FN Supreme Sporting rifle in.308

[OutofAfrica]

I have just acquired a beautiful FN supreme in .308 with what looks like a rather old Weaver K-3 scope. The rifle appears in brilliant overall condition with a few minor signs of honest use on the stock. I am keen to find out more about these rifles, which I understand were produced by FN in Belgium until sometime in the 70's. We don't see too many of them in S.Africa (some refer to them as the poor man's Obendorf). Any leads/websites/references or experiences appreciated.

 

[Jim K]

They are basically a Model 98 sporter, comparable to those from Oberndorf in about every way. I see no reason for thinking of them as the "poor man's" anything. They were made from 1947 to 1963 in several calibers. IIRC the stock was good walnut with decent checkering. For US import at least they were equipped with a peep sight, though that may have varied for other countries.

Value (per the Blue Book) would be $725 (4850 Rand) new in the box, $625 (R4200) in 98%, down to about $500 (R3350) in 85%. Less for lesser condition of course. (Rand values are from conversion from USD; what the actual market price would be I don't know.)

HTH

Jim

 

[OutofAfrica]

Thanks for the response, Jim. I think in SA an original Obendorf sporter would have greater collectors value than the FN, thus be worth more. The stock is indeed a good grade walnut with high quality checkering and excellent wood to metal fit. The overall finish is exceptional for a production rifle I think. I paid R4000 (arond USD 470) on auction about 2 and a half years ago which sounds fair given your blue book values and the overall condition of this piece. (That's how long it has taken me to get a license since the new SA licensing regulations came into effect). This one does not have a peep sight. It has 3 rear V-sight options for different yardages. I am taking a Xmas break from the office so hope to load up and see how she performs on the range.

Arnie Miller

 

[Jim K]

I hope everyone here in the U.S. takes note of that 2 1/2 year wait for a license for a sporting rifle. We have a fake "sportsman's" group here, associated with the gun control lobby, that says it doesn't want to deprive hunters of sporting guns, but only wants to control them. It sounds like you have a lot of "control".

Jim