M48 Mauser barrel stamp

[coloradokevin]

Okay, so I was just looking over one of my rifles (an M48 Mauser, 8x57) that I've had for probably five years or more. Anyway, I just now noticed a barrel stamp on the bottom of the barrel, under the cleaning rod, that I've never seen before. I'm surprised I didn't notice this, but I honestly couldn't see it until I actually removed the cleaning rod from the rifle (I never use that thing, so never really removed it on a regular basis).

Anyway, the barrel is stamped: "CHERRYS INC GSO NC ZASTAVA FRY 8MM"

This stamp is very small, but appears to have been applied in a more modern way than most of the other markings on the gun. Do you know who put this mark there, and why it might have been put there?

I like my military rifles, and I don't like to change them from their purest form. I just wondered why this stamp might be there, if any of you have any idea?

(Regardless, I guess I can't cry too much though... Paid $90 for the rifle in military new condition, and it came with a bayonet, ammo pouch, cleaning kit, and 300 rounds of old corrosive ammo. It was a deal, and I'd have gladly bought ten of them if I could do it over again).

 

[Olympus]

Sounds like you got a heck of a deal then for $90. Just guessing, I'd say the stamp is some type of import marking. More than likely from Cherry's Fine Guns in Greensboro, NC. Zastava is the factory where the rifle was produced.

 

[coloradokevin]

I was guessing it was something similar to an import mark... This rifle is the only M48 I currently own; do all of them have import marks? If not, what is the point of marking an otherwise untouched rifle?

I guess I have to admit that I'm a bit naive when it comes to knowing about the purpose behind these markings...

 

[Hoppy590]

CHERRYS INC is Cherrys fine guns
http://www.cherrys.com/

GSO NC would be Greensboro North Carolina

ZASTAVA is ZASTAVA ORUŽJE small arms factory in Yugoslavia/Serbia

FRY 8MM would be Model and Caliber

This rifle is the only M48 I currently own; do all of them have import marks? If not, what is the point of marking an otherwise untouched rifle?

it is an import mark, and it will be on any gun imported since... a long ass time ago.

the reason they do this is because the BATFE commands. and when the BATFE commands, the dude abides.

 

[BornAgainBullseye]

My m48 has the same mark. Under all the cosmoline it was a superb rifle. I worked on the stock for a week! Went to town on it with 600 grit wet with linseed oil after ridding the cosmoline. This was the first model 98 that I got in issued. There was even cosmoline in the barrell. It has turned into a nice shooter.

 

[Olympus]

M48s are by far my favorite Mauser. If you got an unissued one then that is awesome!