[Tankcommander]

Which is the better rifle? I have 1 of each and have been through them pretty throughly. In many ways the FN49 is a better design.
Its gas operating system is less complex then the M1 and has fewer parts. The gas system is also adjustable the m1 is not. Its a pleasure to shoot and seems very accurate.

I love my Garand and will keep it always but it it could have had a close if not superior rival in the FN49.

tc:cannon:

 

[Tailgunner]

Adjustable gas systems are now available for the Garand (modified gas plug with adjustable venting).
As far as the other features the Garand was the ground breaker, so it makes sense that those that followed behind would have some improvements over the origional.
As far as the 'which is better' question, I only have experance with the Garand.

 

[Tankcommander]

Tailgunner The FN49 was in development around the same time as the M1 the war got in the way and the designer fled to England, who had no interst in it so it was in near stasis until VE-day.

The FN had the adjustable gas system from day 1 not added on 50 years later.

The Garand is a legend and a great design and I'm trying to scatch up some discussion on this forum so lets hear it.

TC:cannon:

 

[WAHunter]

Fortunately for the allies, the FN49 was obsolete before it was manufactured. I have both. I guess the 49 is a better design, but 'at least mine' is not as accurate. I wish it had a detachable magazine.

 

[Tankcommander]

A detachable magazine would be nice but the Garand doesn't have one either. One advantage to the 49 is the ablity to top it off with single bullets.

Mine seems to be accurate I've got to get it out for a longer range trial.

Both rifles were the foundation of the next generation of great battle rifles, the FAL and the M14.

TC:cannon:

 

[Nighthawk]

Thats one reason I love this sight,you learn something every day. I am only familiar with the FN 49 handgun, availiable in9mm and .40 auto.

 

[ralrein1]

Hey Rugster-hows it going-From what I understand the FN49 rifle was adopted by a fair few countries.Alot of them being South American-such as Venezuala,Argentina and Chile,and a few more I can't remember right now.It was chambered in 8mm mauser,7.62 by 51 Nato and 30-06Springfield.The ten round mag is removable,but falls apart when you remove it.It is rumored that a limited number of 20rnd. mags were made for them as well.None to my knowledge have been imported into this country.There were also sniper versions that had provisions for a scope mount and scope.These rifles served for a short period of time and then were replaced by the FAL.The two rifles look similar except the FAL has a pistol grip and detachable 20rnd. box magazine------that's about all I know.Chow :usa:

 

[wuzzagrunt]

The Garand needs an adjustable gas sytem..........for what reason?