[MJ]

I almost feel guilty.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/15796504.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/25ee90aa.jpg

[LooseGrouper]

That's a nice looking pair of rifles. Since I have no idea what they are, can you give some details? I'm particularly curious as to why a bolt rifle would have what resembles a gas tube below the barrel. That's not some sort of tubular magazine under there, is it?

LG

[db_tanker]

Those don't look old enough to be tube-feed rifles...but I can't see the bottom of the reciever so I can't see the mag well...it appears to be a mauser-style action, but with AR-type birdcage flash-hiders...



I await to hear what their lineage is. :)


D

[Stiletto Null]

Spanish FR-8. Mauser actions, in 7.62x51.

I believe that "gas tube" is in fact a cleaning rod/kit.

[Gewehr98]

They look to be probably FR-8, IMHO.

These were interim service rifles converted from existing Mauser rifles, used to equip Spanish troops until the autoloading CETME issue was completed. As such, the CETME front sight, flash hider, and cleaning kit tube with bayonet lug cap was grafted onto the Mauser barrel and forend, albeit upside down. The resulting hybrid gave the user some familiarity with the 7.62mm NATO round, as well as the CETME sighting system and cleaning kit. Note the rear receiver sight, welded onto the rear receiver ring. This rear sight has different peep apertures that rotate in the sight housing, again, in deference to the CETME rear sight.

The FR-7 carbines were rebuilt from small-ring Mausers, and much is stated about their weaker actions and inability to safely digest 7.62mm NATO ammo. The Spanish did have a lightly-loaded variant of the 7.62mm NATO round, called the 7.62mm CETME round, and it is considered the proper load to feed the FR-7.

The FR-8 carbines were rebuilt from the stronger large-ring Mausers, and are not considered at risk for failure if they're fed a steady diet of 7.62mm NATO ammo.

How can one easily tell the difference? Same way one differentiates between a small ring and large ring Mauser - take the bolt out, look for that third safety lug, large flanged cocking piece on the bolt, and of course, cock-on-opening. If it doesn't have the aforementioned attributes, it probably is a small-ring Mauser conversion, ala' FR-7.

Regardless, the FR-8 is a very handy little bolt-action carbine in a decent chambering, not unlike the Lee-Enfield No5Mk1 Jungle Carbine. I've handled and shot several FR-8 carbines, and once one gets over the recoil, the first thing they say is "I have to have one of these!"

Congrats on what looks to be a gorgeous pair of FR-8 carbines!

[Bob R]

The original bolt-action assault rifles. I love my FR8, it is such a neat gun in such a small package.

bob

[phoglund]

You must be a hard hearted fellow indeed to "almost" feel guilty! You should feel guilty. Attone for your sins by sending me one of those! :neener:

Naughty Zoot!

Actually I already have one of those beauties. Since I 'bout stole mine I won't insist you send me one of yours. Mine can be viewed here:

http://wardragon.com/cruffler/spanish_fr8.htm

[carebear]

Remember when the big lots came in in the '90's. Bought mine for $125, had a smith bend the bolt and then sold it for something I no longer have.

Heck, I could always get another one, right? :banghead:

Now they want real money for the darn things.

[db_tanker]

Cool...I have learned more...this wasn't a wasted day. :)


D

[MJ]

$115 rings a bell and it was $110 for two mor more.

This time the guy needed bail money now! $200 for both.

He also sold an M-14 super match for $700. I missed that one.

[carebear]

Mental note:

1) accumulate a pile of ready cash

2) start associating with guys who might need bail money