They are more similar to a FAL (their descendant) than an SKS, but both operate on a tilting lock scheme. IIRC, the SKS bolt itself tilts to lock in (like a pump shotgun), whereas the FN49 (again, IIRC) has a separate piece which tilts to lock the action (like a VZ58).
I got my FN49 for 600$, which was an extremely good deal. They were made in a range of calibers for different contracts, and are priced according to the number produced. Cheapest are Egyptian ($500+) in 8mm and usually in good condition, Argentine ($1000+) in 308 modded to use 20rnd detachable box mags, Venezuelan ($1100+) in 7mm are the nicest (and priciest), and Luxembourg ($800+) in 30-06 are typically in very good used condition.
Considering the magazine holds 10 rounds and feeds of 1903 strippers, and has adjustable gas/cut-off setting, it is actually quite competitive with the M1 Garand. Honestly, it is a superior rifle, but was introduced too late to have an effect on history since the Nazi's mucked up the production cycle (designer escaped Belgium with the blueprints and it wasn't made till post war). Its legacy lived on in the FAL which was inspired by the SAFN/49 rifle.
There's a couple of each sort on Gunbroker now, and even a poor, pathetic, burned-out husk of a Luxembourg 30-06 which was caught in a fire
. Sweet shooters all, I'm sure, and I appreciate being able to use hunting/factory 30-06 in my rifle with no worries (heavy loads will reliably cycle with the gas turned to its lowest setting, and deposit the unharmed brass in a neat pile 8ft to the front and right)
Wikipedia said:
The rifle worked well in the Korean War in the hands of Belgian troops. Many military reports list the FN-49 rifle as both more reliable and more accurate than the US made M1 Garand rifle.
TCB
