G_FAL]

The home page to the website also has a note stating that John Landry has moved on to other things in life (or something to that effect ) and no longer has any interest in maintaining/updating his works on the FN49.

I also found out today that someone I know may be inheriting an FN49 which belonged to his father-in-law. He claims to have shot a 5-shot dime-sized group the first time he shot it many years ago. It is supposed to be a South American model in 30-06.
If/when I get a chance to look at it, I will try to get some information for you.

[Goose52]

G_FAL - Thank's for the comeback.

Well, my hat is off to Landry for filling a "web void" for all these years. Best wishes to him in his future interests.

BTW, I would appreciate that data on the 30-06. If you get a chance, send me some data on this one. These rifles shoot well and I would not dispute a dime . . . certainly at 50 yards and they'll occasionally do it at 100.

Also BTW, the Goose is always interested in South American -49s in the event your friend tires of the rifle! ;) ;) ;)

Goose

[gunguy98]

Mine is Egyptian contract 8mm
serial # D1100x
Eagle on the receiver
It has the scope cut
It does not have the middle swivel, I'm not possitive but it might be a .30-06 stock
It has the reinforcement cross bolt
I believe I have a .30-06 bolt with the FPSS and its installed, the numbers do not match the receiver

[Goose52]

gunguy98 - Thanks for the report. You have a typical "Eagle" and you most probably DO have a 30-06 stock.

All of the Eagles were built by Century from new, never issued, spare receivers. They frequently have the 30-06 parts that you mention (stock and bolt) but also may have 30-06 bolt carriers and even 30-06 receiver covers. My Eagle is in a Centry repro stock, has mostly Egyptian parts, but does have a 30-06 bolt and a muzzle cap that was installed on the 30-06 and 7.65 rifles.

If you ever remove the action from the stock, you will probably see that you have a new, replacement barrel with an "89" number stamped over the chamber.

Thanks again,

Goose

[Goose52]

Any new board members have an FN-49 and would like to play?

:)

Goose

[jimmyjoebob]

I'll play

Egyptian rifle serial 17104

all farsi numbers match
no scope mount cuts
crown on receiver
no middle sling
no crossbolt

I am unsure if the bolt is machined for the firing pin stop, but I do have a 2 piece pin.

I hope this helps

James

[Goose52]

James - Thanks for the contribution - every bit of data helps. You have what sounds like a typical mid-range Egyptian.

Thanks again,

Goose

[Mangi One]

Picked up another 8mm sr#33622 details here

CAI import
Crown crest
plain muzzle cap
scope cut yes
third swivel yes
no cuts in bolt for firing pin safty
original stock with sr# and disc

sr# s match except bolt carrier last # is 9 all others 2 (exchanged at the armory ?)and havent looked at barrel yet

bore looks bright
interior and exterior metel looks new
stock has many shallow dings and dents

My other 8mm will be on market place soon will only keep one on each ..

[Goose52]

Mangi One - You have what I call a "3-swivel" Egyptian. All of these fall within a 2,000 serial number range. While most of the rifles in this 2,000 range were NOT fully rigged snipers . . . all of the fully rigged, 2nd variant snipers DO fall within this range.

Unlike the Lux and Belgian snipers that were built as such by FN, the Egyptian snipers were most likely built in Egypt. It's quite possible that Egypt had the 3rd sling swivel fitted to this block of 2000 rifles, then test fired for accuracy, selected the better rifles for sniper use, then fitted the cheekpiece, brake, and scope set-up.

So, out of 37000 Egyptian, you have a 1 of 2000 (or so) !

Goose

[John Culver]

Hey Goose what other info have you learned from all this.
Kinda curious as to the results of the survey. :)

[Goose52]

John

I now have data on about 670 rifles with a goal of achieving 1000 and beyond. The additional rifles have confirmed nearly all of the conclusions of my earlier survey summary, have identified a number of FN-49 variants within the contracts, pinned down serial number ranges of the scope features, and have pinned down a bit closer production quantities within the 30-06 contracts.

Information related to variation in features and design changes have helped establish hypothesis regarding the production order of the various contracts.

The below post regarding the Egyptian 3-swivel guns is the type of data that I can now share. I also have data on nearly 40 fully-rigged snipers and can now reasonably authenticate snipers from the Lux and Egyptian contracts.

So, with a year invested, and perhaps somewhere around 750 hours total time, I know a bit more about FN-49s than I did last year!

Goose

[jimmyjoebob]

goose-
where can one score the wrench used to install the thread protector/muzzle brake?

[Goose52]

jimmyjoebob - Northridge for sure, maybe Gunparts. Read all of Northridge's parts listings as they used to have the wrench listed twice - one at a lower price than the other (?). Go to:

http://www.northridgeinc.com/I_fnfal_fn49_parts.htm
http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=1410z1949

Goose

[black]

THANKS FOR ALL THE INFORMATION. HERE IS MY INFO
Egytian 8mm
Serial D109XX
creast on receiver
YES scope cut
repro stock w/plastic buttpad
non-matching
type III bolt with firing pin stop groove

[Goose52]

black - Thanks for taking the time to submit your data. However, can you give me one more digit of your serial number. I have so many rifles that I really need either the whole number or no more than one "X" to be able to keep the data straight.

The crest on your rifle is the "Eagle of Saladin." All of the "Eagles" were built by Century from new, never issued spare receivers that they bought as part of their purchase of the remaining Egyptian rifles and spares. These rifles usually have a new barrel installed with an "89" number stamped over the chamber end of the barrel. Your bolt is most likely a 30-06 bolt from the Belgian contract. The rifle is non-matching as Century just built these up with parts they had on-hand.

So far, the serial number range of the Eagles is only around 1,500 rifles so, even though they weren't built by FN, they are a relatively rare variant with a unique receiver marking.

Goose

[pbrstreetgangl1a1]

venezuelan
sn# 257x
no cartouche on stock
no lock screw behind trigger guard
when i aquired it it had a one piece handguard (i do shoot my rifles ;) )
beautiful rifle. like new. i refinished the stock with hand rubbed linseed oil.

[Goose52]

pbrstreetgangl1a1 - Thanks for the report. Handguard alteration to facilite gas adjustment is a commonly found variation in the "Early" variant Vennies that originally all had 1-piece handguards. FN realized this themselves and phased in the 2-piece handguards as one of the first design changes (of many) in the overall FN-49 production run.

Goose

[elbo]

Originally posted by jimmyjoebob
goose-
where can one score the wrench used to install the thread protector/muzzle brake?

Something that works and is at hand. FAL gas nut wrench fits almost perfectly. I use the one from Tapco.

[Goose52]

I'm getting closer to breaking the 700 rifle barrier . . . any more FN-49 owners out there want to contribute?

:D:D:D

Goose

[IO_Joe]

I finally purchased my first 49 yesterday. :) Here are the specs:

Egyptian w/ crown; Entire rifle finished in black enamel (like Mk4 SMLES)

SNs do not match - 2802X on receiver, bolt, & barrel; 26472 on receiver cover; 10973 on bolt carrier

Scope cut present (I think?)

No middle sling swivel or crossbolt in stock

Bolt not cut for firing pin block; One-piece fp



I have some questions as well:

1. Where are the importer marks located? I assume mine is a CAI import.
2. Are there any other SNs on the rifle? On the stock; trigger group?
3. The stock has the brass buttplate and cleaning kit/oiler, but is missing the stock disk. Where can I find one?
4. What is an expedient way to clean up the stock? It is in pretty good shape, yet is definately dirty from use.

TIA,

-Joe

[Goose52]

IO_Joe - Thanks for the good report. Many of the Egyptian contract rifles are mismatched due to rebuilding activity either in Egypt or by Century here in the U.S. but the good news is that you have a matching bolt so your headspace is PROBABLY OK but it never hurts to check.

