The FN Model 30-11 is a Belgian bolt-action sniper rifle, manufactured between 1976 and 1986.
Derived from the FN Model 30, based on the Mauser action dating to the G98, with three-piece bolt and a five-round magazine. The trigger and stock are both adjustable, the stock by means of butt spacers. The furniture is wood. The rifle features a flash hider, as well as a standard rear-folding bipod (same as the FN MAG). The standard sights are micrometer-adjustable iron, but the usual fitting is an Anschütz four-power telescope; a nightscope can be fitted, if desired.
No longer manufactured by FN, the Model 30-11 remains in service with Belgian police and military, as well as military forces in several countries.
Developing the Model 30-11
When developing the Model 30–11, FN focused on achieving high levels of accuracy with a system that was easily adjustable for the individual shooter. In comparison, the Steyr SSG gave the appearance of a glorified sporting rifle, while the FR-Fl did encompass some of the features FN deemed important most notably the free floating barrel and the concept of keeping the bipod detached from the barrel. FN set out to create a rifle that would address some of the shortcomings of the existing designs, specifically by incorporating the following features Nato standard 7.62x51mm caliber, improved accuracy with a free—floating heavy barrel, an adjustable heavy and wide bipod for stability, removable optics with a mechanism that will hold zero, Offer optics, night vision capability, and target / training sights, operator specific adjustments including adjustable comb and adjustable stock length with the use of spacers, and optional rifle configuration with removable magazine.
Action / Bolt / Barrel /Stock
FN distinguished their rifle with stability which was achieved by the heavy barrel and wide bipod. FN borrowed parts from other product lines but this should not be confused with assembling a rifle from a parts bin. Parts were specifically finished, altered, or made for the FN 30-11 sniper rifle. The smooth action (receiver, bolt, and safety) originated from the Supreme line, the barrel originated from a MAG-58 barrel blank and was finished by Canons Delcour an FN supplier of high quality barrels. The flashhider was sourced from the MAG-58 line and the MAG-58 bipod was modified to fit the UIT rail, also known as Anschutz rail.
Rifles were finished in FN's black enamel paint and originate from de model 30. Early bolts were left in the white, but this was changed within a few years with blued bolt handles, bolt sleeves, and cocking pieces.
The custom walnut stock was made by FN. At the time all sniper rifle stocks were made out of walnut. The use of walnut on the FN 30-11 did not have adverse effects on accuracy as the rifle has a free floating barrel.
Scope and sights
Anschutz is a leader in manufacturing competition target and biathlon rifles and accessories. FN purchased their accessories which were known for quality and accuracy. The UIT mounting rail for the bipod and sling were manufactured by Anschutz, a standardized size at the time (long before picatinny rails became standard). The removable front and rear sight came directly from Anschutz' competition line. These sights were meant for training the operators. This system has remained almost unchanged for decades and is still used in biathlon shooting.
The FN designed scope mount utilized the STANAG NATO Standardization Agreement) scope mounting system. The mount was an innovative approach to holding zero when removing and reinstalling a scope. FN offered the rifle with a 4x24mm scope sourced from Karl Kaps in Germany. For unknown reasons FN had switched from the excellent OIP (Optique et Instruments de Precision — Optical and Precision Instruments) scopes to selling the German made scope. OIP had supplied FN for years and their period 3.6x scope was actually brighter. The Karl Kaps scope was known in Germany as the Z24 (Zielfernrohr 24 — rifle scope 24mm) and was also made by Hensoldt. The Z24 scope was used with G3 rifles. It is likely that FN hoped to generate sales in West Germany for the 30-11 rifle equipped with familiar German accessories and optics.
An optional night vision scope was available. Requests for options in optics introduced a mount with standard rings for more powerful / alternate scopes in 1985. The FN 30-11 was used with the following scopes; some sourced directly from the commercial market: