FN FNC
Overview
FN FNC
Left side view of full size FNC assault rifle with stock in extended position.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
FNC M3 (FNC Para in Belgian service)
Sweden
Indonesia
Description
Introduction
The FNC is an assault rifle of Belgian origin. It was developed by Fabrique Nationale in the late 1970's. The FNC was developed as a private venture in order follow the trend in the market that switched from the powerful and heavy battle rifles to intermediate power assault rifles. The earlier CAL 5.56x45mm assault rifle that was derived from the famous FAL battle rifle was unsuccessful. FNC stands for 'Fabrique Nationale Carabine', which is French for 'Fabrique Nationale carbine'.
Design
The FNC was designed with reliability as most important feature. The FNC is gas operated and uses a long stroke gas piston and a rotating bolt. The three position gas valve has a setting for normal use, for adverse conditions and for launching rifle grenades. Except for the handguard and pistol grip the FNC is fully made out of metal. A foldable metal tubular stock is standard but fixed stock models with a plastic stock have also been produced.
Firepower
The FNC fires the 5.56x45mm round from 30 round STANAG magazines. The majority of users fire the NATO round, although versions for the M193 round have been available. The FNC is a select fire rifle with a 3 round burst option and a cyclic rate of fire of 700 rpm. The effective range is about 400 meters. The FNC has the ability to launch rifle grenades. The Swedish model may be fitted with a M203 grenade launcher.
Users
The FNC was primarily developed for export, but several years after its introduction it also became the Belgian standard issue rifle. The main users are Indonesia and Sweden, who also produced the FNC under license. Various other nations adopted the FNC, mostly non-Western nations with harsh climate conditions. The FNC has been replaced on the production line by the F2000, but remains in widespread use.
Variants
FNC
The full size version of the FNC is the original version all others were derived from. The vast majority of the FNC are of the Model 2000 type and fire the NATO round, while the Model 0000 fires the M193 round. The FNC is capable of launching rifle grenades and mounting a bayonet.
FNC Para
The carbine version of the FNC is similar to the full size rifle, except for the length of the barrel. For law enforcement use a different carbine is produced. This carbine has an intermediary barrel length and is semi-automatic only. The Model 7030 uses NATO ammunition and the Model 6040 uses M193 ammunition.
Details
Media
FN FNC
Full size FNC assault rifle with bayonet.
Source: Rama
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
FN FNC
Right side view of full size FNC assault rifle with stock in folded position.
Source: www.gun-world.net
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
FN FNC Para
Right side view of full size FNC Para carbine assault rifle with stock in folded position.
Source: www.gunpower.net
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
FN CAL
The FN CAL is the predecessor of the FNC. Both rifles look similar at a glance. The CAL was a somewhat unsuccessful further development of the FAL chambered in 5.56x45mm M193.