Here's a good rundown of the features that came and went with the postwar FN 98 actions. I got it off of another board and it looks correct as far as I know. Might be some differences in the dates, etc, but it's a good general reference.
The ones with the full 'C' ring receiver cut usually demand the most money from a knowledgable buyer. That and factory drilled and tapped over an after market job. The caliber is probably the most common so no extra can be tagged for that,,that's not to say it isn't a good one though.
Most buyers like the later side mounted safety for ease of scope mounting. The earlier military type even with a lo-scope safety lever is not as popular.
The actions were used by many firms through the 50's and 60's,,Browning included.
Do a search for FN Supreme mauser' and you'll probably get some better idea of values on old auctions. Many non-'supreme' model rifles are listed as such in the auctions, so it's a good way to find them.
The 'FN' marked receiver ring is a selling point in itself. Alot of custom makers look for them just for the action or barreled action.
I saw one in 30-06 recently sell for $550.00. Nice unaltered condition. FN butt plate. no scope, but D&T'd at the factory for mounts. Factory bolt shroud (military style) safety. Nice rifles ..
*********************************************
FN “Commercial” Action/Rifle Production Changes
The following are highlights of FN commercial post WWII action production changes as they increasingly departed in features from their military brethren. .
1. Introduction in 1946 of a sporting model action. Principal modification of the military action limited to bolt handle redesign. This introduced the sweeping low scope bolt configuration that would become a signature element of the commercial line.
2. Approximately1948, significant modifications consisting of: elimination of the ‘thumb cut’ to facilitate a strengthened solid left receiver wall, elimination of elevated receiver bridge and clip loading recess, low scope safety more often incorporated on models designated for the U.S. market. “Chrome Vanadium Steel” barrel markings routinely appeared.
3. Approximately 1950, engineering modification of the so-called ‘full C’ inner receiver ring. The inner ring against which the barrel abuts was altered from a single cut necessary to accommodate the long mauser extractor, to include a second non functional cut. The modification was made for production simplification. Technically the receiver strength was slightly compromised. The practical effect was nil. It is my belief that this change was all FN mauser action production, sporting and military.
4. Early nineteen fifties: A transitioning period during which receivers were routinely tapped for telescopic sight mounts and corresponding low scope safeties always supplied. The FN logo atop the receiver ring was slowly phased out.
5. Mid nineteen fifties. Introduction of the FN Mauser “Supreme” action which incorporated a redesigned cocking piece housing and side safety lever. Their standard FN mauser action continued also to be offered for some years as a less expensive alternative..
This constituted the principal market wide course of FN mauser product development of their long extractor mauser action. One caveat in interpreting production changes. The ‘newest’ of these rifles are now fortyish years old. Manufacturer component substitutions, special orders, repairs and customizations may be erroneously misinterpreted as standard product-wide production features.
Throughout production, these FN mauser military and commercial actions stood second to none in their markets.
