Fabrique Nationale FN Model 30-11

Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle [ 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.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

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.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Basics [+]

Manufacturer(s)

Fabrique Nationale de Herstal - Belgium

Operators

Belgium

Service Year

1976

National Origin

Belgium

ACCURACY / PRECISION
Long-range accuracy / precision capable; suitable for sniping, particularly when equipped with sighting aids.

Overall Length

1,117 mm / 43.98 in

Barrel Length

502 mm / 19.76 in

Weight (Empty)

10.69 lb / 4.85 kg

Action

Manually-Actuated Bolt-Action

BOLT-ACTION
Manually-actuated process of managing the bolt lever to eject spent cartridge case, clearing the breech, to introduce fresh catridge into the chamber.

Caliber(s)*

7.62x51mm NATO
*May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

Feed

5-Round Internal Magazine

Sights

Optical Sighting Device

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

Max.Effective Range

2,600 ft / 792.5 m | 866.7 yds

Rate-of-Fire

15 rpm

Muzzle Velocity

2,790 ft/sec / 850 m/sec

Model 30-11 - Base Series Designation

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Infantry Small Arms / The Warfighter

Fabrique Nationale FN Model 30-11

Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle [ 1976 ]

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

Specifications