Book Review: "FN Mauser Rifles" by Anthony Vanderlinden

Buy the book here: www.fnbrowning.com/fn-mauser-r...
When I was waiting for my copy of Anthony Vanderlinden's new book "FN Mauser Rifles" to arrive, I was expecting a typical sort of dry reference work. You know, the sort of thing that is essential for looking up details like the serial number range for a specific contract, or the sling swivel location on some specific nation's version of a rifle. When the book arrived and I cracked it open, I found something quite different.
What I found was an authentically engrossing history of Belgium, the Fabrique Nationale company, and the rifles it produced. It would have been a savvy move to deliberately expound on the context of FN's Mausers to make them more interesting (let's be honest; Mauser contract variations are not the most riveting subject in arms history), but I think the book took this path because of the author's genuine passion for the subject and a desire to share that passion with others. Good grief, the man owns a 1926 FN car! If that's not devotion to a subject, I don't know what is (and it's really cool!).
Anyway, the first half of the book is a tale of Belgian history and arms production. The trials that led to the adoption of the 1891 Mauser and the subsequent formation of the FN conglomerate by the preeminent armsmakers of Liege in order to secure a contract to make those 1891s. The production leading up to WWI, and the Belgian response to that war, including production in the United States and England. The company's recovery after the war, including its efforts in the automotive industry. The buildup to WWII, and the response to yet another German occupation. Sabotage of German production. Recovery after that war as well, and FN's role in post-war Europe as Mauser production came to an end. And throughout this tale, the simultaneous story of the Congo Free Sate as it became the Belgian Congo and took part in Belgium's trials and tribulations.
In the more technical sections of the book, Vanderlinder presents information that has heretofore been pretty hazy, like the actual differences between FN Mauser model designations, and exactly who ordered what and when. He also provides excellent detail on the manufacture, repair, and later conversions of the Model 1891 rifles for the Belgian military as well as the Congolese armed forces.
As you have probably realized by this point, I found the book an excellent and compelling read...not the sort of thing one would normally expect from this subject matter. You don't need to be an avid enthusiast of FN or Belgian history to appreciate it. Quite the opposite, in fact - if you (like most people) have only the most cursory knowledge of the subject, it is an excellent way for you to really find an appreciation for the company and country. Just be warned that the cover price doesn't include the rifles you will want to buy once you've started reading!
"FN Mauser Rifles" is available directly from the publisher (who is also the author, but this is not a self-published work) at www.FNBrowning.com. Ordering there instead of from other dealers will get you an autographed copy, which is a nice bonus.
/ forgottenweapons

[@w00dy-18]

As a Belgian it's nice to hear that people think our history is interesting. It's too bad FN products are not available for the belgian public. FN rifles (like the FN SCAR) are imported from the USA..

[@philiproseel3506]

As a fellow Belgian, I agree. I bought it just because it combines Belgian history with FN history. I've always liked FN, and carried one in the US Army, the M249. Though it might have been one made by FN Manufacturing LLC here in the US.

[@kiasax2]

That is a d@mned shame. I'm a combat veteran living in Virginia USA. I'm not a younger veteran, being 64 years old in 2023. My first Belgian-made firearm is an FN Herstal Mauser 98k in the 30-06 caliber. I worked as a sniper in the military and after for other government organizations. I am a Cherokee through my mother's family and my Cherokee grandfather began teaching me to shoot, stalk, track, and hunt when I was 8. He started my long distance shooting training at age 10, with a Mauser in 30-06. By the end of summer I was hitting bullseyes at 600 yards. By the time I joined the military at 17, my training came into play. My rifle accuracy found a use and it was off to sniper school. My grandfather was excited for me and proud. I inherited that FN Herstal Mauser 98k and still shoot it. I've also gotten a few FN handguns over the years. I don't have a SCAR, though I seriously looked at them. Though I chose a Roch River Arms LAR-15 Elite Operator since it was reminiscent of the M-16s I shot in the military. My RRA LAR-15 is even left handed just as my M-16s were. That's a long story, for another time. I still think it's a shame that you cannot own any of the fine firearms your FN company produces. Best wishes from the US. Your friend from across the pond, Kia.

[@AussieFanXCIV]

I was talking to my my dad last night about the history of FN and happened to mention how they expanded into the motorcycle and automobile market. He replied with greatest dad joke I've ever heard "Man one of those cars would be awesome to own, that way when it broke down I'd be completely correct when I called it an FN piece of shit."

