SECTION VI
PRODUCTION
The total production of the FN-49 was 176,264 rifles.
Distribution was as follows...
| 6.5mm |
5 produced for testing |
| 7mm Mauser |
8,003 produced for Venezuela |
| .30 M2 (.30-06) |
125,072 produced for Belgium, Belgian Congo, Luxembourg, Indonesia
(Dutch East Indies), Columbia, and Brazil |
| 7.5mm |
1 produced for testing |
| 7.62mm |
1 produced for testing |
| 7.65mm |
5,541 produced for Argentina |
| 7.92mm (8mm Mauser) |
37,641 produced for Egypt and British testing |
SECTION VII
CONFIGURATIONS AND U.S.
IMPORTATION
Venezuela
Many receivers on FN-49's ordered by Venezuela apparently had a scope mounting
rail milled onto their left side, but not many if any were imported into
the United States having a scope or the scope mounts attached. Of the five
types of butt plates normally encountered on the FN-49 rifle, the stamped
"corrugated" steel design without the butt trap was used by Venezuela.
It is believed that the 15" single edged Mauser style bayonet was ordered
by Venezuela for use with each of their FN-49 rifles. It is further believed
that all rifles ordered by Venezuela were fitted with the optional factory
muzzle brake.
Of interesting note, several hundred Venezuelan FN-49's rebarreled in
the 1960's to the .308 Winchester cartridge have recently been imported
into the United States for sale. These rifles were reworked in Venezuela,
supposedly under Fabrique Nationale supervision to take the new cartridge.
The receiver of these rifles is modified, as well as the magazine, so that
stripper clip loading is no longer required. The 10 round magazine provided
contains feed lips and will hold cartridges when removed from the rifle.
The original magazines held 20 rounds, but due to the restriction in the
1984 Omnibus Crime Bill, the importer had these original magazines shortened
to 10 rounds. On these rifles, the muzzle cap is also welded in place to
comply with the same crime bill restrictions, preventing the installation
or use of a threaded muzzle brake, flash suppresser or blank adapter.
Egypt
The 9" double edged dagger style bayonet is believed to the correct version
for FN-49 rifles ordered by Egypt. Only "sniper" versions of Egypt's FN-49
rifles had the scope mounting dovetail slot milled onto the left side of
the receiver as well as having the optional muzzle brake attached. Normal
troop rifles were not issued with the optional factory muzzle brake attached.
The butt plate found on original Egyptian FN-49 rifles is the brass type
with a butt trap.
Large numbers of refurbished Egyptian FN-49 rifles imported into the
United States have been fitted with replacement European stained beechwood
stocks. These stocks have a curved plastic butt plate attached which has
no butt trap. This type of stock and butt plate are not factory original.
Apparently a large shipment of approximately 18,000 Egyptian FN-49 rifles
were imported into the United States with a large portion of the shipment
(4,000 to 5,000 rifles) in poor enough condition to warrant stock replacement.
The importer (believed to be Century Arms International) had as many rifles
as possible refurbished by using available spare parts and by cannibalizing
parts off damaged rifles. The new stained hardwood stocks are believed
to have been manufactured in Italy.
Luxembourg
The 9" double edged dagger style bayonet is also believed to the correct
version for FN-49 rifles ordered by Luxembourg.
Belgium
The 9" double edged dagger style bayonet is also believed to the correct
version for FN-49 rifles ordered by Belgium.
Columbia
Colombian FN-49 rifles have been seen with a variety of butt plates, to
include a rare rubber version that would seem to be something the Colombian
government fitted after purchase.
SECTION VIII
USAGE
The FN-49 in .30-06 caliber saw combat action during the Korean War by
Belgian troops. There it gained a solid reputation and compared favorably
to the performance of the M1 Garand. Mention has been made by some sources
that during this conflict the FN-49 had a tendency towards firing pin breakage.
To correct this problem, it is believed the two piece firing pin was designed.
One piece firing pins are still offered as replacement parts in addition
to the two piece design. Stock breakage is not uncommon either in this
particular rifle. Because of this many FN-49 rifles have replacement stocks
of various origins.
SECTION IX
DESIGN FEATURES AND COMPONENTS
The FN-49 is was designed to accommodate rimless rifle cartridges of approximately
8 mm caliber, and as such was manufactured in a variety of calibers from
7 mm to 7.92 mm (8mm Mauser). The caliber is stamped at the factory inside
the rear of the receiver body, just behind the hammer as well as on the
rear face of the barrel.
Specifications
| Description |
English Units |
Metric Units |
| Total Weight, without Bayonet |
9.48 lb
|
4.300 kg
|
| Weight of Barrel |
2.028 lb
|
0.920 kg
|
| Weight of Barrel Assy. |
2.469 lb
|
1.120 kg
|
| Overall Length, without Muzzle Brake |
43.70"
|
1.110 m
|
| Barrel Length |
23.228"
|
590 mm
|
| Weight of 9" (230 mm) Bayonet |
0.703 lb
|
0.320 kg
|
| Weight of Bayonet with Scabbard |
1.213 lb
|
0.550 kg
|
| Weight of 15" (385 mm) Bayonet |
0.992 lb
|
0.450 kg
|
| Weight of Bayonet with Scabbard |
1.543 lb
|
0.700 kg
|
Finish
The original and correct finish for the metal components on the FN-49 is
a black phosphate epoxy paint. For those familiar with them, this finish
is very similar in appearance to that found on WWII British SMLE Rifles.
