Spanish FR-8???

[GuidoTorpedo]

So what is the general though about these rifle. The FR-8 is based off the mauser 3 ring design isn't it? I've read some old reports of the FR-8 being poorly built and generally not a good rifle. Some have said that its not built strongly enough for the .308 round and that they are dangerous.

I found one at a local gun store and I've always been intrigued by them. It was selling for $150. It looked a little rough, most of the bluing was comming off and the stock had a generous amount of wear (but no visible cracks). If the headspacing is good and the bore looks clean, is it worth buying?

Thanks.

 

[ID_shooting]

FR8s (built on a Mauser 98 action) are plenty strong for 308 win, the FR7s were not. I havn't checked recently to know if $150 is too much or a good deal, somone else will have to chime in there.

 

[Marko Kloos]

$150 is a good deal for the kind of condition you describe. Used FR-8s have been fetching a premium, and I rarely see one under $300 anymore.

 

[Tamara]

The FR-8's are built on Spanish M43 Mauser actions. The M43 is basically a direct copy of the 98. The rifles were originally chambered in 8x57, but were retrofitted with CETME-C barrels chambered in 7.62x51 NATO (not for the earlier down-loaded 7.62 CETME round as is often stated.) Now, the M43's are kinda known for less-than-stellar hardness, which is why you'll never see one used as the basis for a nice custom rifle, unlike Mausers from Oberndorf, FN, or Brno, but they should stand up to normal-spec .308 just fine. I'd avoid torturing them with .308 Light Magnums from Hornady and suchlike, but otherwise they should hold up to more ammo than your shoulder ever will. I really like mine; it's such a handy little carbine...

$150 is $75 cheaper than the cheapest FR-8 I've seen in a while.

 

[kaferhaus]

$150 is the going price on them down here, but they don't move well. Most of the interest down here is on hunting guns in bolt actions, and with a shorty barrel combined with no easy scope mounting kills any of the old military bolt gun sales (unless they're collectable which these and the M48s etc are not)

 

[roo_ster]

It was selling for $150.

Check out the receiver to determ ine just who manufactured it & when. My FR8 was manufactured in Germany, can't recall the date/plant off the top of my head.

The FR8 is a neat little rifle. $150 is a good price, even if it is somewhat beat up.

 

[kfranz]

Unless someone imports a bunch more, you won't often find one cheaper than that.

 

[GuidoTorpedo]

Well then it looks like I might have to keep its location a secret until I can add it to my collection,

 

[BamBam-31]

You sure it was bluing? I believe they're supposed to be parkerized, no? Bluing might suggest a refinish, in which case the rifle should be more closely inspected.

In any case, if it's in good condition, it's a good buy. FR8's are nifty little rifles, and they come with cool sights and a hidden compartment. Mine's very accurate.

 

[BryanP]

I saw one at a recent gun show that looked to be in decent shape for $199. I'm still kicking myself, but I'm having to be very conservative on the finances lately, and I already own a .308 Mauser (rebarelled vz.24).

If I see it again at the next show (highly unlikely) I'll buy it anyway.

 

[SapperLeader]

I paid 260 for mine in august 04. I looked for 3-4 months before that on gunboards, auction sites and local shows, and I saw higher priced nice guns, or lower priced bad condition ones.

If its in good condition for 150, I would snatch it up in a heartbeat.