The result of years of meticulous research, and written with the cooperation of FN Herstal, this is the most comprehensive book yet published about the FN Model 1949 self-loading rifle. Covering not only the production rifle, it also provides information about the rare experimental and prototype rifles that preceded the FN-49 ( FN49 ), as well as information about all of the major FN-49 ( FN49 ) production contracts.

Also included is an overview of the history of FN; a biography of Dieudonné Saive, the inventor of the FN-49; a chapter covering the proofs and markings found on the FN-49 (FN49); coverage for all of the known FN-49 ( FN49 ) sniper rifle configurations; and much more. Profusely illustrated, many of the photographs and most of the textual information have never before been published.

A centerpiece of the book is a comprehensive, photo-illustrated parts breakdown chapter that documents information for, and identifies all known variations of, every component part of the FN-49 (FN49). This chapter provides authoritative information that can be used to verify the originality of a collector-grade rifle or to restore a rifle that has been subjected to parts substitutions.

Much of the information in this book was derived from the author’s international FN-49 survey that has collected data on more than 1,200 FN-49 rifles, representing all of the nine major contracts. This survey revealed the existence of more than 20 distinct variants of the FN-49, all of which are discussed.

This book is a must-read for all FN-49 ( FN49 ) owners and collectors, FN enthusiasts in general, and for all people with an interest in the most complete story yet told about the development and production of one of the last of the old-world, elegant, military rifles.  The FN-49 The Last Elegant old World Military Rifle book contains both information on the SAFN as well as the AFN rifle.  Written by Wayne Johnson