The finish of the wood furniture varies widely among country of ownership,
and whether or not the rifle was arsenal rebuilt. Appearance of the wood
grain also varies among country of ownership.
Components
The basic design of this rifle is extremely simple. It consists of only
a few number of moving parts in several component groups. Learning to use
and maintain the FN-49 is very simple.
Barrel
The barrel is threaded at the muzzle end in order to fit a muzzle brake,
or when this is not attached, a protective muzzle cap. The barrel is also
threaded at the breech to facilitate simple fitting to the receiver.
A one piece gas cylinder is pressed against a shoulder on the forward
portion of the barrel, pinned in place, then soldered. This gas cylinder
contains the front sight base, front sight protective wings and a bayonet
lug. A gas cylinder plug with it's plunger and spring are fitted into the
front of the gas cylinder. A gas adjusting sleeve is also provided. The
gas piston rod guide is fastened to the center of the barrel and held in
place by a pin.
Bolt
The FN-49 rifle features a one piece tipping bolt that has a flat lug at
its bottom rear which locks into a shoulder in the receiver channel at
the rear of the magazine well. Prior to firing the cartridge, the rear
of the bolt tips downward by means of two lugs on its front and one at
its rear riding in channels milled into the bolt carrier. The downward
camming action caused by the bolt carrier against the bolt lugs causes
it to lock positively into the receiver. The bolt is unlocked and allowed
to move only after chamber pressure has dropped to a safe level. This feature
allows easier extraction of fired cases and provides smooth functioning
with ammunition having lot to lot pressure variations.
The bolt houses the firing pin, and the firing pin safety stop, as well
as the cartridge extractor and its spring.
This rifle fires from a closed bolt. That is, the bolt closes after
each shot and is not held to the rear. This differs from some fully automatic
rifles where the bolt is held to the rear after each shot if the trigger
is released. An exception to the bolt being allowed to move forward on
the FN-49 is when the magazine is empty. In that case, the bolt is held
to the rear after the last shot by the magazine bolt catch. This feature
not only gives the firer a positive indication that the ammunition has
been expended, but also allows rapid reloading using stripper clips.
Firing Pin
The firing pin and firing spring are held inside the bolt by a stud on
the rear of the extractor claw. This stud projects through a milled slot
into the rear of the bolt. The bolt contains a firing pin safety stop which
prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin until the bolt is properly
locked into firing position. This prevents premature firing of a cartridge
until it is fully chambered.
Bolt Carrier
The bolt carrier has a charging handle on the right side and a rib on each
side which fits into raceways in the receiver. A lug projects under this
bolt carrier near it's forward end where it rides in a raceway milled into
the top of the bolt. Its function is to pull the bolt rearward when the
lug reaches the end of the raceway. The gas piston rod strikes the bolt
carrier on its front face. The top of the bolt carrier has a housing for
the return spring.
Gas System
The FN-49 auto-loading function operates by way of a gas system as opposed
to systems which operate by recoil or cartridge blow-back, etc. A port
is drilled into the front portion of the barrel directly under the front
sight. This location allows pressure from the powder gases of the fired
cartridge to have dropped sufficiently before operating the self-loading
mechanism. An adjustable gas regulator sleeve is further provided under
the front handguard on the gas cylinder to allow fine tuning and venting
of excess gas pressure not needed to operate the self-loading mechanism.
A gas piston rod fits into the gas cylinder and extends to an opening in
the front of the receiver.
The design of the gas piston rod and short gas cylinder is such that
the sweeping action of escaping powder combustion gases aides in keeping
powder fouling to a minimum, unlike many competing rifle designs. The powder
combustion gas acts much like a hammer blow to the end of the piston rod.
This action acts to dislodge any fouling that may begin to accumulate on
the piston rod.
Receiver
The top of the receiver is completely open. The bottom of the receiver
has two openings, one for the hammer towards the rear and the other for
the magazine and its cartridges in the front. The receiver contains an
integral feed ramp and rails for guiding the cartridges into the chamber,
as opposed to the more common design where the magazine contains these
components. This design ensures consistent cartridge feeding and does not
rely on the condition and the delicate nature of cartridge feed lips when
built into the magazine.
The receiver contains rails on the top to secure the receiver cover.
Raceways are milled into the inside of the receiver to guide the bolt carrier.
Tapped holes are provided on the underside of the receiver to fasten the
trigger assembly and stock components.
A removable bolt locking shoulder pin or cone is pressed into the receiver
in order to adjust the FN-49's cartridge headspace. The headspace is not
adjusted by the barrel to receiver threading depth or the bolt length,
although these do affect headspace. Rather, the shoulder pin which is pressed
into the receiver is manufactured in various widths to control headspace
by adjusting the bolt position forward or backward during lockup.
