Ward's Western Field .308 Model EJN-753

Coveter · Sep 20, 2010

Hello all, I'm newly registered but have used this site for a few years as a great resource for a lot of handloading, gunsmithing and general information for my firearms. I recently acquired an old rifle that used to belong to my grandfather R.I.P. and I'm having a very difficult time acquiring it's origination and manufacturer's (plural, my research leads me to believe more than one hand was involved in it's production). I've used all the cross reference sheets that refer to Montgomery Ward's firearms and my model number just doesn't exist. First of all I assume EJN is from colt and it does have twelve groove rifling so I'll assume the barrel is from them (or Jefferson Firearms contracted through colt), the FN (Fabrique Nationale) is Herstal Group so it's a mauser and also the "Made in Belgium" maybe the barrel could have come from FN as well, bottom mag plate looks like it's stamped 77 as well as bolt handle(no pics of bolt, having it cleaned). I dunno I'm lost there's so much this and that about this rifle I just need some clear answers. It makes no sense why there is no record of this model number. Hope the pics help and I do greatly appreciate any feedback or resources, links ETC. you all may have. Thank you

Coveter · Sep 20, 2010

More Pics

More pictures, hope it helps, thank you.

natman · Sep 20, 2010

It's a commercial FN Mauser action. That's a good thing, they are very high quality actions. Some of the Wards FN Mausers had Microgroove barrels made by Marlin, it sounds like yours was one of them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marlin_Firearms#MicroGroove_Rifling

This gun is probably from the 50's or early 60's. I don't think Colt was involved nor that the Herstal Group owned FN then.

Sears and JC Penny had similar rifles.

Ron James · Sep 20, 2010

Both Wards and Sears procured FN actions and had rifles built.
Sears used HS ( because they controlled High Standard ) to barrel and stock theirs, I'm not sure who barreled and stocked Wards, but I've never heard the name Colt used in reference to these guns

They are very good rifles and often don't get the respect they deserve.

NCsmitty · Sep 20, 2010

The little bit of information that I have gleaned from the internet is an excerpt from answers.com.

I don't show that exact reference in my charts, but the only time I've seen the EJN listing were on guns manufactured for Wards by Jefferson Firearms, and which are similar to the models produced for Colt by Jefferson.

I could not find a reference to Jefferson Firearms though.

NCsmitty

Coveter · Sep 21, 2010

Thanks for the posts, it has helped me a great deal. I'm looking to get a new stock and hopefully a ten round mag for it, any suggestions on what will be compatible?

jimmyraythomason · Sep 21, 2010

a ten round mag for it, any suggestions on what will be compatible

Likely the ONLY "hi capacity" mag you will find will be an old WW1 German 20 round magazine for 7.9x57mm.

Coveter · Sep 21, 2010

Damn, looks like I'm outta luck, oh well 5 is enough I guess, now I need to replace this crappy stock.....

Coveter · Sep 29, 2010

Anybody know if this stock would work? PART #: MSS1500 ATI Mauser 98 Stock with Built-In Weaver Scope Rail. FITS: Standard Bent Bolt, Large-Ring, German K-98’s, Czech VZ-24, Yugo 48/48a, Turkish 1903/1937/1938/1946 etc. 7mm or 8mm caliber

timtube · Sep 30, 2010

I found this thread while researching a recent purchase of a cousin of the above rifle.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=192115096

I had originally thought the "Made in Belgium" was on the barrel, but after looking at the pics above I realize it is on action. The pics of mine really don't look like EJN, more like EJL, but I'm guessing it is EJN. Here is the link to the MFG codes:

http://proofhouse.com/cm/codes_markings.htm

Other resarch indicates that Jefferson used a sort of odd-ball 12 groove barrel on both the Colt (Coltsman) and Monkey Ward rifles. I was just sort jonesing for an old quality mauser beater deer rifle, hopefully it'll be a shooter.

Coveter · Oct 1, 2010

Thank you soo much, I knew it had something to do with Jefferson because of the 12 groove rifling, eveything else including the proof marks, model number barrel and action stamps are identical to mine, thanks again for the help. By the way I found a compatible stock for it and Boyd's came out to about $79.00 with shipping, I also found another manufactured by Butler Creek for only $39.99. Heres the link:

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/ma98laristac.html

Coveter · Oct 1, 2010

Also Thank you everyone else for your input, it is very much appreciated.

