FN 30-11
Summary
| Country | 🇧🇪 Belgium |
| Category | Sniper rifle |
| Manufacturer | Fabrique Nationale Belge |
Technical specifications
| FN 30-11 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | Single shot rounds/min. |
| Caliber | .308 Winchester |
| Magazine | 5 rounds |
| Length | 1117 mm (44.0 in) |
| Weight | 4.85 kg (10.7 lb) |
| Range | 800 m (2625 ft) |
Description
The FN Model 30-11 is a Belgian bolt-action sniper rifle produced by FN Herstal from 1976 to 1986. Introduced in 1975, it was derived from the FN Model 30 and utilized the Mauser action originating from the G98, featuring a three-piece bolt. Unlike standard FN Mauser contracts, the Model 30-11 was maintained in stock due to its specialized features and components sourced from various contractors. Marketing efforts for the rifle were primarily directed towards law enforcement agencies, though it was also presented to military customers.
The rifle is chambered in the NATO standard 7.62×51mm caliber. Its design incorporates a heavy, free-floating barrel originating from a MAG-58 barrel blank, finished by Canons Delcour, initially fitted with a flash hider from the MAG-58 line, and later a muzzle brake. The action, including the receiver, bolt, and safety, was based on FN's Supreme line. The rifle featured an adjustable trigger and a custom walnut stock with adjustable comb and length via butt spacers. It came standard with a rear-folding bipod, initially MAG-58 style and later BREN style, attached to an Anschutz UIT rail.
Sighting options included standard micrometer-adjustable iron sights from Anschutz competition lines, intended for training. Standard optical fitting was a 4×24mm scope from Karl Kaps (Germany); later variants supported EAW pivot or Picatinny mounts to accommodate a wider range of optics, and an optional night vision scope was available. Magazine capacity was five rounds internally, with an optional removable ten-round magazine derived from a modified FN FAL magazine.
The FN 30-11 saw variations across its production, such as:
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The original configuration in 1975 featured a FN MAG style bipod and barrel.
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A later configuration introduced in 1978 incorporated a BREN style bipod and a Delcour barrel equipped with a muzzle brake, alongside the addition of different scope mounts like the EAW pivot mount.
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The stock configuration also underwent changes in the 1981 version.
Following the cessation of its manufacture by FN, the Model 30-11 remained in service with various forces. Belgian police and military continue to use the rifle. Its preferred ammunition, as used by Belgian police, included the Sierra Match King 168 grain HPBT projectile, loaded by FN with 2.91 grams of powder to achieve a velocity of 805 m/s. Armor-penetrating ammunition from Dynamit Nobel was also employed. Experiences in service varied, such as the Dutch finding their initial Swarovski optics unsatisfactory and reporting concerns about accuracy with standard 7.62mm ammunition, which was addressed by utilizing FN Match ammunition. Dutch rifles were eventually replaced by the H&K PSG1, with some traded or sold as surplus.
The FN 30-11 has been adopted by military forces in several countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. A quantity of rifles was also imported into the United States for commercial sale, with some surplus units entering the market showing signs of significant operational use.