Weatherability
The FN-49 rifle is equipped with a sliding dust cover on the right side
of the receiver to protect the only opening into the receiver mechanism
when the bolt is closed. This design prevents dust, dirt and mud from entering
the receiver during normal combat use.
Receiver Cover
In addition to the bolt return spring and guide, the receiver cover contains
a notched recess on the forward end. This notch is provided to accept cartridge
specific magazine loading chargers. The receiver cover also has a base
where the rear leaf spring is mounted. On the rear of the receiver cover
is a rotating catch which serves to hold the receiver cover in place when
installed on the receiver body.
Trigger Group
The trigger guard contains the hammer, the hammer spring, the hammer spring
guide, the trigger and its spring, the auxiliary sear and its spring, and
the safety mechanism. On fully automatic versions of the FN-49 the trigger
guard holds the automatic fire selector lever. The hammer spring guide
also acts as the cocked indicator when it protrudes through the bottom
of the trigger guard. The trigger guard is fastened to the receiver by
means of three large screws (bolts). Depending on the particular caliber,
two methods (or a combination of them) are used to lock these screws in
place and prevent them from loosening during repeated firing. A small set
screw beside the larger screw or a split lock washer under the screw's
head are used. A large opening in the forward portion of the trigger guard
assembly is provided for the magazine to be inserted into the receiver.
At the rear of this opening is the magazine catch and its spring.
Safety
The design of the bolt and firing pin is such that the rifle cannot fire
until the bolt is fully closed and locked into the receiver. This feature
prevents accidental discharge of a cartridge prior to it being fully seated
in the chamber with the bolt locked into place. A manual safety is also
provided which positively locks the trigger from being depressed. This
manual safety also acts to block finger entry into the trigger guard when
engaged. The design of this manual safety gives the firer positive indication
of its status, even in the dark.
The FN-49 lacks a positive firing pin blocking mechanism, even when
the safety is engaged. However, the firing pin is held firmly rearward
by spring pressure.
Ammunition Loading
The magazine can be recharged whether completely or partially empty. When
the bolt is held back by the magazine bolt catch, pulling back slightly
on the bolt cocking handle releases the bolt catch, which allows the bolt
to move forward and chamber a cartridge. The rifle is equipped with a manual
bolt catch on the left side of the receiver cover that will hold the bolt
to the rear in the event the magazine is loaded. Just as in the magazine
bolt catch, it is also released by a slight rearward pressure on the bolt
cocking handle.
Ammunition Capacity
Magazine capacity is normally 10 rounds, although Fabrique Nationale did
manufacture a limited number of rare 20 round magazines. The magazine design
is such, that is can be reloaded when partially charged, but it cannot
hold ammunition if removed. Enterprising individuals have modified the
1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) 20 round magazine as well as others
to fit the FN-49, although this modification is reported to be marginal
at best. Just like the standard magazine, they will still not hold ammunition
when removed from the rifle. The reason that the magazine does not hold
ammunition when removed from the receiver is that the normal feed lips
usually present on a magazine have been replaced by the internal design
of the receiver. This gives the advantage of positive reliable cartridge
feeding in spite of damage to the magazine. The disadvantage is obvious.
If one wonders why such a magazine design would exist, just think back
to the era in which the FN-49 was designed. Five round internal capacity
bolt action rifles were still common and popular at the time. The FN-49's
design was consistent with tactics and weapon doctrine in that era for
individual troop weapons.
Stock
The original stock is fabricated out of a single piece of dark walnut.
A forward and rear handguard are fitted to the top of the stock, covering
the barrel, piston rod, and gas cylinder assembly. These components become
very hot during repeated firing and the handguard protects the firer from
burns. The sniper version of the FN-49 is fitted with a wooden cheek piece
centralized on the comb of the stock.
Some FN-49's were fitted with a hinged trap door butt plate. The cavity
bored into the butt of the stock has capacity enough for storing things
like a cleaning kit and other cleaning items, a spare firing pin and muzzle
cap wrench, etc.
Balance
The FN-49 is designed so that the center of gravity is practically in line
with a point where the butt stock is placed against the shooter's shoulder.
Accuracy is enhanced, muzzle climb and rifle jump are greatly reduced by
this design. On the down side, the FN-49 is rather top heavy and heavier
towards the barrel, resulting in fatigue when shooting offhand. Another
drawback to the balance is when carrying the rifle for long periods of
time. Depending on the configuration, the point of balance between the
muzzle and butt of the rifle falls about the front of the magazine. To
carry the FN-49 with one hand, a person will naturally tend place the hand
in front of the magazine. This leaves the rifle heavy toward the rear and
out of balance. Attempting to place a hand around the magazine and receiver
does not feel natural or comfortable. Consequently, single hand carry cannot
be accomplished comfortably for any great length of time. The redesign
project that resulted in the FN-FAL solved this problem by the addition
of a folding carry handle on the top of the rifle. Many military rifle
experts say that a soldier should at all times properly carry a battle
rifle in full readiness, so this whole balance problem may be moot to some.