On the scope cut, your rifle is right on the borderline where it SHOULD have the cut. Do me a favor and verify this. Besides comparing your rifle to Pic#1 at the beginning of this survey, the easiest way to tell is to check out where the "Fabrique Nationale . . . Herstal . . ." markings are on your rifle. If these markings are on the right - you most probably have the scope cut. If the markings are on the side of the left receiver rail - you definitely do NOT have the scope cut.

You may have already read the posts related to this but it's STRONGLY recommended that you fit a 2-pc firing pin set-up in your rifle before you shoot it. Availability varies but check out all 3 of the primary FN-49 parts vendors to order your firing pin sections (front & rear):
http://sarcoinc.com/fn49.html
http://www.northridgeinc.com/I_fnfal_fn49_parts.htm
http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=1410z1949

On your questions:

The import marks are usually, but not always, on the bottom of the barrel in front of the bayonet lug. Some importers stamped the receiver. The importer for the Argentine contract rifles was really slick and used REALLY tiny markings on the receiver in the area covered by the sliding dust cover (when the cover is opened). Most of the Egyptians were imported by Century (and some by Navy Arms) and Century applied their marks to the bottom of the barrel.

On serial numbers, you named the 5 parts that were ALWAYS serial numbered when the rifle left FN. Some rifles (mostly in the 3x,xxx range) will also have the serial number on the stock - on the right side just below the rear of the receiver. Many rifles will also have the serial number on the underside of the front handguard.

There was a recent "find" of brass stock discs at Hunter's Lodge (no endorsement for Hunter's Lodge expressed or implied!) but while they are dimensionally compatible with the FN-49 stock inletting, the Arabic script on these discs does NOT match the original FN-49 unit discs - one post over on Gunboards theorized that these Hunter's Lodge discs were from Bren guns. If interested, go to:
http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=29&TID=1653&SID=408180
http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=29&TID=1777&SID=408180

On stock cleaning - you might want to post over on Parallax - lot's of experts over there on working with the "wood" side of the rifle. Go to: http://pub109.ezboard.com/fparallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforumsfrm34

HTH

Goose

[IO_Joe]

Goose:

Thanks for the info.

The FN markings are on the right side of the receiver and the groove does look like that in picture 1.

Still haven't found an importer mark.

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

Got a couple of rifles for you, Unfortunately I have no other details then what I have listed as these are from an auction catalogue.

Egyptian
has crest (don't know which version)
s/n 16020

Venezuelan
has crest
s/n 417

[Goose52]

Kevin - Thanks very much for contributing this data. I recall that you were one of my first contributors more than a year ago when I started the survey. I'll thank you again for taking the time to research all of those years of auction data to extract the FN-49 info.

I now have anywhere from a lot of data . . . to a bit of data . . . on 8 of the 9 FN-49 contracts (Brazil is still a mystery with no data). I'm just coming up on 690 rifles in the data base and would like to crack the 700 barrier so I can start work on the next goal of 800.

The Egyptian that you reported would have a Crown crest. The Venezuelan is an "early" variant (below around SN4000) and actually has a different stock and trigger guard assembly than the "late" variant.

Thanks again,

Goose

[Goose52]

Hmmmm - I've seen some posts about Filers scooping up FN-49s at gunshows but no one has reported in to the survey recently!

Come on . . . don't be shy ! ;););)

Goose

[xcpd69]

Picked up at recent Tulsa show:

Venezualan Contract.

Paint over park, finish in excess of 95%, barrel under stock looks NEW.

Serial on receiver and barrel, 253. Top cover 260. Bolt and carrier 251.

No import marks, muzzle brake intact.

Topcover latch detented.

Firing pin stop present on bolt, one piece pin with spring, knurled bolt.

Grooved for scope mount.

2 piece upper handguards, cut from same wood, grain patterns match.

No markings of any kind on stock, shiney finish leads me to believe MAY have been arsenal refinished, long ago, not recent.

Corrugated buttplate, but underneath, two holes drilled in stock a'la Garand, like for cleaning kit. Evidence indicates buttplate is either original or was put on back when it was still in inventory. Markings underneath plate match pattern of plate.

Bore looks perfect. All in all appears to be untampered with since it left military service. Since the mismatched parts are so close to the receiver/barrel number, this probably occurred very early in it's military life. It looks to have seen little if any usage. Most flaws in finish look to be storage dings, only thing with significant finish wear is the buttplate.

Is it a keeper?

Dunno, there were fewer of the Venezualans, than most of the others, but since I'd rather play with them than collect them, I'd be inclined to consider a trade for an equal condition 30-06 variation, due to ammo availability and price. But then I may find a source of 7mm ammo...

Who knows, anyhow, I won't sell it, as I've been looking for a nice shooter 49 for a while, and the Egyptians, just don't do it for me..

How's this Goose...???

[Goose52]

xcpd69 - WOW . . . this has to be about the most detailed report that I've ever received - THANKS ! I'll work down your observations in order:
You have what sounds like a correct "Early" variant (under SerNo 4000) Vennie.
Sounds like original metal finish
I continually receive reports of Vennies with receiver covers or bolt carriers off by just a few numbers. Don't believe they came from FN that way so that means sloppy assembly practices in the Venezuelan armory.
Won't be import marks on most Vennies they were imported prior to GCA-68.
If you keep, and shoot, the rifle, you should get a 2-piece firing pin to reduce the likelihood of slamfires that can be caused in the event of breakage of the long 1-piece pin. Remember to specifically ask the vendor for a rear pin section that is slotted for the firing pin safety stop - these slotted rear sections are now getting hard to find.
All Vennies have the scope cut.
EXCELLENT observation about the wood grain - the "Early" Vennies originally had a 1-piece handguard that was often sawed in half to facilitate gas adjustment.
Shouldn't be any markings on the stock on the "Early" Vennies - the "Late" Vennies (above SerNo 4000) did have a stock cartouche. The original stock finish was linseed oil so it shouldn't be too shiney . . . although this finish can get shiney if someone keeps handrubbing in more coats of oil.
You have the correct buttplate. The stocks were drilled with the two holes as lightening holes in this case.

Sounds like a keeper to me! On the ammo, just be aware that most 7x57 ammo (commercial or milsurp) will usually be loaded with a powder too slow for optimal operation in gas guns. Every rifle is different so you won't know until you try the particular ammo in your gun. The only milsurp 7x57 that is out there right now is being sold by SAMCO. If you handload, you should consider using hard primers like the CCI #34.

Post any more questions that you may have and thanks again for the report . . . you just put me up to 702 rifles in the data base!

Goose

[SCCogswell]

Egyptian CAI mixmaster

Serial Number: 14120
Crown
No scope cut
No middle sling swivel
No crossbolt
Bolt and carrier match (Arabic numbered only), but do not match receiver. Bolt machined for safety stop, but not present.
2-piece FP

Finish is grey spray paint over the old black stoving. Stock has the brass disc, no visible markings, but is in rough shape.

Cogs

[Goose52]

Cogs - Good report. Thanks for taking the time to submit your data. Good deal on the 2-pc firing pin.

Goose

[falcom]

This goes in the "for what its worth" category.
My 1st assa*lt rifle was an FN49 I bought when I was 17 years old for $125 in 1973. It was serial #1801 and AL marked. It had no scope mount dovetail and the one piece firing pin. No import markings and had the black painted finish with a threaded muzzle with a muzzle protector.
I bought an new 30-06 barrel from Sherwood Ditributors (now Northridge) for $30 but I could never figure out how to get the old barrel off.
I was shooting commercial ammo back then since surplus ammo was hard to find prior to 1984 and the hot Federal loads would rip the rims off during extraction. I never seemed to get the gas setting set right

I sold it a few year later.
Dave

[Goose52]

falcom - "For what it's worth" is just fine. Good report!

You had a typical "Early" variant Luxembourg contract rifle that sounds like it was in correct condition. All of these were imported prior to GCA '68 and import marks didn't start until importation of milsurp rifles was re-allowed in 1984 so that's why no import marks on your rifle.

In regards to the one-piece firing pin in that rifle, We now know that it's a good idea to change out the one-firing pins with the later two-piece pins.