[@paulmanson253]

AussieFanXCIV That was wonderful.You father and mine would have got along famously. Cheers.

[@Dick_Gozinya]

LOL! That's awesome!

[@YCCCm7]

Seeing Ian in a sweater with his hair down makes me realize: He's the raddest, most ultimate anti-hippy there is. Also he's Ian, which is even better.

[@KrozdarGaming]

It really shocks me that how much Ian made me love history, guns and mechanical stuff. Thank you so much for that Ian. You really made history cool and more interesting for many people.

[@pakman422]

Best KZbin channel, Best KZbin Creator with the Best content!! Thanks for all the knowledge and information you share Ian!

[@Bornstellare]

I might have to get this book. I have a 1965 Harrington & Richardson/FN Model 330 Mauser action hunting rifle in 30-06 that was passed down from my grandfather. FN made the action and H&R made the barrel and assembled the rifle. There were several different models in a wide variety of calibers. It would be nice to maybe have some more background information on the rifle.

[@leightodd7335]

Thank you for the review of Vanderlinden's book. I Think you do a great job of the back stories of the gun and military history.

[@Darelumga]

This Book is like your Channel, you give so much Backround information about the guns you present.

[@hnangell]

thank you I bought a copy from the author!

[@Thing.of.nought]

Jesus of forgotten weapons, Ian has come to talk of 1 of his miniature bibles.

[@KatAspen]

Shame to all those who skipped this video because it is about a book.

[@tccoup355]

And shame on anyone who thinks their better because they did.

[@pakman422]

Caleb Paul Those who don't read miss out on many great things, like this book.

[@tccoup355]

Jackson Gray lol maybe if I read more.

[@gavindavies793]

Great review of what sounds like a great book. It has rather caught my interest.

[@pinkeye00]

Oddly enough .... came across an FN today. Found your video, and knee deep in Mauser funzies. Great timing dude.

[@BizarreObscure]

Great review... made me look into getting a version of this book.

[@BartJBols]

I hope you are getting paid for this because i rarely see such compelling commercial.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

No, I don't take payment for reviews, aside form the book itself.

[@BartJBols]

Forgotten Weapons That sucks because i just bought my first gun related book.

[@damiangrouse4564]

wimmisky A very smart person said "I don't pay for the sex, I pay them to leave"😜 Happy New Year!

[@damiangrouse4564]

WarblesOnALot As everything and everybody in life has a price...all that's left is to negotiate how much and currency to be used.

[@BartJBols]

WarblesOnALot As someone who 'works in the industry' thats a load of bullocks.

[@3ducs]

I have a few FN Mausers, most notably a .22 trainer for the IDF. If I recall correctly they made a little over a thousand of them, also another thousand to go to the Belgian Congo. It's one of my prized rifles, I like the history of it.

[@ChopBulldog]

Excellent review! I guess another book is about to be added to the shelf.

[@lasegundaenmiendagmail8170]

Very nice topic. I enjoyed your book reviews

[@EsplodingBomb]

Damn that room looks cozy as fuck

[@MrWillxyz]

/lets hair down/ "New year, new me!"

[@jamesnortham338]

I used to work with Anthony back in the 90s in Greensboro NC

[@diarmaitoriain2596]

I have a Browning rifle in 30-06 that my grandfather purchased in 1969 that I have never been able to fully identify as it appears to be a custom ordered rifle. I was very surprised to find that the bolt from my K. Kale Turkish Mauser (Turk rebuild) not only looked similar but was completely interchangeable with it. They both would chamber each other's cartridges (although I did not attempt to fire either one because I was not sure about headspace). Both bolts locked up completely and tightly. I believe the bolt from my 1893 Mauser would not work because it has one less locking lug if I recall correctly.

[@garand999]

Hello Ian I hope when you come to Europe, that you have the opportunity to look at FN in Herstal, which have a nice exhibition about their old products. I regularly go to Herstal at FN because our company delivers to FN. i am from Luxembourg

[@Darelumga]

In his last Video he said, he is planing to visit France may be he makes the small step to FN.

[@stewknoles4790]

Thanks for sharing. You are the gun Guru.

[@Chaosrain112]

*Gun Jesus.

[@panzer6tiger]

I have one of those FN 98Ks that is chambered for 7.62x51mm. Its even got the markings of the IDF on it.My first C&R gun.