Who knows, maybe Saive designed the FN-49 to promote "at the ready" carry
in stead of "suitcase" carry.
Disassembly
The working parts of the FN-49 are easily accessible and may be removed
without the use of any tools. This makes field stripping simple and fast.
Accidental stoppages are easily corrected with the bolt locked into the
rearward position because of the open top design of the receiver.
Loading
The FN-49 can be loaded in two ways. Single cartridges can be loaded into
the magazine through the top of the receiver with the bolt held open, or
caliber specific 5 round stripper clips can be used to charge cartridges
through the aid of slots machined into the receiver cover. The magazine
cannot be loaded when removed from the receiver.
Cocked Indicator
The FN-49 rifle is equipped with a pin attached to the hammer that will
protrude below the trigger guard when cocked. This pin is easily located
with a finger even in the dark and gives a positive indication of the rifle's
cocking status and whether or not the safety should be on.
Ejection
Spent cartridge ejection is forward and to the right of the rifle. This
direction prevents spent cases from hitting and annoying shooters directly
to the right of the operator.
Grenade Launching
A special two position plug is fitted to the front of the gas cylinder
assembly. The normal position allows powder combustion gases to be ported
to the gas cylinder, thereby automatically operating the rifle bolt mechanism
for repeated firing. By rotating the plug to an optional position 180 degrees
from the first, powder combustion gases are blocked from entering the gas
cylinder, thereby preventing normal rifle self-loading cycling. This second
optional position is provided specifically for launching grenades, where
all of the expanding powder combustion gas is required to propel the rifle
grenade off the optional launcher attachment.
Optional Select Fire
The standard configuration for the FN-49 is to deliver single shot semi-automatic
fire only. Some models of the FN-49 were fitted with an optional fire selector
lever. This selector, which if installed, is located on the left side of
the trigger guard just above the trigger and allows for normal semi-automatic
or full-automatic repeated firing. When in the full-automatic position,
repeated cycling of the rifle begins once the trigger is depressed and
continues until the trigger is released or until ammunition in the magazine
is expended. The stock for the select fire FN-49 model will have a slot
cut into the lower left side where the select fire lever is fitted.
SECTION X
FUNCTIONING
The following self loading functions of the FN-49 are performed automatically
without the need of assistance by the operator.
Firing
Firing the FN-49 is of standard cartridge firing design. Once the rifle
is loaded and ready to fire, the hammer under spring tension is released
by pressing the trigger. The hammer then strikes the firing pin, which
in turn strikes the primer of the cartridge in the chamber, which subsequently
ignites the powder charge.
Unlocking
A small amount of expanding powder combustion gas is ported through a small
hole near the front of the barrel under the front sight to the gas cylinder.
Once this pressure is in the gas cylinder, it kicks the piston rod back.
The piston rod drives the bolt carrier back in the receiver. The bolt carrier
in turn pulls the bolt upward and back, unlocking it from the receiver.
Extraction and Ejection
While the bolt is being pulled rearward in the receiver by the bolt carrier,
it draws the spent cartridge case from the chamber by means of a hook type
extractor mounted on the upper right side of the bolt. At the point where
the bolt is almost fully to the rear of its travel, the head of the spent
cartridge strikes an ejector mounted in the trigger guard, which causes
the cartridge case to rotate upward and outward from the receiver, where
it strikes the upper right edge of the receiver cover. This action causes
the spent cartridge case to be knocked clear, forward and to the right
of the receiver. The FN-49 will leave a tell tale dent about half way up
the side of each spent cartridge case from striking the receiver cover.
This dent will vary in depth depending on the composition of the brass
and the gas pressure adjustment, but shouldn't be so severe as to prevent
re-loading.
Cocking
As the bolt is being drawn to the rear, its backward motion cocks the hammer.
The bolt carrier compresses the recoil springs that are held between it
and the receiver cover.
Feeding
Because the FN-49 operates with a closed bolt, once the rearward travel
of the bolt carrier has been completed, the recoil springs that were compressed
drive it back forward again. The forward motion of the bolt carrier takes
the bolt with it, which in turn causes the bolt to push a cartridge off
the top of the magazine and into the chamber.
Locking
The bolt is once again locked into place in the receiver by the forward
and downward pushing motion of the bolt carrier upon it. Once this cycle
is completed, the rifle is then ready to fire again.
SECTION XI
OPERATING / ADJUSTMENT
Safety
As described previously, the manual safety is located on the right side
of the trigger guard, just above the trigger. To apply the safety, the
lever is rotated downward.
Bolt Operation
The bolt carrier, and as a result the bolt itself, can be pulled to the
rear by means of the bolt carrier handle that is located on the right side
of the receiver. Once fully opened, the bolt will be held to the rear if
the magazine is empty.
To close the bolt with an empty magazine, push down on the magazine
follower with the thumb of the left hand while pulling back slightly on
the bolt carrier handle with the right hand. Slowly allow the bolt and
bolt carrier to move forward until it has cleared the magazine bolt catch
and is above the magazine follower. The thumb of the left hand can then
be withdrawn from its pressure on the magazine follower and the bolt carrier
allowed to move completely forward, in turn closing the bolt.
