This FN Model 1949 is an Egyptian contract rifle chambered in 8mm Mauser, made by
Fabrique Nationale in Belgium. The receiver carries the Egyptian crown marking. Condition
is near excellent: the stock shows virtually no dings or scratches and the rifle retains
almost all of its blued finish. The barrel is bright with strong rifling. A leather sling
is included.
The FN Model 1949, also known as the FN-49 or SAFN, was designed by Dieudonné Saive for
Fabrique Nationale. Saive patented the gas operated design in 1936 and built a prototype
in 1937, and development was completed in late 1947. It is a full size infantry rifle of
about nine and a half pounds using a bolt carrier actuated, rear locking tilting bolt,
fed from a stripper clip loaded, semi fixed ten round magazine. FN produced the type from
1949 to 1956 with a final delivery in 1961, and more than 176,000 were built in total.
The rifle was offered to at least 26 nations and nine placed production orders.
Chamberings followed the customer: Belgium, the Belgian Congo, Brazil, Colombia,
Indonesia and Luxembourg took .30-06 Springfield, Argentina took 7.65mm Mauser, Venezuela
took 7mm Mauser, and Egypt took 7.92mm Mauser. Egypt placed its first order for 100
rifles on 30 May 1948, delivered by 10 June 1949, and eventually bought 37,602 in all.
Egyptian rifles saw combat in 1956.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale (FN), Belgium
Model: FN Model 1949 (FN-49 / SAFN), Egyptian contract
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Markings: Egyptian crown on the receiver
Condition: Near excellent
Stock: Virtually no dings or scratches
Finish: Retaining almost all of its blued finish
Bore: Bright
Rifling: Strong
Included: Leather sling