BTW, the reason why you could never get the gas right when shooting commercial ammo is that most commericial 30-06 ammo is probably loaded with a powder that is too slow for optimal use in gas guns. With a slow powder, you get a higher than normal gas port pressure and higher residual chamber pressure when the bolt is trying to unlock - so, you get the torn rims. With many rifles, it doesn't matter how you adjust the gas regulator . . . you've got to either handload or find some good 'ole GI ball.

Thanks,

Goose

[Kulaman308]

FN49,8X57 WITH CREST.Tiger Wood.It is with Bruce Dow recieving a New Barrel.When I get it back,I hope within 2 weeks,I'll fill in the rest..It is a Fabrical National,Belgium...Will be Much more specific on it's return.

[DABTL]

I just bought a FN49 Egyptian. It is super condition and has a crown crest on the receiver. Everything matches.

Serial number 9227. No stock bolt and no middle sling swivel.

The gun does not appear to have been fired?

Normal muzzlebrake and no scope cut.

Super nice gun. Can't wait to screw it up!

[Goose52]

Kulaman308 - Thanks - check back in when you get the rifle.

Bill - Good deal. Remember to check out the firing pin to make sure you have a 2-piece. In regards to being unfired, the only Egyptians that appeared to be unissued/unfired were the rifles up in the 30,000 range. I haven't heard of any of the lower serial number rifles in that good of shape.

The original metal finish is black enamel paint and that the original stock was oil-finished European walnut with a brass buttplate and brass unit disc in the right side of the buttstock. Does your rifle fit this description? Or, is your rifle parkerized and/or have a stock that looks like something other than walnut and may have a black plastic buttplate?

Thanks guys,

Goose

[DABTL]

Brass plate and all. Does not appear to have been fired that I can tell. No unit disk.

The screws on the stock are perfect.

The follower is not even scarred.

Perfect black enamel finish. Does not appear to be a redo at all.

It is almost scary looking at the places where wear might be expected to be. Very little or none.

Nice looking even if it is not original. As a matter of fact I do not believe there could be any that looked better and I have looked at bunches of Egyptian FNs.

[Goose52]

Wow - sounds nice! It should have the unit disc however so you have to wonder what the history is on the stock . . .

Ya gonna shoot it?

Goose

[DABTL]

I think that I will probably not shoot it. The gun obviously was built during the time of King Farouk. It may never have been issued. It certainly is as nice as any I have ever seen.

[Goose52]

All 37000+ of the FN-produced Egyptian contract rifles were built during King Farouk's reign . . . hence the monarchical crown crest. The Egyptian contract was probably complete by 1951. Farouk abdicated in 1952 and the monarchy was disolved in 1953.

Goose

[DABTL]

I thought the Eagle crest was Nasser's time as the Egyptian Republic or United Arab Republic?

[Goose52]

That's why I said "FN-Produced" ! (I was wondering if the “Eagles” were going to be mentioned!)

The data is showing (so far) that there are only about 1,500 Eagle-crested rifles out there. The data is also showing that all of them were built here in the U.S. by Century from new, never used, spare receivers. There are NO all-matching "Eagles" out there and most have new barrels (not serial numbered to the receiver) and a mixture of Egyptian 8mm and Belgian 30-06 parts. Many are in the Century repro stocks but many are in Belgian-contract 30-06 stocks as well. Also, the Eagles have unique serial numbers with a “D” prefix that was not used by FN. There is not a single Eagle in the data base (out of 30) that gives any indication of ever having been assembled by FN.

The hypothesis is that these receivers were purchased by Egypt as spares, or perhaps with the intent of building complete rifles using their other spare parts. For whatever reason, they were never used (perhaps because the decision was made to produce the Hakim). As mentioned prior, the Egyptian contract was complete by around 1951 and the monarchy dissolved in 1953. So, given the Eagle-crest, these receivers would have been purchased sometime between mid-1953 out to mid-1956 when the FN-49 line was shut down. (I don't imagine that FN would have produced these receivers AFTER the line was closed down but it's possible I guess). At any rate, this WAS into the timeframe when Nasser took over from Nagiub, but perhaps prior to the formation of the UAR in 1958. Anyway, Century probably got these receivers as part of the deal when they bought the remaining Egyptian rifles and spares in the ‘80s and then they just built them in to rifles with the spare parts on hand including the aforementioned 30-06 parts.

The Eagle crest, BTW, is the "Eagle of Saladin" that was on the first Egyptian flag used after the monarchy was dissolved and is still used on the Egyptian flag to this day. Additionally, this symbol has been used by many other Arab nations over the past 1000 years or so.

The “Eagles” shoot as well as any FN-produced rifle, sometimes even better since most, if not all of them, were fitted with the new barrel. So, while not having a pure FN-pedigree, the “Eagles” are good shooters, and since there are only about 1,500 of them, are relatively rare and should probably be included in any comprehensive FN-49 collection.

Goose

[DABTL]

Oh, my God! I have now seen everything! The end is near! Collectable Century Built Rifles, as a concept it is taking some time to get used to, believe me!

[Goose52]

Bill - it REALLY is a strange concept, eh!

However, since the receivers are indeed FN-production, and have a unique crest, I believe that if you want to "collect the set" that an advanced FN-49 collector would need an Eagle in the collection.

Were this just the typical Century rebuilld - take a crown-crested receiver and start assembling with any & all parts on hand, then MHO is that there is NO collector value to those rifles - their only value is as shooters. However, due to the unique receiver crest, MHO is that these "Eagle" mongrels are something unusual or unique, and therefore have "collector" value.

I usually spend a lot of time discussing/explaining the Eagles to try to stop the typical Internet explanations that these were a RARE variant issued only to the Egyptian Presidential Guards or were part of a limited contract for some other Arab nation. The Arabic writing right under the Eagle crest reads "Egyptian Army" so we know they were intended for Egyptian service. The fact that there are absolutely NO correct, matching Eagles, and the preponderance of installed 30-06 parts support the hypothesis that they were built by Century.

Just trying to spread factual information . . .

Goose

[xcpd69]

Another Tulsa Show, small one this time, but spotted an FN-49 halfway across the room. Told the wife to watch my table, and went after it.

Came back with now ex-owner in tow.

Columbian Contract.

Serial number 0180, on receiver, top cover, barrel, bolt and carrier. ALL match.

Thread protector muzzle cap, dunno if welded, no appropriate tool to attempt removal.

Crossbolt in stock below receiver ring.

Locking screws present on all three main trigger group screws.

Upper handguard two piece, pieces match, but slightly darker than buttstock.

Low gloss finish on stock, no marks or cartouches anywhere.

Trapdoor buttplate.

Two piece firing pin, and firing pin safety.

Grooved for scope mount.

Bore and gas tube shiney and free from rust.

Overall finish on metal is too good, possibly arsenal or previous owner refinished, but is correct baked enamel.

OK, I got the 30-06 I wanted, and didn't even have to trade the Vennie off to get it.

Another keeper..???

You betcha...

[DABTL]

OK, Lonny the fight is on. You got my gun through unfair tactics. You been hanging around Tulsa long enough. Find some place else to poach my guns. :bow:

[Goose52]

Lonny - Thanks for the contribution. It is indeed a small world since the previous owner of that rifle already submitted the data!

Thanks,

Goose

[xcpd69]

Originally posted by DABTL
OK, Lonny the fight is on. You got my gun through unfair tactics. You been hanging around Tulsa long enough. Find some place else to poach my guns. :bow:

Poaching?

On the north side of the Red River?

Not hardly....

:tongue:

Goose, I thought it might be already in your data base, from talking to the previous owner, but I figured if it was, you'd know it.

P.S. Bill, it's a really dinky show, hardly worth the 15 mile drive from my place, much less from Dallas...

Still, I did some horse trading, and sold a few small items...(Still ended up in the hole. Thank God I don't do this for a living...)

[Goose52]

All right all you gun show warriors . . . find me some more FN-49 data !