Loading
First, grasp the bolt carrier handle with the right hand and pull it completely
to the rear. The bolt will stay locked rearward by the magazine bolt catch
if the magazine is empty. If the magazine is partially loaded, push in
the manual bolt carrier catch located on the left hand side of the receiver
cover with the left hand.
Loading of the magazine can then be accomplished by inserting cartridges
either singularly or through the use of caliber specific 5 round stripper
clips. When using stripper clips, they are inserted vertically into the
slots machined into the receiver cover. The cartridges are then pressed
into the magazine by thumb pressure of the right hand.
The magazine capacity is 10 rounds, and when loading is completed, the
bolt may be closed by pulling slightly back on the bolt carrier handle
and then releasing it. As the bolt moves forward, the top cartridge in
the magazine will be stripped off and fed into the chamber.
The bolt can be closed without introducing a cartridge into the chamber
by using thumb pressure of the left hand to push down on the top cartridge
in the magazine, while at the same time pulling slightly back on the bolt
carrier handle with the right hand. The bolt carrier handle may then be
allowed to move slowly forward over the top cartridge in the magazine,
instead of feeding it into the chamber. Carrying the FN-49 with a loaded
magazine and an empty chamber is the safest method to use when immediate
action of the rifle is not required. All that is needed to bring it into
action is to pull the bolt carrier handle fully to the rear and then release
it.
Unloading
There are three ways to unloading the FN-49.
The first and most fun is of course to fire it as many times as there
are cartridges in the chamber and magazine!
The second is to point the muzzle in a safe direction, place the manual
safety to the on position and cycle the action as many times as needed
to eject all of the cartridges from the chamber and magazine.
The final and least desirable method is to remove the magazine by pressing
in on the magazine catch, located at the rear of the magazine, with the
nose of a bullet or a small screwdriver. The magazine will come off the
trigger guard assembly with the cartridges falling out, along with the
magazine follower and spring. Remember to place the safety on and cycle
the action to clear any cartridge in the chamber.
Firing
Firing is simply accomplished by turning off the manual safety, sighting
the rifle and depressing the trigger.
Gas Adjustment
The gas cylinder is located under the front handguard. A threaded sleeve
is provided on the outside of the gas cylinder in order to adjust the opening
size of the gas bleed vent. This adjustment is used to regulate the amount
of powder combustion gas that is applied to the end of the piston rod.
The sleeve is screwed farther onto the gas cylinder toward the front sight
in order to block the gas vent reducing its size, thereby increasing the
pressure applied to the piston rod. Alternately, it can be rotated the
opposite direction, away from the front sight, to open the gas vent, thus
reducing the amount of gas pressure applied to the piston rod.
Proper adjustment of the gas system is needed to prevent violent ejection
that results in excessive wear and tear on the rifle. Gas pressure can
increase or decrease with different types of ammunition, ammunition production
lots and atmospheric conditions. The gas system has a broad operating range
and does not require minor adjustments when set properly for the type of
ammunition and powder being fired. Once the gas regulator is set, mis-adjustment
through tampering or accident is prevented by having the regulator sleeve
located under the front handguard.
To adjust the gas system, begin by removing the front handguard. This
is accomplished by first removing the stock end cap screw and then the
stock end cap located under the front sight assembly. Once the stock end
cap screw is removed, the stock end cap is removed by sliding it forward
to disengage it from the tabs on the front handguard and then downward
off the barrel. The front handguard is then removed by sliding it slightly
forward out from under the lower stock band and lifting it off the rifle
from the forward end. Removal or loosening of the lower stock band should
not be required.
Begin the gas adjustment procedure by rotating (opening) the gas regulator
sleeve on the gas cylinder until the gas vent is completely unblocked.
From a standing position, fire a single round of ammunition of the desired
type. Note how far the spent cartridge is ejected from the rifle. If the
spent cartridge fails to clear the receiver or is not ejected sufficiently
to achieve approximately 8 to 15 feet to the forward and right of the firer,
screw in the gas regulator sleeve several turns until the gas vent is slightly
blocked and repeat the procedure. The proper setting is attained when a
spent cartridge is usually ejected some 8 to 15 feet to the forward right
of the firer. A setting that causes the spent cartridges to be ejected
farther can cause excessive wear and stress on the rifle. Too little gas
pressure can result in unreliable spent cartridge case extraction and lack
of ejection. In my experience, it is not unusual to have a spent cartridge
ejected rather close to the rifle now and then, but on average they should
fall approximately 8 to 15 feet from the rifle.
Excessive gas pressure can cause premature extraction of the cartridge
case, even before chamber pressures have decreased sufficiently to allow
the cartridge case walls to contract from the chamber. A sure sign of extreme
gas system pressure is having rims torn off spent cartridge cases by the
extractor. Excessive gas pressure will also be evident when spent cartridge
cases are being ejected into low earth orbit, are being heavily dented
by the receiver cover, or the spent cartridge case fails to be extracted
from the chamber altogether. "Hotly" handloaded cartridges as well as extended
range factory loads can cause this same problem and even a properly adjusted
gas regulator sleeve and gas vent system may be unable to compensate for
these excessive pressures. Like most semi-automatic rifles, the FN-49 functions
best with cartridges loaded to the middle of the normal pressure range.
