Item       Nr.:        1056
Brand  :               Fabrique Natrionale Belgique
Model   :              SAFN-49
Caliber:               8×57mm Mauser

The SAFN-49 Battle Rifle (Saive Automatique, Fabrique Natrionale Modèle 1949) was developed  by Dieudonne Saive and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale from 1949 to 1961. Work on the project was interrupted by the occupation of Belgium in 1940 by the Nazi’s and Dieudonné Saive and his design team fled to England. After Belgium was liberated they returned in 1944 and resumed development of the Mod.1949. This Model was purchased by Belgium, Luxembourg, Belgium Congo, Indonesia, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia & Egypt, all manufactured by Fabrique Nationale. Calibers were .30-06, 7.92 mm Mauser, 7.65 mm Argentine & 7mm x 57 Mauser. In total, approximately 176,000 SAFN-49s were produced. They saw serious combat notably in the hands of the Belgians in Korea and later in the Belgium Congo, with the Egyptians during the Suez-Sinai War and with the Indonesian army in a variety of regional conflicts.

The second of the SAFN 49 contract was for the Egyptian government ordered on May 30, 1948 and delivered by June 10, 1949, 100 rifles chambered to fire the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge. While initially a small contract delivery Egypt would defined for 37,602 SAFN 1949 rifles total.

This SAFN-49 semi-automatic rifle is 8×57 caliber and is marked with an Egyptian on the receiver denoting that it is an Egypt contract rifle.

The serial number is 346XX (one of the last) and all parts are matching including the stock. The original & correct black epoxy paint over phosphate bases is 100% and the dark reddish walnut pistol grip stock has only minor handling light dings (see photos). The sling strap appears to be original as well. Mechanically this rifle is excellent/mint as is the bore, no corrosion, no pitting, no rust. It comes with its original 10 round detachable box magazine and has a 23” barrel.