:D:D:D

Goose

[OZ]

BREAKING NEWS !!!!!!!!!!!

The lost FN49s in the Indonesian Navy service have been traced and found ...... exactly 7995 of them. Only 6000 or so are in good operational condition. More info to follow soon. No. They will not sell these. Their Navy is not as corrupted as their Army .... good for them, bad for us.

Some historical facts and perhaps photos will follow soon ....

oz

[Goose52]

Ozy - GREAT news. Keep us informed ! ! !

Goose

[Goose52]

Anybody buy an FN-49 lately?

;)

Goose

[Pluribus]

Originally posted by Goose52
Anybody buy an FN-49 lately?

;)

Goose
I haven't lately but, I like the line. It would look good as a T-shirt logo.:wink: :biggrin:

[Goose52]

. . . sorta like "Got Milk?" but different, eh !

;) :D

Goose

[Pluribus]

Originally posted by Goose52
. . . sorta like "Got Milk?" but different, eh !

;) :D

Goose
Yeah, that's it. "Got an FN-49?":biggrin:

[Goose52]

Wow, a whole month has gone by without any 'Filers' buying an FN-49 ...

Strange, that ....

;)

Goose

[xcpd69]

My Venezualan (http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=9304990) is up for sale.

:biggrin:

[Bill/H]

Luxembourg
Marked “AL”
SN: 10xx (all match, receiver, bolt, top cover, no number on bolt carrier)
No scope cut on left rail
Ridged metal butt plate, no trap, curved top with screw
No reinforcing bolt in stock

Colombia
National Crest
SN: 08xx (all match, receiver, bolt, top cover, and bolt carrier)
No scope cut on left rail
Original rubber butt pad
No reinforcing bolt in stock

[weaponeer2000]

8mm Egyptian
Fabrique Nationale D'Armes DE Guerre - Herstal- Belgique
Serial Number 52XX
Receiver ring crest: crown
http://www.gary-graham.com/inert/crest.jpg
Have scope cut on left receiver rail? Yes
Have a middle sling swivel located about 2" in front of the magazine? No
Have a reinforcing crossbolt in the stock? No

Yes the bolt machined to take a firing pin safety stop

bolt serial number match the receiver serial number? The numbers are not matching

Threaded muzzle with protector

Bayonet lug ground off

Sporterized Stock
http://www.gary-graham.com/inert/FN49.jpg

[Goose52]

Bill/H - Thanks for taking the time to report the data on your rifles. Can you give me one more digit of your serial numbers. To get the fidelity that I need in the data, I can have no more than one "X" in the number. For instance, I already have 3 Lux rifles in the 10XX block and already have another Colombian in the 08XX block.

There are some anomalies in the data your rifles - maybe you can recheck some of the features:

Lux The bolt carrier should be serial numbered - usually on the side, but could be on the back below the hole for the return springs. If not numbered, this could be a replacement carrier.
All of the Lux contract rifles in the data base have the stamped steel buttplate with trap. Does this stock have a circular cartouche on the right side of the butt? ... or give an appearance that the stock has been sanded in that area?
Colombian Can you confirm that this rifle has NO scope cut as shown in the picture on the first post? Which side of the receiver is the Fabrique Nationale .... Herstal ... stamping on? All Colombians to date have the scope cut.
Can you confirm that there is no stock crossbolt. All Colombians so far have had the crossbolt.
Thanks,

Goose

[Goose52]

weaponeer2000 - Looks like you posted while I was responding to the prior post. Thanks for the data on your rifle.

Can you give me one more digit of your serial number. I already have another rifle in the 52XX block.

Also, can you recheck your scope cut? Rifles in your serial number range should NOT have the cut. Check out this pic. Does the left side of your receiver look like #1 in the below picture? Also, which side of your receiver is the Fabrique Nationale ... Herstal ... stamped on?

http://home.earthlink.net/~fn49fan/FN49/Survey_pic.jpg

Thanks,

Goose

[weaponeer2000]

Ser # 526X

Due to the brightness and contrast of the photo it's really hard to tell.
http://www.gary-graham.com/inert/scopemount.jpg
so maybe not

Fabrique Nationale ... Herstal ... is stamped on the left side

[Bill/H]

Goose - here's my reply to your questions:
Lux
- SN: 101x

* The bolt carrier should be serial numbered - usually on the side, but could be on the back below the hole for the return springs. If not numbered, this could be a replacement carrier.
- Not numbered anywhere

* All of the Lux contract rifles in the data base have the stamped steel buttplate with trap. Does this stock have a circular cartouche on the right side of the butt? ... or give an appearance that the stock has been sanded in that area?
- No cartuoche there, there is a circular cartouche (about 3/8" in diameter) on the stock about 1" directly in front of the forward trigger guard screw.

Colombian
- SN: 081x

* Can you confirm that this rifle has NO scope cut as shown in the picture on the first post? Which side of the receiver is the Fabrique Nationale .... Herstal ... stamping on? All Colombians to date have the scope cut.
- the Fabrique Nationale .... Herstal ... stamping is on the right side of the receiver below the bolt handle, just above the stock line. (The AL has it on the left side of the receiver). I have looked at your photo again, and both of my rifles have a solid rail that runs from the stock back to the end of the stripper clip release button. I do not have the scope cuts.

* Can you confirm that there is no stock crossbolt. All Colombians so far have had the crossbolt.
- no crossbolt in the stock. I did not remove the action from the stock to see if there are cuts in the receiver. Just a piece of trivia - I lived in Cincinnati many years ago, there was a gun store in northern Kentucky, I don't remember the name, something like Elmer Joyce guns. They had about 50 Colombian FN-49s that they were putting together, all metal looked brand new and unfired. They were missing hand guards and magazines. This is not one of those rifles, but I wonder where they ended up.

I hope this helps,

[Goose52]

weaponeer2000 – Thanks for the come-back. Nope – no scope cut for you. You can see in your pic that the FN stamping is on the left and there is no segmented dovetail on that side as shown in #1 of survey pic.

Bill/H – Thanks also for the data.

The bolt carriers were a serial-numbered part on all FN-49 contracts so you may have a replacement carrier. On the stock, the only production FN-49 stock with NO crossbolt and the corrugated steel buttplate w/no trap was the stock fitted to the “late” variant Venezuelan contract rifles. The late Vennies and the “early” variant Luxies were probably being produced concurrently at FN but I wouldn’t imagine that a Vennie stock could have been installed on a Lux at the factory and escape the FN quality control AND any required customer inspection. Perhaps this stock was fitted by a prior owner here in the U.S. BUT a late variant Vennie stock had the large “FAV” cartouche on the right side of the butt.

On the Colombian – I have no explanation for your stock w/no crossbolt. On the scope cut – the FN marking default location was on the left side UNLESS there was a scope cut and then the marking was moved to the right side. Since your marking is on the right …. there should be a scope cut on the left like shown in #2 of my survey pic posted above. Another mystery ! !

**********

Thanks for the data guys!

Goose

[Goose52]

Bill/H - Thanks for the info about the Kentucky shop that "put-together" the 50 Colombians. Since there were only 1000 Colombian contract rifles, that means that 5% of all Colombians now have suspect pedigrees.

I have seen a Colombian that had perfect BLUEING (not black paint) and a stock with a stamped steel buttplate WITH trap door ... both non-original features. The rifle looked NEW .... perhaps this was one of the rifles from the Kentucky shop!

Thanks again,

Goose

[Bill/H]

OK, before I skew your data forever with a stupid anomaly, I need to plead stupid. I went back through the entire set of posts and found the two pictures that you posted on Aug. 5, 2002 for db58. I kept looking at pic #1 at the beginning of this thread and seeing the center cut in the side of the receiver. I thought that was the scope cut, but nooooo. I get it now, my Colombian has the scope cut, the Luxy does not. Sorry for the bad data.