Coveter · Oct 17, 2010

Now all I need is a Trench Mag that's been converted to 10 round cap. Sucks to live in California with so many anti gun politicians and voters! I'll post pics when the stock is cured and I have it fully assembled, picked up a genuine K98 rear, elevation adjustable sight for it as well for under $5, retrofitted front sight to fiber optic, installed a bipod, see through scope rings (for close shots) had to replace scope bases with weaver #45 & #46, the old bases were slanted funky to mount the western field scope that were only compatible with their scope rings. Limbsaver recoil pad, and a simple 1 point sling, I'm almost finished.....just need that mag. Thanks all, maybe I'll post pics later today if I have time, take care all and thanks for all the help. By the way, still haven't gotten the bolt back, wife made me hand over the bolt, my nova tactical firing pin assembly, and CZ 75BD barrel to her sister because I'm manic depressive and she thinks I'll shoot myself, haha, guns r the only thing that makes me happy, I'd rather overdose on my meds or drive my car doing 120 into a cement pillar, at least she doesn't know about the .22 conversion I have installed on the CZ, clips loaded and ready to go, I live in a bad neighborhood, it's too bad she doesn't see guns the way I do. Take care all!!!

Coveter · Dec 8, 2010

Finished Restoration AND I GOT MY GUNS BACK!!!!

Took me long enough but I'm Finally finished, can't wait to take it to the range.

Ron James · Dec 10, 2010

Very interesting post, all aspects of it.

dacavasi · Dec 11, 2010

Very sweet! You realize, now that you've taken us all this far, you OWE us a range report, right???

Coveter · May 7, 2011

Range Report Coming soon

Been really busy with work and the kids but I'm hoping to take it out sometime within the next month. I'll let you all know how well it performs, also I'll post some updated pics, I've changed my setup a little bit. Thanks again all, later.

Coveter · Jul 16, 2011

I will be going to the range next thursday, I will give you guys a great range report! Later.

Coveter · Jan 18, 2013

Need a Barrel for My Rifle

Hello all, I know it's been almost 2 years since I last posted but I wanted to give you my range report. I was using LC Brass loaded with RL-15 CCI Bench Rest Primers and 168gr Hornady A-Max projectiles. The largest group I had was about a 3" spread at 200 yards! This thing performs amazingly. I wish I had the targets but I went to an outdoor range where you couldn't retrieve your targets.

I wanted to ask if everyone if you know of a replacement barrel that is compatible with my rifle. I want a Stainless Steel Match Barrel but I will settle for anything compatible in 5.56X54 7.62X39 7.62X54R .300 Win or .30-06 pretty much anything from varmint to Bear calibers. If you have any resources, links or a barrel of your own you care to part with please let me know, I really appreciate it. Thanks all, Best Regards!!

303tom · Jan 21, 2013

The Western Field 750`s were Mauser...............

Coveter · Dec 5, 2014

UPDATE: Did some more research, yes the receiver is a large ring Mauser made in Belgium, just found out the barrel is made by colt and has the 12 groove rifling. Only problem now is when the bolt is slid back it's got a lot of wobble to it, any help on how to fix that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all for the help, interest and posts. Take care.

morcey2 · Dec 6, 2014

Coveter said:
UPDATE: Did some more research, yes the receiver is a large ring Mauser made in Belgium, just found out the barrel is made by colt and has the 12 groove rifling. Only problem now is when the bolt is slid back it's got a lot of wobble to it, any help on how to fix that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all for the help, interest and posts. Take care.

The wobble with the bolt slid all the way back is normal on mausers, even the commercial actions. I have quite a few and every one of them does it. It's part of its history as a military action. It can be annoying if you're not used to it but it doesn't affect the function of the gun.

If you want to rebarrel it, I'd suggest sticking to something with the same case head size as the 308. Changing to a 5.56 or 7.62x39 would necessitate some changes to the bolt and extractor. 30-06, 270, 260 Rem, 243, 7mm-08, 280 Rem, etc. would all work. Something to remember is that the 30-06 doesn't gain much over a 308 for most uses. It'll give you a little better handling of heavier bullets, but you might gain more accuracy working with what you have before rebarreling. I don't know if the gun comes with a stock style mauser trigger, but if it is, that's the first thing I'd change. I have both Bold and Timney triggers on many of mine and the difference is night and day.

Another suggestion is to either lose the see-through scope rings or add some height to the comb of the stock to get a good cheek weld for the scope. I'm glad you didn't go with the ATI stock.

Midway has short-chambered 30-06 barrels, but none are in stock at the moment:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/15...ries-3-30-06-springfield?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Regardless, nice rifle.

Matt

(The above assumes that it's a standard length action and not an intermediate length action)

natman · Dec 7, 2014

Coveter said:
UPDATE: Did some more research, yes the receiver is a large ring Mauser made in Belgium, just found out the barrel is made by colt and has the 12 groove rifling.

Could you explain what you've found that leads you to believe the barrel is made by Colt?

Ward's Western Field .308 Model EJN-753

Member

Attachments

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

member

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads