May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
This is an outstanding original gray painted receiver finish FN-D machine gun in 7.62 Nato. Experienced machine gun shooters consider this the “best” of the Browning Automatic Rifle design refinements. Fabrique Nationale took heed of the suggestions from the field and incorporated the following improvements to what was essentially the BAR design: Improved muzzle break (This gun’s muzzle break is marked “FN D” and is for the 8mm cartridge, which slows the rate of fire for this rifle), improved wider stance bipod attached to the gas cylinder, Aperture rear sight verse open, recessed barrel latch on a quick-change barrel, a lever controlled ejection port cover which opens automatically when the bolt moves either forward or to the rear, a magazine well cover which folds easier into a recess below the gas cylinder, a more positive and ergonomic magazine release, a pistol grip, and a swing-out buttstock assembly which allows easier access to cleaning the receiver and dealing with any stoppages. The rifle also incorporates a flip-up buttplate and has provision for a monopod at the bottom of the buttstock. This particular specimen was manufactured in 1958, and found its way through England before it eventually reached the United States collector and shooter market. British Nitro and “Tons per” proofs are marked in the left side of the barrel. No magazine present. Three position selector, “M” (Fast automatic fire) at the forward position, “R” (slow automatic fire) in the center, and “S” (safety) at the rear. Visible numbers are matching between barrel, receiver, and handgrip. Electronic NFA registry indicates “IMPORTED NFA FIREARM” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original gray painted finish on the receiver, handgrip metal, gas cylinder, and bipod, with black enamel charging handle. Barrel has a smooth blue finish thinning in places to a gray patina. Wood furnishings are very robust and solid and have some light handling marks. Carrying handle is an attractive rich brown bakelite-type material, but obviously much stronger than earlier forms of this material. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright with some slight frosting in the grooves towards the muzzle. Bolt face extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This is a full-auto only machine gun, and a tremendous find for the active class 3 dealer, especially for one who likes to go to the range. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS ONLY ELIGIBLE FOR TRANSFER TO ACTIVE FFL/SOT DEALERS AS A PRE-86 DEALER SAMPLE. Pre-86 dealer sample machine guns may be retained privately by sole proprietor FFL/SOT dealer after they relinquish their licenses, with BATF approval. JWK 2022-3-47.
Caliber/Bore
7.62x51mm NATO
Manufacturer
Fabrique Nationale