Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Firearms International FN

I have someone wanting to trade to me an FN Belgian made 30-06 for a shotgun I have. The brand of the gun is Firearms International (FI) initials where the FN usually is. On the bbls it says: "Chrome Vanadium Steel" adn the numbers 1946 (not serial number) It is a classic Mauser action with a Paul Jaeger quick change scope mount that slides on and off. It is topped with a Leupold VXIII 2.5-8X. Its got a pretty nice stock with cheek piece and ebony cap on the forend. Serial number on bbl matches bolt. Who the heck is (was) Firearms International?
It says "Made in Belgium" on the bbl. Then a small circle on the side with an FN in it. Serial number is under over 1900, but smaller than 2000. What might this gun be worth in 90-95% condition?

FI was just the importer. The rifle was made by Fabrique Nationale ( the Belgium National firearms manufacturing facility) These are true Mausers and of that era very well made actions. After 1948 these actions did not have the thumb cut in the side of the reciever wall, making them a more desirable find. Mauser trigger and the FN two position safety on the left side of the cocking piece (if it hasn't been changed out during the customizing). I believe FI was in Washinton DC, for an address. They imported the Sakos before Garcia brought them in. Basically during the 1940's and 1950's.

I don't know what kind of shotgun is involved, but that sounds like a darn nice rifle to be. Makes me wonder if it's one Paul Jeager might have worked on? He made some darn nice rifles that at the time frame were way out of my bankroll's level.
I have several FN Mausers, (not the J.C. Higgins version, but FNs imported as such. One, a 30-06 has been rebarrel back to 30-06 with a 1 in 12" twist barrel and in a McMillan stock. This one is early enough to be a "C" ring action. The other two I have are in .270 Win., one stamped as being made in 1952 and the other one, an FN Musketeer I bought way back in 1973. The stock on that one is so damned ugly, that to quote Jack O'Connor, " Would abort a lady crocodile." However, it shoots so well, I'll leave it be. My point being, every imported FN I've owned (not the Sears guns) has been very accurate. In fact, with the exception of one of my J.C. Higgins M50 rifles. only one has proven to not be an accurate rifle and it's slated to be a donor for something.
I'd have to pull mine out of the safe to check on the markings, but that 1946 if on the left side was probably the date of original manufacture. That one of mine marked 1952 has the serial number on the right hand side as do all my other FN Mausers.
Paul B.