On the other note, the Colombian 49’s at the Kentucky shop were painted, not blued. The paint was absolutely stunning, no nicks, no scratches, just shiny beautiful black paint. The stocks were perfect, light colored, nice grain, just a light oil finish. They looked like they were brand new and just came from the arsenal. A friend of my Dad bought one, I will see if my Dad is still in contact with the guy. If I can get any data, like the serial number, I will post it. I wish I knew if all of those 49’s had their numbers in the same range. This was about the 1979-1980 timeframe. Maybe someone else on the board saw them.

[Goose52]

Bill/H - No problem good buddy! I have nearly 770 rifles in the data base now and I have enough data to pretty much know what to expect so I ask questions when something seems out-of-whack. Also, you never know when you'll run into a small run of rifles with a consistant anomaly .... when you see enough of a trend, then you start to figure that you have now identified another confirmed variant. Just like on the Egyptians, I've identified 3 different runs of receivers with the scope cut. The first 2 runs were a matter of a few hundred rifles only.

On the 50 Colombians - I filed away your latest data. The first advertisement offering the Colombians for sale that I know of was in the July 1967 American Rifleman. I had assumed that all of the Colombians were pre-GCA-68. As you know, import of milsurp rifles was banned between late 1968 until 1994 so it's interesting that the cache of 50 Colombians were in the country since 1968 and the Kentucky outfit must have bought this batch from someone in the US as they couldn't be imported then.

Thanks again for the data,

Goose

[Goose52]

OK - I know there's some FN-49 owners out there that haven't checked in yet ...... don't be shy !

:rolleyes:

Goose

[SemperTanks]

I saw an FN49 at a gun show a couple weeks ago, CA convert to .308. I was very tempted, but didnt know much about them and didnt know what to pay. Ive been surfing thru these threads to try to get an idea. Any one have a range on the values of these?

[gunfish]

CA (Century Arms?) didn't convert fn49s to 308. If the rifle you saw was chambered for 7.62x51 (308) it would be an Argentine contract and might sell for 500 to 1400 as condition warrants. If the rifle was a Century Arms built type it would sell for 375 to 550$ If it was a Century import marked Egyptian type it would go for 400 to 1000 depending on conditon. If the rifle was a custom conversion to 308 it would be worth the sum of the parts.

[Deltaten]

Goose52:

Just remembered to sen data on this unit:

Bbl'd action picked up at a show.
Egyptian 8mm, SN3062X, crown ring stamp, 7, J, 9 stamped on the rear bottom internal flat of rcvr. no import markings on bbl or rcvr, scope cuts on LS rcvr.

So this begs the question...Do I build it as such, or hold out the hope for a proper scope mount, and use it to "re-build" another? Still looking for trigger group and stock..a long term project:D

Best,
Paul

[acgeorge]

Egyption 8mm
s/n 734X
crown
NO scope cut
NO middle sling swivel
NO reinforcing crossbolt

NO, bolt machined to take a firing pin safety stop

NO, bolt serial number does not match the receiver serial number? :sad:

[Goose52]

FINALLY ... More rifles ! :);) It was a long dry spell. You guys have just not been buying enough FN-49s lately!

Paul - Thanks for the contribution. A few comments:

On finding a "proper scope mount" ... keep in mind that the military base, mount, and OIP scope (as sold by Northridge and Sarco for $795) are only really correct on Belgian-contract 30-06 rifles. While nearly 1/3 of all Egyptians (10,000 rifles) had the scope cut, there may have only been around 100 (perhaps up to 200) fully-rigged Egyptian snipers ever made and they used a unique OIP-1955 base and a Meopta scope as shown in the below pic. So, it's unlikely that you'll find the "proper" rig !
http://home.earthlink.net/~fn49fan/FN49/OIP55.JPG

If you meant that you wanted to take advantage of the scope cut on this rifle by utilizing the military base and Echo mount to mount a commercial scope - that will run you about $300 or so for the base and mount. That works out pretty well as shown in the following pic.
http://home.earthlink.net/~fn49fan/FN49/6450scope.JPG


Andrew - Thanks for taking the time to submit your data :)


Goose

[SemperTanks]

Reply to Gunfish:
"CA (Century Arms?) didn't convert fn49s to 308. If the rifle you saw was chambered for 7.62x51 (308) it would be an Argentine contract and might sell for 500 to 1400 as condition warrants. If the rifle was a Century Arms built type it would sell for 375 to 550$ If it was a Century import marked Egyptian type it would go for 400 to 1000 depending on conditon. If the rifle was a custom conversion to 308 it would be worth the sum of the parts."
_________________________________________________
Gunfish,
thanks - roger that, may have been handled by Century and not converted. It had their stamp on it which concerned me. Ive been reading up and will be better prepared when I come across one next.
Regards, Sempertanks

[Goose52]

Wow - a month has gone by and no FN-49 survey reports ... I need some rifles!!!

Goose

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

Sorry the details are limited but they are as given in the catalogue, here are a couple of other that have appeared in catalogues over the past few months. I would guess that most of the SAFN's in NZ have been sourced through Century Arms.

30-06
select fire
Crown 'ABL' 1951 on receiver
S/N 36127


30-06
semi auto
S/N 34970


7.92 mm
Crown
has brass disk iletted into the butt
S/N 11367


8x57 mm
Egyptian
Crest
S/N 16020


30-06
Venezuelan National Crest
S/N 417


7.92 mm
Egyptian Crown
coin in-letted into the butt with "Republique Francaise" on it.
S/N 20305

[Goose52]

Kevin - THANKS as always. FYI - I already had several of those rifles so perhaps they are back on auction after you originally reported them in early 2002!

Also, there is an anomaly in the ABL with the 1951 date. I had several reports from FN-49 owners in Italy that established the break in production between the 1951 and 1952 production years at around serial number 33000. This rifle that you reported is 36127. I've entered that 1951 date in "red" in the data base and I'll be waiting to get more data to see if I can pin down this breaking point a bit better.

Also, in regards to Century - here in the U.S. Century is only known to have imported the Egyptians. Other importers here brought in the 30-06 Luxembourgs and Colombians, and the 7mm Venezuelans, prior to 1968. Speaking of Venezuelans - they were all chambered in 7x57 so either the catalog listing for Ven #417 in 30-06 is in error - or someone rebarreled or rebored that rifle to 30-06!

Thanks again - you put me up to 798 rifles - the 800 milestone is just around the corner and the 1,000 goal is getting within reach!

Goose

[meisterdg]

Finally got around to pulling it out of the safe:

Egyptian FN 49
serial # 540X
has the crown stamp
no scope rail cut
this is a Century gun and has the replacement stock, and I forgot to check the bolt for the cut.

[Goose52]

meisterdg - Thanks for the data. Good luck on your stock search.

Goose

[TrooperDan]

Goose, I have a FN-49 from the Egyptian contract.
Serial number is 28502 and it has a crown on top of the reciever ring. I don't know about the other detilas; I didn't make note of them!
Dan in NC

[Goose52]

TrooperDan - Thanks for the input. Your rifle is near the beginning of the serial number range to have the scope cut on the left receiver rail (Fabrique Nationale markings would be on the right). If you get a chance to confirm that, it would help.

Thanks again,

Goose

[LGW-1]

Goose, here is the information:

Egyptian Contract:
S/N: 2617X
Has Crown stamp
No scope rail cut
No middle sling swivel
No crossbolt in stock


Venezuelan Contract:

S/N: 658X
Cartouche is present
Rear guard screw has locking screw
2 pc. hand guard
Unfired(other than Factory testing)

.30-"06

AL Contract
S/N: 632X
Has scope cut
Stamped steel w/trap buttplate
Has crossbolt below receiver ring

[Goose52]

LGW-1 - A three-fer ..... GREAT! Thanks for the report; you've given me a nice little push to keep up the momentum in heading for the next goal of 900 rifles in the data base.

Everything sounds absolutely correct in your rifles - your Egyptian is near the end of the serial number range for rifles WITHOUT the cut (rifles from somewhere in the 27XXX range and higher had the cut), and you have a "late" variant Vennie and a "late" Luxie.

