FN 49 for Sale: Own a Piece of Military History
If you’re a collector or a military history enthusiast, finding an FN 49 for sale is like discovering a treasure trove of mid-20th-century firearms engineering. Known for its precision machining and elegant design, the FN 49 (or SAFN-49) was one of the last great full-power battle rifles before the era of select-fire dominance. Originally developed by Fabrique Nationale (FN Herstal) in Belgium, this semi-automatic rifle served in the hands of over 10 different countries post-WWII—and remains a collector’s favorite today.
A Brief History of the FN 49 Rifle
Designed by Dieudonné Saive (the same genius behind the FN FAL), the FN 49 was conceived during World War II but only went into production afterward due to the Nazi occupation of Belgium. It quickly gained a reputation for reliability and robust construction, often chambered in:
- 7x57mm Mauser
- 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
- .30-06 Springfield
- 7.65x53mm Argentine
- 7.62x51mm NATO (limited conversions)
Many countries, including Egypt, Venezuela, Belgium, and Luxembourg, adopted the FN 49 in varying configurations—some even fitted with sniper optics or bayonets.
FN 49 Variants You’ll Find for Sale
When searching for an FN 49 for sale, you’ll encounter different military variants and calibers, which influence both price and collectibility:
- Egyptian FN 49 (8mm Mauser): Most common, affordable, and usually in military surplus condition.
- Venezuelan FN 49 (7x57mm): Typically in better cosmetic shape with engraved crests.
- Belgian Contract (7.62 NATO): Rare and highly collectible.
- Argentine Navy Variant: Sometimes converted to detachable mags.
Where to Find the FN 49 for Sale
GunsInternational.com – FN 49 Listings
Wide range of listings from collectors and dealers with varying condition and price points.
GunBroker.com
Live auctions and “Buy Now” offers for both shooter-grade and collectible FN 49 rifles.
Classic Firearms & J&G Sales (Occasionally)
May offer surplus batches depending on import availability.
Local Gun Shows & C&R Dealers
A great place to inspect condition firsthand and negotiate price.
What to Look for When Buying
- Check Serial Numbers and Crest Markings: Identify country of origin and production date.
- Match Caliber to Ammo Availability: Some calibers like 8mm Mauser are easier to source than 7.65 Argentine.
- Inspect Condition: Bore wear, stock condition, and matching numbers affect value.
- Check Import Marks: Most FN 49s were imported into the U.S. after the 1960s.
FAQ
1. How much does an FN 49 cost today?
Prices typically range from $750 to $2,500, depending on condition, caliber, and rarity. Venezuelan and Belgian models tend to command higher premiums.
2. Is the FN 49 a good shooter or just for collecting?
It’s both! Many FN 49 rifles are still excellent shooters with proper care and ammo, though some are better suited as collectibles due to rarity.
3. Is the FN 49 considered a C&R firearm?
Yes, most FN 49s are over 50 years old and qualify under the Curio & Relic (C&R) category, making them eligible for C&R FFL purchases.
4. Can I mount a scope on an FN 49?
Some variants, like the Belgian sniper models, came equipped with scope mounts. However, most standard rifles require aftermarket modifications.
5. Where’s the best place to buy an FN 49 online?
GunsInternational and GunBroker are the top two online sources for finding an FN 49 for sale from reputable sellers.