[@randomcomments101]

I love your channel Ian, and you've probably heard this before, but the only thing that lets it down is the audio quality. I know its probably hard to get good audio when out and about, especially outdoors, but its most noticeable (for me at least) during these types of videos (reviews, q and a) so are you planning on getting a microphone dedicated for video production? I think these videos would be almost perfect with just a small increase in audio quality.

[@drmaudio]

I have found that I remember the specifics of history better when it is learned from a certain frame of reference (like the perspective of and effects on FN) as opposed to a list of events and dates. I suppose I do much better with that context.

[@cpcw06]

Just ordered a copy. If anyone wants one, might want to order it soon as the publisher site is showing it limited to a production run of 2000 copies!

[@nosferatu5]

Wow, there are a few pages on Lithuanian ordered mausers and markings too. Pretty cool.

[@icyaquarius86]

His "FN Browning Pistols" is also an excellent read. I'll be adding his FN Mausers book to the list!

[@Oneofthetwelve]

Looks like an amazing book. Ian, could you feature a video germane to the Belgian bolt actions please ?

[@annadelsiena]

Interesting stuff. Any recommendations on books for someone who doesn't know that much about the workings of firearms?

[@spartanxmonster]

Sounds like a good read, made me want to watch Poirot. More of this please :)

[@AgentWoods]

your locks are looking lush!

[@miguelangelsimonfernandez5498]

nice review

[@MaamyyraGaming]

now also featuring "Forgotten books" channel

[@foxhandmadeknives5272]

Hey Ian you should do a video on the agram 2000 and the colt hammerless 1908 25acp

[@DreadGruntYT]

Ian, you should look into The Mac Man: Gordon B. Ingram book. I got it for Christmas and it's a really great read, even if you don't like most of the guns it covers.

[@theairsoftaug]

this room looks really comfy

[@HeartDigger9]

Hey got here early to say I love what you are doing and please keep going, also if you are into games a bit mabye watch a video on men at war assault squad 2 on steam, it's ww2 and has mods so it's pretty awesome, though you might like it. keep up the good work Ian

[@superlegomoose]

Ian on Reading Rainbow! Seriously though, an ASMR would be *muah* perfection.

[@AndrewSmith-cn3nw]

That's quite a fancy looking globe you're sitting next to, Ian. Where'd you get it?

[@gobucks45177]

I know the SCAR17 is not a forgotten weapon but what are your thoughts on it? I am a huge fan of FNH and I will be getting both books. Thanks

[@kugelblitz7919]

So what book would you recommend I buy if I wish to read about military infantry tactics shifting their focus to volume of fire/suppression?

[@SatansPooper]

Will we ever see a firearms reference book written by Ian McCollum?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Yes.

[@MrCarGuy]

Forgotten Weapons Can't wait.

[@edharrid9880]

Would love to look at Ian's book collection.

[@mikellwehrer]

Ian, any chance you could add posters like the one on your wall, or even the books you review, to your merch store? I'd rather you get some of the money than Amazon.

[@timothy1068]

it's been a long time since Ian lower his long hair :D

[@TheHeavygun]

Thank you for shedding light on this book. How thorough is the book regarding the Yugo M24 contract? Yugo records don't exist anymore as I understand it. I wonder if FN kept anything.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

He has details on the contract rifles, as well as on FN's role helping to build the Kragujevac factory complex.

[@TheHeavygun]

just purchased my copy.

[@MSUbulldog21]

Where did you get that picture on your wall with the rifles on it?

[@wowomatic]

Hey Ian, how much thought goes into what's in the background of these chair shots? Or did you just happen to have an FAL in the background of a video about FN?

[@tranq45]

wowomatic : It's deliberate.

[@domhogan7842]

Ah- to quote the Great Buffoon, Jeremy Clarkson- 'Belgium. Invented so that Britain and Germany had somewhere to settle their differences.'

[@Dick_Gozinya]

Ian, have you given any thought to writing a book like this yourself?

[@Oneofthetwelve]

Hi Ian. Be great to see a video on the 30.06 FN rifles. Have you seen them at auction. Sounds like a great match: Mauser and 30.06 Cheers

[@anthonybluhm4724]

I just picked up a 1948 FN mauser in .30-06 at auction. The rear sight is missing the aperture. Can't wait to complete it and shoot the rifle.

[@Oneofthetwelve]

@@anthonybluhm4724 Hi. Amazing rifle. I really like mine and was thankful for the bayonet. 30.06 is not so hard to acquire. The rifle has firm recoil. Is your steel painted grey? I found a nice book on FN mausers. The grey paint was applied by the armoury to protect the rifle.