Thanks again,

Goose

[204]

Goose, I finally got the neighbor boy's rifle for $270. It is in really good shape. Here is the info:
Egyptian contract
# 2112x
Crown crest
no to all other questions
Bolt has no #'s at all but rifle has matching #'s where I can find them.

kenny

[Goose52]

kenny - thanks for the data. Remember to strip the bolt and make sure that you have a 2-piece firing pin before shooting the rifle!

Goose

[Goose52]

Two weeks with no reports ! Have I finally reached the point where I have EVERY FN-49 owned by "Filers" in the data base?

:rolleyes:

Goose

[gunplumber]

Got another one - heheheh

35797, crown, scope mount, standard bolt w/no cut.

Odd - there is an ID disk in the stock however it has no markings, and is solid - it is not screwed in with the 2-hole-headed screw I am used to seeing. Stock is refinished, perhaps this is not an original disk.

Any offers on my FN 49 Factory wall-charts? Heavy canvas, full color, Flemish

[Goose52]

Mark - thanks for the data. I've seen lots of these Egyptians either missing the disc, or with some sort of replacement disc - sometimes made of steel, sometimes brass. Also, you often see these replacement discs fixed with a slotted head screw. I don't know if that happened in Egypt ... or here.

What FN-49 wall charts do you have? The same as sold by Northridge (about 4' wide by 3' tall)?

Goose

[gunplumber]

Thats about the size of them, although I was unaware northridge was selling them - I thought I had chanced on something unique. Darn!

[Goose52]

My thanks to the Mods for "topping" this thread. :D

Now, we had 6 rifles reported in August. We should be able to beat that for September ...... can't we?

I'm doing my part - I've got TWO inbound via BBT so we only need data on 5 more rifles to beat last months total ! ;) ;)

Goose

[Goose52]

UPDATE - the Goose has 2 more inbound thereby establishing my all-time record of 4 FN-49s inbound at the same time ..... it's obviously been a good month ! :):):):)

Now, we still need data on 3 more rifles to beat last month's total.

Anybody got an FN-49 waaaaaaay back in the corner of the safe that they haven't reported yet? If so, that baby needs to be checked out, wiped down .... and while your at it - capture some data for the 'ole Goose !

;)

Goose

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

I've got a couple more for you from an estate

no crests, crowns or any other marks other then the FN address on the right hand side of the receiver. Woodwork is serial numbered to the rest of the rifle and the butt plate has a trap in it. Has stock reinforcing bolt
30-06
S/N 52437 (I think this is correct I've lost my piece of paper)

7mm
Venezuelan National Crest
S/N 908

[Goose52]

Kevin - As always, thanks for the assist.

The "unmarked" rifle is from the Belgian contract. I have only limited information on why the receiver ring crest was scrubbed but it appears that MANY of the Belgian contract rifles were so modified. OTOH, I have reports of "crested" rifles in Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, and other places (including a few reports in the U.S.) so at least SOME rifles were released with the crest intact. I have two Belgian contract rifles in my collection and both are scubbed. Still looking for a "crested" rifle myself.

Since the Venezuelan contract was the first FN-49 production contract, the Vennie that you report is the 908th production FN-49 made (out of some 176,000 rifles) !


Thanks again,

Goose

[Goose52]

OK - the Goose has received 4 rifles this month and entered that data ... Kevin gave me data on two more .... is there at least ONE more new FN-49 out there so we can beat last month's total !

;)

Goose

[cochisetexas]

Originally posted by Goose52
OK - the Goose has received 4 rifles this month and entered that data ... Kevin gave me data on two more .... is there at least ONE more new FN-49 out there so we can beat last month's total !

;)

Goose

How about the possibility of data...
I sold a midrange Egyptie last Jan as I didn't care for 8mm.
Currently have a Venusian :biggrin: on layaway at the neighborhood gun shop. I'll get specifics at next visit if that helps.

[Goose52]

The "possibility of data" is a good thing ... the survey is not going anyplace and if/when you get your rifle ..... I'll be here !

Thanks!

Goose

[cochisetexas]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Goose52
[B]The "possibility of data" is a good thing ... the survey is not going anyplace and if/when you get your rifle ..... I'll be here !

Thanks!


< G >
The Venusian is pretty, #2**2 on the upper, #2**7 on the lower- presumably 4 digit puts it early in the contract. It didn't seem appropriate to tear it down in the store, but bolt appears to be w/no cut.
Where's a good place to look for an original style scope mount?

:cool:

[Goose52]

cochisetexas - Thanks for the preliminary report. Not sure I know what you mean by "upper" and "lower" (sounds like AR-15 speak!). I think you saw one serial number on the receiver cover and the other serial number on the receiver, and they are off by 5 numbers?

Unless someone has installed an Egyptian 8mm bolt, the bolt in this rifle WILL be cut for the Venezuelan-style firing pin safety stop.

There were only 8000 Venezuelan contract rifles made in two variants - the "early" and "late" variants. Your rifle is right in the middle of the "early" variant range (Serial Number 1 to around 4000).

While all of the Venezuelan contract rifles had the scope cut, there is no firm evidence that Venezuela ever rigged any of their rifles as snipers. I do have 3 Vennie "snipers" in the data base that all have an unusual small-knob Echo mount and all have 40's/50's vintage German scopes installed. However, I have no evidence of whether this was done while in Venezuelan service or whether this equipment was installed by the importer or a retailer to increase the sales margin on the rifles. Anyway, this is a long-winded way of saying that if there was an "original" mount for the Vennies - it was this really rare small-knob Echo mount.

Now, a mount that will work comes with the FN-49 scope rigs sold by Northridge and Sarco (in these sets, the scope itself was used on Belgian-contract snipers, the base, mount, and rings assemblies were used on both Belgium and Luxembourg-contract snipers). The rigs sell for $795 retail. You can occasionally find just the base, mount, and rings for around $300. This rig is shown in the bottom picture up on post # 186 of this thread. Keep in mind that if you go this route, the base normally WILL shift in recoil unless you take measures to anchor it down. The military used various bonding, soldering, peening/staking, and even weld to hold the mount on. Also keep in mind that installing this base on your rifle WILL damage the paint ....

HTH

Goose

[cochisetexas]

Yo Goose-
- Thanks for the preliminary report. Not sure I know what you mean by "upper" and "lower" (sounds like AR-15 speak!). I think you saw one serial number on the receiver cover and the other serial number on the receiver, and they are off by 5 numbers?

>AR my butt! I've been building FALs for the last 3 years and I speak middle FN- somewhere between the -49 and the FNC. So that's the rec cover, huh? Yes to the numbers being off by 5- when I pay it off I'll tear it all down and see what's what.

Unless someone has installed an Egyptian 8mm bolt, the bolt in this rifle WILL be cut for the Venezuelan-style firing pin safety stop.

>I'll be interested to see how they do it.

Now, a mount that will work comes with the FN-49 scope rigs sold by Northridge and Sarco - The rigs sell for $795 retail. You can occasionally find just the base, mount, and rings for around $300. This rig is .. normally WILL shift in recoil unless you take measures to anchor it down. The military used various bonding, soldering, peening/staking, and even weld to hold the mount on. Also keep in mind that installing this base on your rifle WILL damage the paint ....

>If this rifle performs as well as I expect it to- it seems to be low mileage and non-abused- it will be a keeper. For that kind of money, I believe I will make one on the pattern of the illustration- I think I can eliminate the drift... The paint is...paint. Tell me - is it blastphemous to think of parkerizing it?

C/T

[Goose52]

Well, it will be your property and you can do with it what you will .... but if you do park the rifle it will loose most of it's collector value that it may have had and will be valued as a shooter only. As an example, a 99% kinda Vennie could go (and they have gone) for $800 on up - park the same rifle and all of a sudden it's a $500 rifle (to a collector). If the condition of this rifle is relatively poor ... then you may have nothing to loose.

