FN Model 1949 Venezuelan Contract 7x57mm Mauser Semi-Auto Rifle, Belgian-Made, 23.2" Barrel, Integral 6-Port Muzzle Brake, Matching Numbers
This Fabrique Nationale Model 1949 Venezuelan Contract rifle stands out as the only mass-produced FN-49 variant chambered in 7x57mm Mauser. It comes from the first shipment sold to Venezuela between May and July of 1949, with a clear Venezuelan crest and FN Herstal address on the receiver. The rifle retains matching, original parts and features the contract-specific integral six-port muzzle brake, making it a strong example of FN's early postwar export program.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The stock shows light scratching and minor staining consistent with careful handling and age. The Venezuelan national crest on the receiver ring is clear and visible. All visible serial and part numbers are clear and legible, and the parts are matching and original.
What's Included
- Time period correct non-original tan woven web/canvas sling with brass slider/button hardware (installed)
Developed in the immediate post-WWII period, the FN-49 was adopted by multiple nations and offered in calibers tailored to each contract. The Venezuelan contract marked FN's first major export order for the model, with total production for this contract commonly cited at approximately 8,012 rifles. This example is reported to have been sold to Venezuela in the initial May–July 1949 shipment.
Chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, the Venezuelan Contract is the only mass-produced FN-49 variant in this caliber. It also features a factory integral six-port muzzle brake unique to this contract, paired with a 23.2" barrel. The rifle uses an adjustable gas system with a tilting-bolt locking design and a right-side, knurled cylindrical charging handle.
The feeding system consists of a fixed 10-round internal magazine with charger-loading capability. A bayonet lug is present. Markings include the Venezuelan national crest on the receiver ring and the FN Herstal address, "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE - HERSTAL - BELGIQUE."
Stock and sighting features include a full-length wood stock with grasping grooves, a two-piece upper handguard, steel buttplate, and sling swivels. The iron sights are a protected front sight and a tangent/ladder rear sight with a sliding elevation cursor. Length of pull measures 13 inches.