FN Mauser .30-06 to 6.5 x 55 Swede

[wby_shooter]

I've got an FN Mauser in 30-06, which I never seem to use for anything. I really WANT a 6.5mm rig and this could be a good way to make use of a great rifle that just doesn't get any playing time.

First, how much will this devalue the gun, and second would it just make more sense to just get a new rifle? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[Jaywalker]

Have the barrel removed, copied in 6.5x55, and keep the takeoff barrel. Both the new and the old will fit the original stock, and you can replace it when you want it back to original.

OTOH, you'll have $500 - $600 in the replacement barrel, which approaches the value of some FN Deluxe rifles.

Jaywalker

 

[DnPRK]

I've got an FN Mauser in 30-06, which I never seem to use for anything. I really WANT a 6.5mm rig and this could be a good way to make use of a great rifle that just doesn't get any playing time.

First, how much will this devalue the gun, and second would it just make more sense to just get a new rifle? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Commercial FN mausers don't generally go for much more than $450-500. Having a competent gunsmith install a new barrel will cost about $350.

 

[wby_shooter]

OOPS!!

Thanks for the responses, and I have to apologize. This rifle is a Mannlicher carbine w/full stock and double set triggers. NOT a FN Mauser. I told you I never use it!! The values you guys are throwing out there seemed low (although accurate based on the info given). Thanks.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

<huh?>

I'd gladly trade you a 6.5x55 for it. Might even throw in a C-note for your trouble

Lemme look....how about a synthetic stock KBI I've never fired?

I'd advise NOT modifying the Mannlicher. I'd also advise NOT telling Gewehr98 about it before you sell/trade it to me.

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[thereisnospoon]

Don't

I have a 6.5 X 55 for sale that I would gladly let you have for a small pile of gold coins...DO NOT mess up the original gun that is that valuable...Sell it and fund this other project. I am usually not a ourist, but this is about dollars and cents. Sell that gun for its value and get a 6.5X55 AND the nice glass to go on top!

my $0.02

 

[Jim Watson]

I have read that calibre conversions on Mannlichers is difficult because the rotary magazine is pretty much cartridge specific, a photo tour of Steyr showed a shelf full of them rowed up by chambering. Best leave it alone. The .30-06 will beat the 6.5 in all categories anyhow. Except recoil.

 

[mtnbkr]

Don't touch that gun. Keep it or sell it, but don't ruin it (I adore stutzen rifles even though I don't own one).

For the price of a rebarrel job, you'll almost pay for a new 6.5x55. I've seen CZ550s in that caliber for right around $500 NIB.

Chris

 

[Jim K]

Jim Watson is correct. If that gun is a Mannlicher-Schoenauer, the cost and difficulty of installing an new barrel is just the beginning. The M-S was never made (AFAIK) in 6.5x55, so any magazine spool you get will have to be worked on, plus the receiver feed lips will need work.

It will be very easy for even an experienced gunsmith to mess up the job, and I doubt you will find one who will tackle it. (I wouldn't have.)

If you want a rifle in 6.5x55, buy a Swedish Mauser and have it sporterized by someone who can do a nice job, and sell the M-S to pay for it.

Jim

 

[wby_shooter]

Thanks Gents. I suspected it wasn't worth it, but I was not aware of the added difficulties with the magazine. Thanks again