There were few of these made, and even fewer remain in original condition, so to a collector, taking an original condition rifle and altering it is considered poor form ....

Goose

[cochisetexas]

Originally posted by Goose52
Well, it will be your property and you can do with it what you will .... but if you do park the rifle it will loose most of it's collector value that it may have had and will be valued as a shooter only. As an example, a 99% kinda Vennie could go (and they have gone) for $800 on up - park the same rifle and all of a sudden it's a $500 rifle (to a collector). If the condition of this rifle is relatively poor ... then you may have nothing to loose.

There were few of these made, and even fewer remain in original condition, so to a collector, taking an original condition rifle and altering it is considered poor form ....

Goose

Hmmm. Poor form- drat. Spoilsport! Never having considered myself a collector perhaps I am exempted. If there is a real possibility of the unit being valuable to a collector I spose the original condition is ok- it's maybe an 80% weapon now, with nice rifling and like zero throat erosion. When I tear it down I should be able to determine exactly how original it all is.
The only other painted weapons I have had were SMLE's. A nice parkerizing job on a Mk 1 and a Mk 4 both seemed to increase their value when I was tired of them. Got significantly more for them than I paid 2 years previously.

I;ll post you when I can evaluate the Venusian.

[SJetwrench]

Ok sorry for the late entry, Here it goes:
Egpytian FN 49
S/N # 3673X
Crown
Possible scope rail ???
No cross bolt in stock
No mid- swivel
no firing pin safety stop cut-out
Bolt s/n matches Rec'vr
Rec'vr Has the "L" with a star above it, while bolt has "H" with a star above it.
Missing ID disc.
Brass butt plate
Underside of stock behind the trigger guard has the letters K&X with something unreadable above it.

That all folks.

[gunplumber]

There are different types of collectors. Some are more concerned with original than condition. Others are more concerned with condition than original.

Like my "garand" collection includes many new commercial barrels, and some commercial stocks. All are refinished and in perfect condition - just not original. It pleases me more to have a representative sample of a gun type in perfect condition than to have an all-original beat up rifle.

I can refinish your Venie in original style for $200 including return shipping. Thats paint over park, with masking and bare mtal per original.

I ahve a 100% unfired original venie, but it has some rust on the bare-matal butplate. Hmmm. What to do. Any attempt to remove the rust will alter the otherwise brite butplate.

But rust is ugly.


even steel wool wioll darken it.

[Goose52]

SJetwrench - Thanks for the report. You have a high number rifle right near the end of production.

Mark - Like I said, I don't go around and tell folks what to do, or not do, with their rifles. But - when asked my opinion I will usually give the same answer as I did above. The question was park - a non-original finish. Your proposal, paint over park, matches the original spec ... but now we're talking about a restoration, not THE original FN applied finish. This changes the value for me as compared to an original rifle - but I would value a "restored" or a rifle refinished to the original spec, higher that a rifle that has a non-original finish.

I actually do own several rifles that have been repainted - 1 is my beater Egyptian that I use as my plinker, but 2 others are reasonably rare (Argy and Colombian) and they are only "placeholders" in my collection until an adequate original rifle comes along.

I think that part of the issue is that we're talking about rifles that are not necessarily really rare, nor are they yet really very old - so people will perhaps be inclined to go for a nice appearance rather than originality. Also we're discussing the issue in a forum that specializes in building rifles from mixed parts - a mixmaster or mongrel in some collecting circles. That then means that many folks will have a certain perspective on this issue that may differ from collectors in other disciplines. Were you to ask an advanced collector of Lugers, Colt's SAAs, 19th Century Winchesters, etc. about the difference in value between an original firearm, and one refinished to look like new, I think you know what answer you would get.

But - it's a free country and folks may do as they wish ! And on your Vennie with the corrosion on the buttplate, I'd try some 0000 steel wool (maybe three 'ought to give more of a brushed appearance ;) ;)

BTW - I just sent you an email on an unrelated subject.

Goose

[Goose52]

Well, September is just about over and we got only 6 rifles this month ... tying last month. Kevin gave me data on two ... and the 'ole Goose had to go out and buy 4 rifles his ownself ! My FN-49 warchest is going to be seriously depleted for a while so NEXT month ... somebody ELSE has to buy some FN-49s ! ;)

I'm at 876 rifles so that 900 barrier is getting close ... howzabout some help !

:D:D

Goose

[Confed Pirate]

1245X Egyptian
with crown
with safety on the bolt does not match
it does have ID disc
no scope rail

[Goose52]

Confed Pirate - Thanks for the data ... that puts me up to 880 rifles.

Getting close to 900 and that 1,000 rifle goal I set nearly 2 years ago is within reach ! :D:D:D

Goose

[calvinike]

I just purchased the following FN-49 in 30-06.

Colombian Crest
Serial # - 039X
Dovetailed for scope
Ridged steel buttplate - no trap
has crossbolt

The finish is a black paint.
I hope this is helpful. Any info you can give me would be appreciated.

[Goose52]

calvinike - Thanks for the report - it's always good to get more info on the Colombians.

Your rifle has the correct features and is just a bit below mid-range as there were only 1000 rifles in the Colombian contract.

You should strip your bolt to see if you have a 1-pc or 2-pc firing pin. It's strongly recommended that every FN-49 run the 2-pc pin set-up in order to reduce the likelihood of slam-fires that can occasionally occur in the event of breakage of the long 1-piece firing pin.

Thanks again,

Goose

[1972Doug]

Here you go Mr Goose

FN49 Egypian 8MM Finish black paint over park
SN: 674X
Stock walnut with brass butplate and brass unit disc, arsenal repaired
two piece handguards.
no muzzle break
non welded tread protector full lenght
bolt is sloted for firing pin stop (Need one)
numbers do not match on bolt but has arabic numbers
two piece firing pin
no third swivel
receiver is sloted for scope mount


After reading all these posts I'm kinda scared to shoot it.

[Goose52]

1972Doug - Thanks for the excellent report. The rifles in the 6000 serial number range are the only early rifles with the scope cut. There is a small run of scope-cut rifles in the 16000 range, then you go all the way to about 27000 and then they all have the scope cut until end of production at 37000 or so.

On shooting your rifle, you have the 2-pc pin so that's good. Make sure that you use military-spec ammo or if you handload, use a CCI #34 primer. Always feed the rifle from the magazine (with the bolt stripping the round from the mag.) Don't place a round in the chamber and hit the bolt release.

Also, since you have a non-matching bolt, you should get your headspace checked.

Thanks again,

Goose

[Goose52]

OK - three new rifles so far this month ... can we find at least 3 more ?

:rolleyes:

Goose

[Gopher]

Hey Goose,
Here's one I picked up yesterday at the local gunshow:
Egyptian contract
8 x 57mm caliber
ser #: 3405X, all matching
Crown stamp
It is cut for the scope
It has the middle sling swivel
There is no reinforcing crossbolt
No firing pin safety stop
One piece firing pin.
It has a stock disc.
Thanks for doing this survey

[Goose52]

Gopher - You have what I call the "3-swivel" variant ... only 2,500 of those made. It's a keeper ... don't let it get away.

Don't forget to order your 2-piece firing pin. GunParts/Numrich is the only outfit that has both pin sections in stock. Go to: http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=1410z1949

Look for part numbers:
10 50450 Firing Pin, Rear
12 50460 Firing Pin, Front

I just ordered some more pins from them - they ship fast and I got 'em in 3 days.

Thanks again,

Goose

[1972Doug]

Mr Goose
After posting my 8mm on your survey, I read in another post that you said to make sure your rear head of the firing pin had a slot for firing pin safety stop. I found a safety stop on the Sarco web store and ordered it, my question is how do you tell if your firing pin is slotted.

Thanks
Doug

[Goose52]

Doug If you saw a post where I advised someone to check for a slotted rear pin section to work with the firing pin safety stop (FPSS), then that post was directed to the owner of a Venezuelan or 30-06 FN-49. The Egyptian contract FN-49s (8mm) were the only FN-49 contract that did NOT use an FPSS and therefore did NOT used slotted firing pins. Some of these Egyptian contract rifles were fitted with bolts that were milled for the Venezuelan-style FPSS (as shown in my Pic # 3 on the first post of this thread) but the FPSS was never installed.

