PTR 91GI vs Argentine FN-49 .308 ?

PTR91 will have more support were something to break. Also you can't beat a dollar per magazine.

I'd take the FN49, because I just don't like the HK91 series.

Wow, that's tough... For me, personally, I'd probably have to side with Eric M on this one, and for the same reasons. That said, I have no experience with the FN-49, but have always been curious. Looks a lot like the M1A. If that's the case, then I'd be tempted to go that route, too.

That's kind of a random choice to limit yourself to. Why just those two?

definitely the fn49. it is a better and rarer gun. It is also the only fn49 that has detachable magazines.

FN49 only because I already have an AR-10 that fills the high-capacity full powered rifle niche. If I was starting from scratch, I'd most likely go for the PTR91. More after-market support and what I see as a more suitable "go-to" gun when needed.

I have an FN49 in 30-06 (lux contract) and absolutely love it. The tilting bolt latch is where it's at! Extremely well made and finished, the wood is very good on mine, the stock is comfortable, and the action cycle is very fast (I can't feel a secondary shift of the bolt during firing). My happens to be gentle on brass, suprisingly, something not ever seen in PTRs. The gas regulator is under the furniture, kind of a pain to mess with initially, but once you settle on a load you won't need to. Breaks down fairly easily (for an old Main Rifle) for cleaning.

The FN is the "Last Elegant Battle Rifle" to be sure, and oozes charisma unlike the PTR. Many mistake them for Garands (not unwarranted, they kinda do the same thing). The one design flaw (omission, really) is the lack of a detachable higher-cap magazine. If you have a line on an Argentine (I thought Colombian had the 20rnd .308 mod?) in good condition that you can afford; go for it. By all accounts the modification was top-notch and reliable, and they are by far the most sought-after of the rifles. The FN49 with detachable mag is basically a FAL with old-world craftsmanship

If you are interested in the FN49 in .308, also take a look at the BM-59, which is a Garand with a similar box-mag mod done to it by the Italians post-war. They don't run cheap, though. I wouldn't worry about magazine cost, how much .308 can you afford to shoot off at a whack these days, anyway ?

TCB

I've wanted an FN49 since I first found out about them. CETME clones are a dime a dozen, but the FN is a classic.

The PTR will have the benefit of being brand new. The FN49 will be used, with who knows how many rounds down the barrel. The PTR has a higher liklihood of being more accurate.

The FN will probably be more ergonomic.

FN-49.

I would just for me pick the belgian gun. ALways regreat not getting one in 1973 in Alexandria LA, in .30-06. (Does remembering one that got away 39 years ago make me a gun nut?)

I have only shot a couple and like them, but all were un modified ten shot rifles.

I have shot a few G3s and HK-91s and qualified with the G3 a couple of times. They are fine military rifles but I have no experience with the PTR clones. I have to agree that spare parts and accessories would be easier to get for the PTR.

I like wood, I like traditional stocks, and I like playing with fun things I have not played with much.

FN-49.

-kBob