[@anthonybluhm4724]

@@Oneofthetwelve No. Standard blueing. They went to gray later because they had a surplus of that material. I forget what it was called. There is a misconception that they were navy rifles.

[@Oneofthetwelve]

@@anthonybluhm4724 correct per my information. They used the coating for industrial applications after the war. Throat, bore and rifling are in good on mine; part of the receiver is scrubbed. Quite interesting.

[@jheichelbech]

what do you keep in you globe bar?

[@squireob]

Interesting. BSA also produced motorcycles. Remington was very diversified. Lesson: Don't keep all your eggs in one basket.

[@22megaton29]

How many reference books do you have? And are they available on Amazon

[@pakman422]

22megaton Most of em are hard to get excellent books that were only printed for a very short time. If you find em they can be very expensive BUT very worth it. Sadly, the same thing will probably happen to this book.

[@JenniferinIllinois]

Why is it every time I watch one of your videos, I want to spend money? Hehehe... -Jen

[@lolroflpmsl]

Is that a globe liquor cabinet, Ian?

[@Hilth0Modding]

Ian, what does it say about the FN Model 1950 (30-06 produced military Mauser)

[@ForgottenWeapons]

About 35 pages on them, including Dutch police, Colombia, Congo, Haiti, and Israel. Plus how to distinguish pre-war and post-war FN rifles, and why there is actually no FN Model 1950. :)

[@Hilth0Modding]

Forgotten Weapons well I think they referred to it as the Fusil mle 1924 according to the military Mausers of the world

[@pathowgate2544]

What's that book with the Star of David on it behind you?

[@Silahtar357]

DankMemesAndRuinedDreams Akbar or what?

[@pathowgate2544]

Silahtar357 ?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

My Illuminati rules & regs. Why are people so obsessed with 6-pointed stars?

[@pathowgate2544]

what a strange name for a book

[@j.troydoe1278]

Forgotten Weapons, a measuring device looted from Egypt and used as a holy symbol...measuring triangles.

[@cjl1586A]

Any other recommended books on Mauser rifles?

[@pakman422]

cjl1586A Check out his playlist on book reviews.

[@MilsurpWorld]

Thank you, Gun Jesus.

[@Nuke-China]

What shampoo do you use?

[@thedamnyankee1]

you should see if you can interview the author when you are in Europe. Sounds like you could have a really interesting conversation.

[@nixcomments]

What is the exact model of the FAL in the back? And what sight is it wearing? Thanks!

[@ForgottenWeapons]

It's an Imbel receiver with a South African carbine barrel and a British Trilux optic.

[@nixcomments]

Forgotten Weapons Thank you sir!

[@VolokArtyom]

Forgotten Weapons What are your thoughts on IMBEL? I've heard many horror stories about m964 rifles but i think that might be because they issue beat up ones to conscripts, exceptions being some infantry battalions who are being issued the IA2 in 5.56 and obviously soldiers who are deployed on peacekeeping missions.

[@saepelaudat]

Whts the pistol on the upper book shelf?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

MAC PA 1950

[@coolbeams6885]

Is that a mortar shell on his shelf?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

No, practice antitank rifle grenade.

[@coolbeams6885]

Forgotten Weapons Ah right.

[@BartJBols]

Did the belgianeese provide a lot of export of weapons compared to other countries?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

FN did, yes.

[@hjorturerlend]

Uhum, Belgians*

[@RedXlV]

The Liege region of Belgium already had long history in the arms industry by the time FN was formed, and given Belgium's small size much of that production was for export. Pretty much since firearms were introduced to Europe, Liege was a center of gunsmithing.

[@Mehmetozdemir-gz1nz]

Can you upload pdf version of the book somewhere?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

No.

[@Mehmetozdemir-gz1nz]

I tried my chance. Thank you

[@Petardier]

forgoten book?

[@atheniannikitas5912]

Does he not look like Jesus?

[@exploatores]

He knows, their is at least one video, where he makes a joke about being gun Jesus.

[@SatansPooper]

and it is hilarious!

[@blackbird8632]

Exploatores two actually, on is the chiappa holy trinity video, the other is the gospel of browning published just this christmass.

[@atheniannikitas5912]

Exploatores got 200 likes on that video about 1911 Those sandals were out of spec for the time

[@cuongle7990]

FN bikes and cars...........Ok?

