John Baker

I just got an FN-49, very much like an M-1 as far as the stock goes, upper handguards and such. I discovered the stock and guards are made from beech, and then stained walnut. Century Arms brought in a lot of FN-49 Egyptians and replaced broken stocks with beech then stained them walnut. It does not look all that bad, but I'm one of those who prefer to have what the rifle's manufacture fitted them with. Finding walnut for an FN-49 so far is proving to be impossible, so I am probably going to have to live with what I've got. From reading this thread, it sounds like CMP was Century's supplier. The stock is well made, and beech is as strong and about the same weight as walnut, but still…….

An old Army buddy just gave me an FN-49 Egyptian. I've only had it a few weeks. So far I have discovered the stock and upper hand guards are made out of beach then stained to look like walnut. That means it is one of the ones Century Arms brought in about 25-30 years ago. The metal all looks great, but I have not had the time to break it all down and clean it up, check serial numbers and such. Probably in the next week or so. I've been trying to replace the furniture with a real walnut, but can't seem to find any leads at all. So far it seems to be one sweet rifle. I packed an M-1 Garand my first year in the Army back in 1960, then we were issued the M-14s. (Ft. Campbell, KY. 101st)The trouble with the M-1 was it had to be kept spotless or it would jam. They have overcome that problem with the FN-49, at least according to the manual that came a few days ago; they claim it is dirt and dust proof. I believe it is. Anyway, it’s fun learning about it; hope to shoot it sometime in the next few months.