The FN-49 is built sturdy enough to handle "hot" loads quite well, but
the gas system may not be able to function properly in those circumstances,
and semi-automatic firing should not be attempted. In these cases, such
as when using extended range factory loads set the gas plug to single shot
operation (see the section below under grenade launching).
Sight Adjustments
Corrections for point of impact errors in windage are adjusted on the rear
peep sight by means of set screws on either side of the sight assembly.
This assumes that the front sight blade is properly centered in it's mount
before attempting rear sight adjustment. By first loosening the set screw
on one side and then tightening the set screw of the opposite side, the
rear peep side is thus moved as required to correct the point of bullet
impact. A reminder, the rear peep sight is moved to the right to move the
bullet point of impact to the right.
Adjustments for point of impact errors in elevation can only be corrected
by means of replacing the front sight blade or the rear peep sight with
ones of a differing height. However, in the case where bullet point of
impact is slightly low, the front sight can be carefully filed down to
move the point of impact up. This cannot correct gross error, for the front
sight blade would be left too short for proper use.
For those FN-49's with a point of impact too low when the rear sight
is set to it's lowest setting, I have devised a fix for this annoying problem.
The FN-49 lacks a true elevation zero adjustment outside of that mentioned
previously. My fix involves drilling and then tapping a small hole in the
rear sight leaf just in front of the rear peep sight. Into this hole a
set screw is threaded to provide infinite elevation adjustment when the
rear sight leaf is on it's lowest setting. This set screw is used to raise
the rear sight leaf as required to correct the low bullet point of impact.
The modification also involves making a small cutout in the rear sight
leaf slider to accommodate this set screw, which would otherwise prevent
it from traveling fully to its lowest (most rearward) setting. This modification
is hardly noticeable and works great. Feel free to e-mail me if you have
this problem and need additional assistance.
Grenade Launching
Launching rifle grenades is accomplished by mounting an optional spigot
type grenade launcher, with integral sight, to the muzzle end of the barrel.
The grenade launcher attaches securely to the muzzle over the barrel cap
by means of a hinged clamp and wing nut. The grenade launcher cannot be
installed over the optional muzzle brake. The muzzle brake must be removed
and the barrel end cap fitted prior to using the grenade launcher.
The gas plug must be rotated 180 degrees by first pushing in on the
release button that is located on the left hand side. The gas plug release
button may be pushed in with the bullet nose of a cartridge.
The manual safety is placed in the downward, or "on" position, a special
grenade launching blank is then loaded into the rifle chamber (see loading
instructions previously described), the rifle grenade is then placed on
the grenade launcher. After sighting the rifle using the special sight
on the grenade launcher, the safety is turned off and the trigger depressed.
The pressure of the powder combustion in the special grenade launching
blank will propel the rifle grenade off the grenade launcher.
I should mention here that you must NEVER attempt to use a regular ball
cartridge or a standard training blank to propel a rifle grenade. Using
either could cause severe injury, possible death, and could result in complete
destruction of the rifle. Grenade launching blanks are very different from
regular blanks or ball cartridges.
SECTION XII
MAINTENANCE
FIELD STRIPPING
The clever design of the FN-49 allows for routine field stripping using
no tools. Only a regular military ball cartridge is required for field
disassembly so as to allow complete operator cleaning.
Receiver Component Disassembly
Insure the rifle is completely unloaded. Cock the hammer by bulling the
bolt carrier charging handle to the rear. Push down on the magazine follower
and the slowly allow the bolt carrier to move forward to its closed position.
Begin disassembly by first removing the receiver cover. This is accomplished
by turning the locking key at the rear of the receiver cover 180 degrees
to the upward position. The receiver cover is then pushed forward against
the recoil springs and lifted slightly in the rear. Once it is disengaged
from the receiver, the receiver cover is then withdrawn rearward. The recoil
springs will normally come off with the receiver cover, but if this is
not the case, they should be removed from the rear of the bolt carrier
and set aside.
Next, the operating handle on the side of the bolt carrier is pulled
rearward until the guide rails align with the clearance cuts in the receiver
body. This alignment is viewed from above the receiver. The front of the
bolt carrier is then lifted resulting in the ability to remove it and the
bolt together from the receiver. NOTE: The bolt and bolt carrier cannot
be lifted out of the receiver unless the sliding dust cover is in the rearward
(open) position. Once removed from the receiver, the bolt may then be moved
forward and out of the bolt carrier.
Bolt Stripping
If so equipped, remove the firing pin stop from the top of the bolt. The
bolt is then disassembled by first using the nose of a ball cartridge to
lift the extractor spring out of the recess milled for it into the extractor.
It is then rotated 90 degrees downward freeing the extractor to be removed.
Next, while pushing the firing pin into the bolt, remove the extractor
spring. Once the extractor spring is removed, the firing pin can be withdrawn
along with the firing pin spring.
