andy@DEC-Lite.Stanford.EDU (Andy Freeman) (06/04/91)
I've just finished firing a semi-auto FN-49 in 8mm Mauser.[1]
8mm Mauser/7.92 is not a terribly popular caliber in the US.[2] It is
in the .308/30-06 class, but there aren't 100 different bullets
available. Price-wise, however, it isn't more expensive to shoot,
even if you don't reload.
The FN-FAL/LAR/FNC designs are similar successors to the FN-49; they
are cheaper to make while the FN-49 is one of the last guns made with
high quality machine work. It has a fixed 10-round magazine (with
stripper-clip slots milled into the bolt), but is easily converted
(read $75) to accept BAR magazines. (Like most guns of its type, it
has a last-shot hold open. However, unlike the SKS, it also has a
manual hold-open so those of us with only two hands can top off the
magazine.) It has a rear aperature sight sight with a front
barlycorn, although it doesn't seem to have great adjustments (and is
marked in arabic); scope mounts are available. Sling swivels are
standard equipment. Ignoring price, those two extra shots and the
adjustable gas port make it a reasonable alternative to a Garand. (My
test-firing didn't reveal any significant accuracy differences.)
The winning feature of the FN-49 is price/performance; for $200 +
shipping dealer cost (from Southern Ohio Gun and other importers and
$220 from Crossroads), you get a refinished gun with a brand new stock
and great barrel. The condition is significantly better than the used
guns that came in a last year.
The only downside that I've noticed so far is that it is a bit
difficult to unload without firing; you've got to want to pull that
bolt back. (I'm going to give it a trip to the gun doctor if it
doesn't loosen up with use.) It doesn't seem much lighter than a
Garand either. SKS fans will be sad to hear that it doesn't have a
butt-stock cleaning kit, but they're available.
I'm going to get one.
I almost forgot; it is a curio and relic. In CA, that means no
waiting period.
-andy
ps - Bush's crime bill severely restricts >15 round magazines. (You
can keep what you own, but no more will be made and there will be a
$25 tax and registration for all transfers.) He said that he wouldn't
sign Brady unless he got his crime bill, so ....
[1] - I've got a gunsmith all lined up to convert one if I can ever
find one of the .30 caliber barrels that I know are out there
somewhere. After all, there were far more of the 30-06 version
produced and they were imported in huge numbers a couple of years ago.
[2] - Complicating things is the fact that there are two versions of
8mm mauser. It changed bullet diameters in 1898, so if you have a
very old bolt-action, you may have to be somewhat careful.
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