FN .30-'06

[Lumber]

In John-James Ford's "Bonk On The Head" (a great read if you're an RMC grad, cadet or aspiring cadet), the protagonist's father owns what is described as a "thirty-ought-six Belgian-made Fabrique Nationale, with a walnut stock and a step-down barrel." The book further details that it was used by Germans in WWII to shoot down small aircraft.

What I was wondering is if anyone has heard/seen/owns one of these rifles (the book claims only two (2) exist in Canada), or if anyone can find any further information on it. Googling it I found an FN .30-'06 'Supreme Mauser' on sale in Alabama. However, this just doesn't look like my idea of an AA rifle.

 

[JBoyd]

Sounds very much like the FN-49 that was designed by Dieudonne Saive , although the FN-49 was not produced until after WWII

 

[Lumber]

Sounds very much like the FN-49 that was designed by Dieudonne Saive , although the FN-49 was not produced until after WWII

Ya I meant to mention the FN 49. I found that in my searches as well. But just like you said, its a post WWII model, so not what were looking for here

 

[XMP]

Sounds like it might be a Fusil Automatique Mle 30. Basically an FN made version of the Browning M1918 BAR. It was made in a variety of calibres before the Second World War. Incidently, the SAFN 49 was designed before the war but wasn't put into production until after the end of the war. I had one in 30-06 years ago, but it had a non detachable 10 rd mag unlike the one shown in the pics. Not bad, but the FAL was a great improvement.

 

[MG34]

I'm thinking some artistic license is being used to describe the rifle in question, as no rifle was ever used as a dedicated anti aircraft weapon by the Germans. More than likely describing either an FN made BAR or SAFN-49.