[@nohero23]

I am sure they come with a mount for the FN M240B :D

[@MrCarGuy]

Cuong Le Others made weaponry and transportation as well. CZ made motorcycles and if I remember correctly were later JAWA motorcycle. Enfield made both and so did BSA.

[@yeoldegunporn]

Does it cover the Israeli K98's they made?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Yes.

[@yeoldegunporn]

Cool. Gonna grab a copy. Great video and as always, thank yo so much for sharing all your information.

[@ElocTheComrade]

But was it the 1891...

[@janakaev_anuar81]

я мечтаю что бы вас переводили на русский

[@5anjuro]

ануар жанакаев С самого лета собираюсь написать Иэну об этом, но пока не уверен, будет ли спрос.

[@janakaev_anuar81]

Yuri V будет. еще какой

[@djroadie22]

i have a Fn mauser gun :-)

[@mikellwehrer]

Ian somehow manages to blend the "schizo military uniform combos" and 'middle-aged lesbian" styles flawlessly. Works for him though lol.

[@Lukegriz77]

I hope the book isn't manufactured by FN. I don't have 1,300 dollars to spend on a book that functions just as well as any other book produced by a domestic manufacturer for 2/3's the price

[@ElocTheComrade]

The bob ross of firearms

[@ED-988]

People talk about the Belgian Congo as worst than the Shoa!

[@superlegomoose]

*sigh*

[@edwardhawkey5714]

Hey Ian, look over your right shoulder!!!

[@VikWithTheK]

BELGIAM WEAPONS!!!!!!

[@BawmanHD]

Nice hair

[@5anjuro]

How come Ian is not the face of a L'Oreal or Pantene or some other hair products brand.

[@allichite1309]

God I'm so hungry. Jesus Christ

[@bugmiller486]

Ian should dab

[@mikekennedy2421]

Ah the hair it looks longer then normal

[@jeffhsu6677]

Ian,why don't you invent a gun?

[@fritzscheiger7157]

I knew god likes guns because your gun Jesus

[@dirtydard4870]

Belgium no longer exists

[@blackwoodsecurity531]

Hwat?

[@dirtydard4870]

It's now an Islamic province of the European ̶U̶n̶i̶o̶n̶ Empire

[@blackwoodsecurity531]

Dirty Dard What an interesting political opinion.

[@honey-fe6pj]

George Harrison talking about guns...

[@clyntonkeel334]

1889 ?? are you sure lol ... nothing worse than mis speaking.. cant really re do the sound :)

[@TheAnonymmynona]

I am suppriesd to hear that the allies were to worid of civilian casulties to bomb the plant. Since they fire bombed whole cities to ruins. Did they first capuere the plant and the decide that bombing civilians is bad, or did they only care about non german civlians ?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

They were much more concerned about non-German citizens.

[@AussieFanXCIV]

True the allied powers cared more about the safety of civilians in occupied territories than those of enemy civilians, but you also have to take into account that the allies were just that, allied and independent nations with a vast array of military philosophies guiding their various armed forces. Depending on who was in charge of a particular campaign the strategy could vary greatly. The fire bombing of Dresden was largely carried out by the RAF and not the USAAF. British bombing strategy preferred night raids early in the war and continued to focus on the concepts of area bombing and the destruction of facilities highly concentrated population centers in order to displace labor forces and demoralize the enemy's resolve (not a whole lot different than the Luftwaffe's strategy during the Blitz), The US's famous "Mighty 8th" Air Force on the other hand preferred the more accurate approach of conducting daylight air raids in order to concentrate on the destruction of strategically vital enemy facilities and avoiding civilian targets (perhaps for humanitarian reasons or maybe because the US thought that terrorizing the citizenry just wasn't an effective tactic in crippling the German war machine.) despite the immense cost of human life (I think the casualty rate for B-17 aircrew was around two out of three during the first year of the war.) Anyways point is that the strategies of the Allied armed forces commanders often clashed with one another and sought to attain different goals and objectives; the bombing of Dresden should not be viewed as the typical strategy of the European Aerial Campaign or a uniform tactic employed by all nations fighting in the allied air forces.

[@roykliffen9674]

No such luck for the Dutch Philips factories just 65 miles to the north with residential areas just across the street. To be fair, the RAF - to their cost - performed a day-light, low-level precision attack to minimise civilian casualties. I guess they considered the - almost unique - manufacture of electronic tubes for German radio and radar a significantly more important target.

[@Oneofthetwelve]

@@ForgottenWeapons unless they were French. Wow they bombed the “H” out many towns in France

[@BawmanHD]

Nice hair