Fabrique Nationale FN Model 30-11

Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle

Belgium | 1976

"Introduced in 1976, the Mauser-based Belgian FN model 30-11 was produced into 1986 as a sniper rife system."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 08/19/2016 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

With the standardization to NATO calibers for guns of Western countries during the Cold War, European arms makers furnished the market with exceptional long-range choices as was the case with Belgium's Fabrique Nationale de Herstal and their FN Model 30-11 sniping system. The weapon saw production from 1976 into 1986 and became a proven long-range precision weapon for the Belgian Army, special forces, local police as well as some other forces of the world. The Model 30-11 became Fabrique Nationale's final Mauser-based rifle system.

The product weighed 10.7lbs and featured a length of 44 inches with a 19.8 inch-long barrel installed. It was chambered for the ubiquitous 7.62x51mm NATO rifle cartridge and operated from the typical bolt-action arrangement requiring the operator to manage the included bolt-handle. Feeding was by way of a 5-round internal magazine with muzzle velocity reaching 2,790 feet per second. The heavy, hammered barrel aided in long range accuracy and the trigger was adjustable.

Design of the Model 30-11 held origins in Fabrique Nationale's existing line of hunting/sporting rifles and its action was based on the long-running Mauser design appearing in the late-19th Century. Though up in years, the system was a proven arrangement with few flaws if any and used throughout countless bolt-action rifles since it was introduced. This starting point made sense for a military/police grade sniping platform which gave rise to the Model 30-11 line. The weapon was designed with inherent precision out to 600 meters.

The Model 30-11 featured a single-piece, solid wood stock though its buttstock was a two-piece system designed with customization in mind. A folding bipod (taken from the FN MAG machine gun) could be fitted when needed under the fore-end as a frontal support. The trigger ring was oblong and made for the gloved hand while the integral 5-round magazine projected some ahead of the trigger group but much thought was given to clearing the trigger area of any sort of protrusion - including the well-spaced grip handle at rear. The rifle supported various sighting optics but retained its iron sights as backup. Sling loops allowed for a shoulder strap to be installed and used for transporting the gun. A flash hider was added to the muzzle to help protect the firer's position from enemy eyes.

Despite its strong qualities, the need for such a gun - and the ultra-competitive sniper rifle market in general - did this Fabrique Nationale product in by the middle-to-late 1980s.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Fabrique Nationale FN Model 30-11. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,117 mm
43.98 in
O/A Length

502 mm
19.76 in
Barrel Length

10.69 lb
4.85 kg
Weight

Manually-Actuated Bolt-Action
Action

7.62x51mm NATO
Caliber(s)

5-Round Internal Magazine
Feed

Optical Sighting Device
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Fabrique Nationale FN Model 30-11. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

2,600 ft
792.5 m | 866.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

15
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

2,790 ft/sec
850 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Fabrique Nationale FN Model 30-11 Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle family line.

Model 30-11 - Base Series Designation

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Fabrique Nationale FN Model 30-11. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Fabrique Nationale de Herstal - Belgium

[ Belgium ]

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

ACCURACY/PRECISION

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Going Further...
The Fabrique Nationale FN Model 30-11 Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle appears in the following collections:

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