FN49

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	Weapon: FN49 Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: Belgium Year Adopted: 1949 Overall Length (mm): 1100.0 Overall Length (in): 43.31 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82

The FN-49 is a Belgian semi-automatic rifle developed by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in the late 1940s. It was chambered in various calibers, including 7.92x57mm Mauser, 7x57mm Mauser, and .30-06 Springfield, depending on the country that ordered it. The FN-49 was designed to bridge the gap between bolt-action rifles and fully automatic rifles, offering a reliable semi-automatic solution for militaries transitioning into the post-World War II era. It was adopted by several nations, including Egypt, Venezuela, and Belgium, with production numbers reaching approximately 175,000 units. The rifle gained a reputation for its robust construction and reliability, although it was somewhat overshadowed by the development of fully automatic battle rifles like the FN FAL. Nevertheless, the FN-49 saw use in various conflicts, including the Suez Crisis and the Algerian War, and remains a highly regarded collector's piece.