This is a Belgian FN49 semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre (FN) for the Venezuelan government, chambered in 7x57mm Mauser. This rifle features all the correct characteristics of a Venezuelan contract model:
Prominently engraved Venezuelan national crest on the front of the receiver.
Side of receiver marked: "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL – BELGIQUE".
Originally equipped with a 10-round fixed magazine, now legally modified to 5 rounds to comply with Canadian firearms regulations.
Retains its original two-piece walnut stock, with honest field wear and handling marks.
Fitted with the original FN muzzle brake, a unique feature of the Venezuelan version.
Rear sight is a ladder-style adjustable leaf, graduated up to 1000 meters.
Barrel is a non-threaded standard type, differing from the threaded muzzle of the Egyptian model.
Bore is bright with strong rifling, excellent for shooting purposes.
Features the original military finish without any civilian refinishing or alterations.
This is a standard infantry configuration, without any scope rail or sniper adaptations.
Background
The FN49 was developed by FN after World War II as a precision semi-automatic service rifle for various national militaries. In the early 1950s, Venezuela purchased approximately 8,000 rifles, making it one of the rarer FN49 contracts in terms of production numbers.
Compared to the more common Egyptian contract rifles, Venezuelan FN49s are typically in better preserved condition, having never undergone mass re-arsenal refurbishments. They were issued with non-corrosive military ammunition, further enhancing their value both as shooters and collectible pieces.
