FN Model 1949
Fabrique Nationale de Herstal · Rifle · Discontinued · 1949
Also known as: SAFN, FN-49, ABL Model 1949, Fusil FN modele 1949
Overview
The FN Model 1949, also known as the SAFN or FN-49, is a gas-operated, semi-automatic battle rifle designed by Dieudonne Saive at Fabrique Nationale de Herstal. Developed from pre-war work delayed by the German occupation of Belgium, it uses a short-stroke gas piston and a tilting bolt, feeding from a fixed ten-round magazine loaded with stripper clips. Chambered in several full-power rifle cartridges for various export customers, including 7.92x57mm Mauser, it was adopted by Belgium and numerous foreign militaries before being superseded by Saive's later FN FAL.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4310 g (152.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1116 mm (43.94") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 732 m/s (2402 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3696 J (2726 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 4 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 7.92 Mauser, 8x57 IS, 7.9x57mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 10-Round Fixed Internal Box Magazine, Charger Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Short-Stroke Gas Piston, Tilting Bolt Locking, Stripper-Clip Fed Fixed Magazine, Adjustable Aperture Rear Sight, Grenade-Launching Variant
Production
Estimated total produced: 176,000 · Production years: 1948-1961
Roughly 176,000 rifles produced across all chamberings and export contracts.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Dieudonne Saive
Discontinued: 1961
Notes
Sold in multiple chamberings (.30-06 Springfield, 7.92x57mm Mauser, 7x57mm Mauser, 7.65x53mm Argentine, and 7.62x51mm NATO) to suit each export contract. A direct design predecessor to the FN FAL.
Background
Begun by Dieudonne Saive before World War II, the design was smuggled out of occupied Belgium so work could continue in Britain. After the war FN finalized the rifle, which proved Saive's self-loading concepts and led directly to the legendary FN FAL.