Gas Piston Rod Removal
Using the nose of a ball cartridge, press the catch on the gas cylinder
plug and rotate it 90 degrees. Withdraw the gas cylinder plug. Tilt the
rifle forward and if needed give it a shake. The gas piston rod and spring
will slide out of the gas cylinder. The piston spring can then be removed
from the gas piston rod.
Magazine Disassembly
The magazine is removed by using the nose of a ball cartridge to pry the
magazine catch back toward the rear of the trigger guard. The magazine
is then withdrawn from the trigger guard. Once removed from the rifle,
the magazine spring and follower are easily withdrawn from the magazine.
The spring can then be removed from the underside of the magazine follower.
FIELD RE-ASSEMBLY
Assembling the Bolt
Slide the firing pin spring over the firing pin. Insert the firing pin
and spring into the bolt body. While pressing the firing pin into the bolt,
replace the extractor spring head into the hole provided in the side of
the bolt, 90 degrees downward to the length of the bolt. Release the firing
pin, which should now be held in place by the extractor head. Place the
extractor in its seat milled into the bolt. Next, rotate the extractor
spring onto its place on the extractor. If equipped, replace the firing
pin stop.
Assembling the Receiver
Components
Begin by sliding the bolt back into the front of the bolt carrier. While
holding the bolt carrier containing the bolt at both ends, pass the bolt
carrier guides down through the clearance cuts in the receiver body. Once
lowered into the receiver, push the bolt carrier down and forward to its
home (locked) position.
Next, while holding the receiver cover, compress the recoil springs
between it and the cavity provided in the rear of the bolt carrier. The
receiver cover is replaced by lowering it downward onto the receiver body
front end first. Once pressed firmly into the receiver body, the receiver
cover is allowed to move backward under the tension of the recoil springs
to its locked position. The catch at the rear of the receiver cover is
then rotated back 180 degrees downward to the locked position. To insure
proper assembly has been achieved, cycle the rifles action several times
by hand.
Assembling the Gas Piston Rod
Slide the spring onto the gas piston rod. Replace the gas piston rod and
spring into the gas cylinder from the front of the rifle, with the piston
head oriented towards the front of the rifle. Re-fit the gas cylinder plug
by depressing the plug catch and then turning it so the letter "A" is visible
from the top of the rifle.
Assemble the Magazine
Insert the magazine spring into the underside of the magazine follower.
Taking care to place them in the correct orientation, replace the magazine
follower and spring into the magazine. The magazine is then assembled to
the trigger guard by engaging the front lug of the magazine first, then
pressing on the bottom until it is secured by the magazine catch.
BARREL REPLACEMENT
Barrel replacement on the FN-49 is so simple, I thought I'd include it
here. Once removed from the rifle, a completely stripped receiver can be
gripped solidly in a large padded bench vise, whence the barrel can be
unscrewed by the use of a large wrench across the flats over the chamber.
A replacement barrel can then be screwed into the receiver and tightened
until the notch on the barrel lines up with the hole in the receiver provided
for the piston rod. Provided one has a big enough vise and wrench, this
whole operation can take 15 minutes. Of course headspace must be checked
after barrel replacement. Again, headspace is NOT controlled by the barrel
threads as in some rifles, but rather by the width of a cross pin pressed
into the receiver as a locking shoulder for the bolt's lug.
SECTION XIII
HANDLOADING
The FN-49 is a fun rifle to handload cartridges for, however, certain special
considerations should be observed. As mentioned earlier, the FN-49's gas
adjustment system is designed to function best when gas pressures are within
normal pressures for the particular cartridge being chambered. Hot handloads
can cause a situation where the gas system cannot be properly adjusted.
In this case, violent extraction cannot be prevented even though the gas
adjustment sleeve is set to completely unblock the gas vent, allowing for
maximum gas pressure relief and minimum pressure on the gas piston rod.
When working up handloads for the FN-49, it's best to choose a rifle
powder which is considered to be of moderate to slightly fast burning speed.
In my experience, using slow burning rifle powders may yield low and very
consistent shot to shot velocities, however violent extraction and severely
dented brass may be an undesirable side effect. This situation can be explained
by the fact that the barrel gas pressure curve of slower burning powders
is such that they retain a higher pressure as the bullet passes the gas
port in the forward part of the barrel. Even though slower burning powders
generally have lower peak pressures, their pressure curve is of longer
duration and doesn't taper off quickly after ignition. With slower rifle
powders, powder granules may still be burning as the bullet nears the muzzle
of the barrel. Unburned granules may even be expelled from the muzzle as
a result.
Faster burning powders generally have higher peak pressures, but shorter
chamber and barrel gas pressure curve length. When using these faster burning
powders, the barrel gas pressure will have peaked and then dropped to a
safe level well before the bullet passes the gas port. This results in
less gas pressure being applied to the piston rod and a less violent spent
cartridge case ejection.
The trick to successful handloading for the FN-49 is to choose a powder
that is fast enough to avoid the problem of violent ejection, while at
the same time choosing a powder slow enough to yield consistent velocities
and accuracy. When making powder choices, remember that the FN-49 has a
relatively short barrel. Also keep in mind that different powder burn rates
will react differently with lighter or heavier bullets, so several powders
may ultimately be required for best performance with a range of loadings.
