Grandpas old FN rifle

[sammy]

I have been passed down a old FN bolt action rifle. My grandpa was a career Air Force pilot, mostly test flying the bombers of the day. He broke down in Belgum for about a week waiting for parts and purchaced a FN 30-06. It was sometime in the 1960's, not sure of the date.
The rifle has no blueing left but is in great shape. I am told it has a Mauser action. The only numbers I can find are on the bottom of the reciever 3369 and the side of the reciever 2052.
I am going to get it checked by a gunsmith to see if it is safe to shoot but was wondering does anyone have any information on this make and model? Thanks in advance, Sammy

 

[jlmurphy]

Mauser

You probably have a commercial version of the classic Model 98, without the thumb cutout on the left side rail for stripper clip loading. Most 98 accessories should fit, being a 30-06, it should be the full size " standard" action. It is a great action, have fun.

 

[Slamfire]

Can't see the action, so can't tell you much. FN made 98 actions, but they changed things. The changes were in my opinion were for the worst. The dropped 98 Mauser features. The massive 98 Mauser bolt stop was removed, the guide rib eliminated, the interlock safety feature on the firing pin was removed. They messed around with the bolt sleeve, then they went to a sear blocking safety, and I don’t like trusting my life to one of those. Sear blocking safeties have been known to jar off.

The Early 50’s FN actions were the best, in my opinion, feature wise, and workmanship wise. The machining is much more precise than a Browning FN supreme. I have one on a J.C. Higgins M50 rifle.

Assuming that your FN action is a commercial action and is a late one, it still is a good action, comparable in quality and safety to contemporary actions.

 

[DougW]

FN made commercial Mauser Rifles built in Bishop custom stocks in the 50's. I have one that look almost exactly like the one pictured. They are listed in several catalogues of Gun Values in various ftyles. they are a premium rifle, with the Grade of yours being valued around $2500 (that is the best interpretation I can find. Please don't quote me on this value). Mine has had less than 50 rounds fired through it. The rifle is a tack driver, especially with my reloads.