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 rifle features a flash hider, as well as a standard rear-folding bipod (same as the FN MAG).

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.

Rifles were finished in FN's black enamel paint and originate from de model 30.

The use of walnut on the FN 30-11 did not have adverse effects on accuracy as the rifle has a free floating barrel.

It is likely that FN hoped to generate sales in West Germany for the 30-11 rifle equipped with familiar German accessories and optics.

Requests for options in optics introduced a mount with standard rings for more powerful / alternate scopes in 1985.

FN's marketing was predominantly geared towards law enforcement but the Model 30-11 was also shown to military customers.

FN kept an amount of rifles and parts in stock due to the specialized features and components sourced from contractors.

The original (configuration 1975) was issued with a FN MAG style bipod and barrel, later (configuration 1978) these were issued with Bren style bipod and Delcour barrel with muzzle brake, also different scope mounts where added like the EAW pivot mount.

The preferred ammo was the Sierra Match King 168 grain HPBT, 2.91 gram of powder gave speed of 805 m/s made by FN.

From the 1970s up to the 1990s, groups such as the Rote Armee Fraktion (Red Army Faction), Black September, Abu Nidal, Action Directe, CCC (Cellules Communistes Combattantes - Communist Combatant Cells), ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna), Hezbollah, IRA (Irish Republican Army), PI.O (Palestinian Liberation Organization), Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Brigate Rosse (Red Brigades), and 17 November, operated in western Europe.

The rifles and parts on the German commercial market originated from the Netherlands or surplus disposition after the model was discontinued.