A moderate burning rifle powder that nearly fills the cartridge to capacity
would be a good place to start experimenting.
SECTION XIV
REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES
There are several accessories which were original options for the FN-49
and which of course a collector will want to have. There are several aftermarket
accessories available also.
Flash Suppresser
Various flash suppressers can be found through part suppliers. I'm not
aware that any of these flash suppressers were factory options, but Sarco,
Inc. has a nice "bird cage" style suppresser of the HK design that fits
any caliber of the FN-49 and which looks pretty classy. It's installed
by first removing the muzzle cap and threading the suppresser in it's place.
Gun Parts Corp. has a blued aftermarket threaded flash suppresser readily
available, but I don't think is up to the quality level the FN-49 deserves,
and I don't particularly like the way it looks.
Blank Adapter
Original blank adapters are available which also replace the threaded muzzle
cap. This is a cylindrical device that has a tapering hole bored into it
from the end which threads onto the muzzle. It's use allows functioning
of the semi-automatic action when firing blank cartridges. Northridge International
is a good source for this item.
Muzzle Brake
Original muzzle brakes are almost impossible to find. A source of exact
replacements was available until the supply was recently exhausted. The
gentleman who had them custom manufactured, did so many years ago. According
to him, it was a difficult project finding a machine shop qualified to
perform the work. The problem was that the internal threads in the muzzle
brake have to be cut in such a way as to result in the brake being properly
aligned when fully tightened onto the barrel. If there were enough demand
again, I'm sure this source would consider having additional muzzle brakes
manufactured. He asked me specifically not to give out his name and telephone
number, but if you are interested in buying one, please let me know and
I will forward your request on. The selling price would probably be in
the $30.00 range at today's costs.
Bayonet
Briklee Trading Company has recently been offering the original 9" dagger
style FN-49 bayonets as well as original cleaning kits and original cleaning
rods. The longer length 15" Mauser style bayonets are available from Springfield
Sporters and other sources.
Gas Tube Sleeve and
Muzzle Cap Wrench
Northridge International offers an original wrench which is indispensable
if you wish to remove the threaded muzzle cap. It is also used to adjust
the gas tube sleeve when hot.
Cleaning Brush
Gun Parts Corp. has offered an interesting small soft brush they claim
was made for the FN-49. It has a handle that screws apart to hold small
parts, etc. This brush fits nicely into the butt trap of those FN-49's
so equipped.
Scope Mounts
Original optional scope mounts fastened to special grooves milled into
the left side of receivers so equipped. An aftermarket scope is available
from B-Square (part number 18551). This particular mount replaces the rear
sight leaf on the receiver cover and has the advantage of getting the scope
up high enough to clear the stock. Having the scope mounted to the receiver
cover is not the greatest idea in the world for stability reasons, but
it's an efficient alternative to drilling holes in the receiver! I've found
the B-Square mount to work well. It's important to use quality scope rings
that clamp the scope tube well, because the recoil and hammering of the
action will cause the scope to slide in the rings.
Sources
There are several good sources currently available for original replacement
parts for the various caliber FN-49 rifles. Replacement stocks and magazines
seem to be two of the items in most critical supply at this time, however,
I've just noticed recently that replacement walnut stocks are available
in a couple of grades of quality from a source in the Shotgun News. Many
parts are identical between the calibers, but not all. Specifically, parts
like the receiver, receiver cover, sights, magazine, gas plug, bolt and
springs are different. Even though receiver covers differ between the calibers,
in a pinch they can swapped and should function fine. The difference would
be only be in the stripper clip slot and rear sight ramp curve. I personally
use a .30-06 caliber receiver cover with the sight removed and a B-Square
scope mount attached on an 8mm Mauser FN-49. I just slip off the normal
receiver cover and slide on the .30-06 caliber version for instant changeover
with no sighting in required. This arrangement works great.
I am providing a list of major part suppliers currently known to me.
I’ve personally had excellent service from all of them, but both Gun Parts
and Northridge seem to have the best inventory. The availability of parts
varies considerably from time to time with these suppliers, so if you are
first told they don’t have what you are looking for, keep trying back about
once a month. This has worked well for me.
B-Square
PO Box 11281
Fort Worth, TX 76110-0281 |
(800)433-2909
(817)923-0964
Fax (817)926-7012 |
Briklee Trading Company
13351 D Riverside Drive, Suite 373
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 |
(818)444-2745
Fax (818)401-3299 |
Gun Parts Corporation
West Hurley, NY 12491 |
(914)679-2417
Fax (914)679-5849 |
Northridge International
18714 Parthenia Street
Northridge, CA 91324 |
(800)678-3939
(818)341-0100
Fax (818)701-7775 |
Sarco, Inc.
323 Union Street
Stirling, NJ 07980 |
(908)647-3800
Fax (908)647-9413 |
Springfield Sporters
R.D. #1
Penn Run, PA 15765 |
(412) 254-2626
Fax (412) 254-9173 |
|