FN Model 1949 Venezuelan Contract
FN Herstal · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1949
Also known as: SAFN-49 Venezuela, FN49 Venezuelan, FN Modelo 1949, ABL Mle 1949
Overview
The FN Model 1949 Venezuelan Contract is the Belgian-made variant of FN Herstal's gas-operated, self-loading service rifle (the SAFN / FN-49) supplied to Venezuela. Uniquely among FN-49 production, the Venezuelan rifles were chambered in 7x57mm Mauser and fitted with a muzzle flash hider, feeding from a ten-round fixed magazine loaded by stripper clips. Venezuela was the first export customer, receiving the initial 1949 deliveries.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4310 g (152.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1116 mm (43.94") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 745 m/s (2444 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 7mm Mauser, .275 Rigby, 7x57
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tilting Bolt Lockup, Stripper Clip Loading, Muzzle Flash Hider, Adjustable Gas System
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Venezuelan Armed Forces · adopted 1949 · as FN Modelo 1949
Production
Production years: 1949-1961
Venezuela was the first FN-49 export customer; an initial batch of roughly 2,000 rifles in 7x57mm was delivered by mid-1949, with further deliveries through the 1950s
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Dieudonne Saive
Discontinued: 1961
Notes
The Venezuelan contract is the only FN-49 variant produced both in 7x57mm Mauser and with a flash hider, distinguishing it from the .30-06, 8mm Mauser and 7.62mm NATO contracts supplied to other nations. The design uses a tilting-bolt lockup with a long-stroke gas piston.
Background
Venezuela's order kicked off FN-49 production: the very first self-loading Model 1949 rifles off FN's Herstal line were 7mm Mauser guns crated for Caracas, beating even the Belgian Army's own adoption of the type.