Make: FN Herstal
Model: Commercial FN Model 30
Serial Number: 5354
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1946 to 1964 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .220 Swift
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, hinged floorplate, H type breech, clip-cut, clip-guide
Barrel Length: 26"
Sights/Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. A Tasco TR 4-12x40mm scope is mounted atop the receiver. The rangefinding reticle is clear and the scope rates in Very Good condition.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The custom aftermarket stock is one piece wood with a cheekpiece, capped semi-pistol grip, tipped forend, and textured Pachmayr White Line buttpad. The buttpad has moderate handling wear with a gouge on the right side of the toe. The furniture shows some minor pressure dings and drag lines scattered throughout. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with stubborn fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its nonoriginal metal finish. The receiver has turned a shade of plum. The barrel is starting to turn plum, and shows scattered scratches and rub marks. The floorplate has some oxidation spots present. The screw heads are unmarred and retain turnable slots. Many of the markings were wiped when refinished. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope
Our Assessment: The FN Herstal Commercial Model 30 was one of the finest postwar sporting rifles based on the legendary Mauser 98 controlled-round-feed action. Produced in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale, the Model 30 incorporated FN’s refined commercial features while retaining the strength, reliability, and controlled-round-feed characteristics of the Mauser design. These rifles were offered in a wide variety of sporting calibers and became highly regarded among hunters worldwide for their quality of manufacture and smooth actions. This example, serial number 5354, is chambered for .220 Swift cartridge and features the desirable FN commercial action with hinged floorplate, clip guide, and clip-cut receiver configuration. It has since been customized with an aftermarket stock and scope.
This rifle retains about 90% of its nonoriginal blued finish, with the receiver having turned a shade of plum and the barrel beginning to show similar color change. The barrel displays scattered scratches and rub marks, while the floorplate has some oxidation spotting. The custom stock remains in Very Good Plus condition with minor pressure dings and drag lines, along with moderate wear and a gouge on the right side of the Pachmayr White Line recoil pad. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and stubborn fouling, but no erosion, rating 9.5/10. The Tasco TR 4-12x40mm scope has clear glass and rates in Very Good condition. This FN Model 30 retains the desirable characteristics of a quality Belgian-made Mauser sporting rifle. The action functions correctly. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus condition as a C&R firearm. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
