Demonstration Of The New F. N. Rifle (1954)

Warminster.
Documentation on file.
CU. New rifle - Belgian F.N.30. CU. Stand at east - shoulder demonstration - squad drill with F.N.30. The F.N.30. being fired. 50 mm. Browning in action. 120 mm.Bat. firing. The Canadian Iroquois flame thrower.
(Orig.Neg.)
FILM ID:2630.24
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[@stevetheduck1425]

That rifle is remarkably different to the one I fired in the 1970s-1980s. Top cover covers less, the carrier is aluminium? coloured, no flash hider I recognise, the bayonet seems unique and very awkward unlike the knife bayonet I used, no sling, didn't see any swivels. In the drill movements, the 'present' had two moves, not the three I learned, and the shoulder arms from the attention was 'throwing up' the rifle, taught as likely to damage the weapon by dropping it and so was described as pointless.

[@Kav.]

That's because the rifle above is an X8E1 type for troop/field trials. You see them in pictures from Malaya sometimes. The top cover has a stripper clip guide, carrier is still steel just no finish. You are correct about there being no flash hider, this was because the bayonet was intended to act as one (hence the prongs on the bayonet guard), the bayonet was later replaced but is of a standard Belgian type (in most ways) that was used throughout the globe for decades. Sling swivels were fitted, you can see the swivel on the stock at 0:44.

[@Westyrulz]

What army were you with?

[@DNchap1417]

That’s because they started replacing the wood with the iconic polymer furniture in 1957. The wood was prone to rotting and cracking in jungle and arctic terrains. Not to mention they cut some grooves in the bolt carrier to deal with sand and mud.

[@rappers5719]

Imho. The best ceremonial rifle we have had (ex Coldstream Guards).

[@pincermovement72]

Loved the rifle and the drill took me back too .

[@jmwadding]

The finger on the trigger is what caught my eye. (Unloaded mag or not).

[@ridge2542]

Our modern ‘trigger finger safety’ wasnt really a thing back then

[@mysticprophecy5395]

@@ridge2542 correct

[@Retired-Tom]

Finger off the trigger became a thing when the Army changed from AD to ND, (accidental discharge to negligent discharge) around the late 60s early 70s.

[@BleedingWhiteKnuckles]

Safe to say the world and especially the men back than had more common sense, that'd be like telling them to wipe after taking a 💩 😂

[@mikewinston8709]

So agree….like thumping the magazine in….a total no no

[@johnhawley699969]

2nd man, rear rank, will never live down that present arms!

[@Danny-zi6xw]

😂

[@paulbalogh4582]

Finest rifle EVER!!!!! Paid big $$ 4 mine but sure glad I did. Triple in value now & that is the point.

[@harryplummer6356]

Hello Paul, I'm not sure it was the best rifle ever. In the video it shows the segeant with his finger on the trigger - I don't recall doing that though. Have a great day. Cheers.

[@andrewflindall9048]

Not seen that clip before. I know the Canadian version had a charger guide (so mags could be topped up from clips rather than changed) but wasn't aware that we'd tried it.

[@BigM94sqd]

That's be cause it's the original FN design and come production of L1A1 in imperial measurements and with the changes that you would probably have known loved and respected.

[@nik1664]

Che nostalgia!

[@TheWalterKurtz]

Well. That's all very well and good, but. It took a bit to get to shooting the thing.

[@mikewinston8709]

Never thump the magazine into the housing; it damages the feed lips and causes stoppages. The finger on the trigger has already been covered. Sloppy amateur drills.

[@imadeanaccounttocomment7800]

Oh wow it’s almost like it’s a new rifle design they are not familiar with, oh wait it is.

[@mikewinston8709]

@@imadeanaccounttocomment7800 …he is an infantry Sergeant and should know better especially as it’s being filmed for Pathe. The index finger should always run parallel with the trigger guard; nothing new there; safety. Similarly, all magazine fed weapons should be treated the same.

[@johnearle1]

I loved the FN. Mine was 8L2024. One of the last Canadian ones made. I could put 5 ball rounds in a 2 inch circle.

[@dave_724]

looks like it’s in wiltshire probably warminster

[@pacificprospector]

I hated those uniforms. Really don't miss them one bit.

[@odirfigurmilytarimilytari1932]

F.N Hertsal.. Fal.. Pronto.. Cabo a historinha.

[@vforvendetta275]

For 1954 it's a beautiful looking rifle

[@F4Insight-uq6nt]

It amuses me how they forget to say 'Belgian' in the Title. Nothing British about it.

[@Slow_Hand_Luke]

Dismounted Drill =s Zero !

[@timtim8468]

No trigger discipline these days...

[@soysauce4087]

Those days

[@bigjuicyone]

Uh, the good old days. But all I can hear is [Eric Idle] Sargeant Major marching up and down the parade square. Uh... the good old days.