FN49 Ejection Problems

[imperator31]

Good afternoon all, I recently joined the forum to get some advice on how to proceed with a few problems I recently experienced while plinking out on the range with a couple of my rifles.

First and foremost, I bought an FN-49 Venezuelan Contract a few months back and have had the pleasure of taking it out three times. The first was a dream, I instantly fell in love with the gun and its smooth action, putting together 1 inch groups crouched at 100 yards. Second time out, good except for frequent ejection issues where the bolt would slam forward and catch the previously ejected she'll before it was even out of the chamber! It may or may not be relevant that I was shooting surplus ammo the first time (FN) and commercial Remington the second. Yesterday I experienced an even worse problem. The bolt came forward and caught the piston on its way back into its slide AND the shell, creating a three piece jam that was only helped by wiggling the shell out a little at a time until the bolt was able to slide back into position, pushing the piston back to its own position in the process. I assume this can only have something to do with a gas problem, but then again, it may not. Any and all advice, words of wisdom, etc. are greatly appreciated.

 

[Jim Watson]

All I can say is that you are not alone.
A friend got one and it is fully reliable with FN "Cartuchos Ordinarios", passable with Federal commercial, and worthless with any handload we could come up with.
He bought a case of FN, which is likely a lifetime supply as interests change.

 

[barnbwt]

Putting together 1 inch groups crouched at 100 yards.

Impossible, the FN49 is but a FAL...

TCB

 

[MEHavey]

It's short-stroking. Pull the top hanguard off and close the gas relief port a schoch or two.

 

[imperator31]

Do I have to exclusively obtain the gas tool to adjust the vent or can I use something as a substitute in a pinch?

 

[MEHavey]

I don't remember using anything other than my fingers to rotate the gas port sleeve.
(Maybe a gentle pair of padded pliers to get it started... I forget)

This thing might be useful though....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXmz_5eB9hE
(Someone in the comments section also noted a traditional canopener's end hook works too)

 

[imperator31]

Gentlemen, I appreciate the feedback. I closed the port all the way so now all I need to do is find some time to hit the range and adjust. Thanks for the help!

 

[RecoilRob]

As was mentioned in the other thread on this rifle, you really need to OPEN the port and fire single shots gradually closing it until the bolt locks back...then one more click closed and it will run fine. Closing it all the way right off the bad is a good way to batter the living crap out of the action! Work up to it and find where you're getting enough...but not too much gas to run it properly.

 

[MEHavey]

I closed the port all the way...

Egads ! Take it back to where it was short-stroking,
and then start closing a half turn or so while firing
a few rounds until it functions reliably.

Then leave it there.