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From: andy@DEC-Lite.Stanford.EDU (Andy Freeman)
Newsgroups: talk.politics.guns,rec.guns
Subject: Guns for the Free Militia
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Date: 4 Jun 91 03:14:39 GMT
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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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