According to your original survey data, you said that you had a bolt that looked like Pic #3 that had an Arabic serial number on it. If that’s correct, then you will NOT be able to install an FPSS as it uses the VERY hard to find Venezuelan “spring-style” FPSS. The part you will get from Sarco will just about definitely be the 30-06/7.65 “plate-style” FPSS which will not work in a bolt with the Vennie spring-style milling.

In addition, the milling in the bottom of the bolt carrier, that is critical in the proper operation of the FPSS, is different between the “spring” and “plate” style designs. So, even if you could figure out a way to make a plate-style FPSS work in the Vennie style bolt milling, you would still probably not have proper function unless you ALSO used a 30-06 bolt carrier.

If you get a pin with a slotted rear section, it will still work fine in the Egyptian bolt, but you will not be running an FPSS. Since the supply of rear pin sections WITH the slot appears to be just about gone, it’s probably unlikely that you will get a slotted one anyway. However, if you did get a slotted rear, you could probably make a few extra dollars by trading/selling it to an owner of a 30-06 or 7mm FN-49 that is looking for a slotted rear section.

Now, just to answer your original question, here’s what a 2-piece, slotted pin looks like:

http://home.earthlink.net/~fn49fan/FN49/Firing_pin_2-pc.JPG

Goose

[1972Doug]

Goose,
Thanks for the reply, I have disassembaled my bolt and it does not have a slotted firing pin and as for the stop, well next time I will ask questions before ordering things.

Thanks
Doug

[1972Doug]

Mr Goose,

You seem to be the most informed about FN49s, as previous posted my rifle has the orginal eqypian muzzle nut with flats and I would like to install the orginal muzzle break on it, do you know of any source for this item.

Thanks
Doug:sad: :bow:

[Goose52]

Doug - The muzzle cap installed on your rifle IS the correct device for your rifle. The only Egyptian contract FN-49s that had the FN-produced muzzle brake were the fully-rigged Egyptian snipers .... probably less than a few hundred of the snipers were ever made. The only other usage of the FN brake was on all of the Venezuelan contract FN-49s.

Now, if you are still interested in installing the FN-produced brake, they are REALLY hard to find. There is no commercial source for these and your only hope is to find a private party with one to sell. I ran WTB ads on a number of different boards, offering from $75 to $100 for the FN brake ... and after several months I finally got one.

This is what you're looking for:

http://home.earthlink.net/~fn49fan/FN49/FN_Brake.JPG

Goose

[1972Doug]

Goose

Once again thankyou for the information about the muzzle brake, now one more question on the rifle I have aquired, the gas adjustment sleeve was broken and I have ordered another. The question I have is that on the adjustment sleeve there is a series of holes, do these holes serve the same purpose as those on the fal. I guess what I'm trying to ask is just how do you adjust the gas sleeve. Also on the stock disc, is it a two piece affair. My rifle has a disc without screw and no markings but the disc has a hole that is threaded.

Thanks
Doug

[Goose52]

The holes in the gas adjustment sleeve are designed to be engaged by a special spanner wrench. This wrench was also used to remove the various muzzle caps and the muzzle brake. If the sleeve has not become too gas fouled, it can usually adjusted by hand. Otherwise, it's handy to have the gas wrench (available from Northridge, maybe GunParts or Sarco but I haven't checked lately). If you question about how to adjust the gas was related to actually adjusting the gas for proper operation - go here: http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90742

Not sure what you mean about the unit disc being a two piece? Do you mean 1) the disc and 2) the screw ? At any rate, here is what the disc looks like:

http://home.earthlink.net/~fn49fan/FN49/2discs.jpg

Goose

[1972Doug]

Mr Goose,

Received my order from sarco and you are correct about FPSS, it is a slinder piece that appears to be for a sloted firing pin, quess I'm stuck with it, cost more to return than its worth. Now to the stock disc, as I said my stock has a disc inletted but not marked without the screw. When I asked if it was a two piece, I mean does it require another disc that sits ontop of unmarked one then retained with screw.

Thanks
Doug

[Goose52]

The original disc is one, thick brass piece as shown in the pictures. If you remove this one piece disc from the stock, all you will see behind it is wood.

Sounds like someone stuck a brass washer or fabricated some sort of disc from brass sheet stock and stuck it in your stock ...

Goose

[1972Doug]

Dear Mr. Goose:

Thank you for your knowledge and quick anwsers.

Doug (tomball,Texas)

[Goose52]

Hmmm - first we had a feeding frenzy of FN-49 owners desiring to purchase muzzle brakes. Now we have the new Argentine FN-49 import that's generating a number of posts.

I sure hope that this sudden emergence of current FN-49 owners and the interest being shown by would-be owners translates into additional survey data .... things have been awful slow lately !

:D:D:D:D

Goose

[3006fn]

3006

"AL" markings "LUX"

serial# 5593 all match

cut out for full auto in stock, refinished.

original finish ,warn in areas.

[3006fn]

forgot to add

scope cut =yes

reinforcing crossbolt in the stock = yes

Does the rear guard screw (behind trigger guard)

have a small lock screw? = yes but the order is reversed, locking screw

towards clip.

handguard = 2 peice

Have a middle sling swivel located about 2" in front of the magazine? = fig.2

is located at front end of clip,inline with edge of clip.

[Goose52]

3006fn - Welcome to FAL Files and thanks for the report on your Luxembourg contract FN-49.

Have Fun !

Goose

[StressPuppy]

Goose,

Ordered the Argy this afternoon. Thanks for all the info today. Now I have to be PATIENT and wait for it to show up. (Patience is NOT one of my virtues!!) As soon as it gets here, I will inspect and get info together for you.

BTW - how many Argy's do you have so far? How many below serial number 100? How many with bayo with matching number? Just curious.

[Goose52]

I have 50 Argentine contract rifles in the data base at present. Six of those are below 100. I do not survey for matching bayonets. However, the Aztec import from 95/96, and now this import, are the only FN-49 imports, of any contract, that I know of where there was the possibilty of getting a matching bayo.

I'm hoping that this latest import will double the number of Argentines in the data base.

Goose

[FALna45]

here ya go Goose52. just brought this home.

Venezuelan Contract (7x57 chambering):

Serial number: 792x

has circular "Fuerzas Armadas Venezuela" cartouche

Does have the rear guard lock screw

Optional question: Have a 2-piece or 1-piece handguard? two piece

optional (extra) answer: some retarded, crooked-toothed beaver nawed on it. UGH!
http://cnr-ffl.us/full359.jpg

[Goose52]

Ouch ! Well, this was typical of what many of the folks did in the 50s and 60s when the milsurps were imported by the boat-load. The Vennies sold for as little as $69 back then and people thought they would "personalize" the rifles a bit. No one was thinking of how few of these were made or any other "collector" factors - it was just another shootin' iron ....

BTW, this is a "milestone" rifle as it is now the highest numbered Vennie in the data base.

Since this is the highest Vennie, and since you posted the pic showing the serial numbers anyway, can you share the last digit of the serial? Looks kinda like a "0"

Thanks,

Goose

[FALna45]

goose52,
it's #7928

[Goose52]

FALna45 - Thanks for the number. For now, you're the "top dog" on the Vennie totem pole ! ;)

Goose

[StressPuppy]

Goose,

What is the lowest number Argy you have in the database?

I sure hope I have enough patience to wait for UPS to show up later this week. It's gonna be a loooooooooooooooooong week for me................:(

[Goose52]

Lowest Argie so far is # 0017. I expect that to go a bit lower as a result of this latest import ...

Goose

[StressPuppy]

Wow, that is great. Mine is 0063 (or so they tell me). I'll know more when it gets here.

As you continue to collect this info, what are your plans for your database?