Spanish FR-7 Mauser advice

[jaykellogg]

I looked at one at a local pawnshop and it kind of smiled at me. The asking price is $400. I could talk trade for a Diamondback DB380 I have an have no use for, but I would probably get ripped on the Diamondback. There is one on gb.com at $250 with two days to sell. Of course by the time I bid on it, win the auction, pay shipping and pay the FFL fee I may have close to $400 in it. These were originally 7.62 and were rebarreled in the late '50's to 308. The one I am looking at has very clean wood with the stamps still visible. It is matching and probably was parked when it was rebarreled. It has no sling or bayonet. To be clear there is a piece of wood at the rear of the action that is inserted. I was told this is original.

What are they worth?

Anything to look out for?

 

[Nico Testosteros]

I believe they were originally in 7x57 caliber and then changed to 7.62 NATO. There has been quite a bit of discussion as to them being able to handle the pressures of the modern round.

 

[pharmer]

If I remember correctly the FR-8's were '98 Mauser actions, the FR-7's were earlier versions ('93?). Joe

 

[Jebus35745]

Used to want an FR8 but now have no where to shoot it. Not sure abt the FR7. At least the local one you can look at but the other is a open the box when it comes and hope it's OK deal. If you shoot the local one right away and something is wrong, he may take it back. If you know a rifle expert, have him go with you to check it and give it a clean bill of health. Seems to be a cheap, decent 308. Good luck, Larry

 

[2152hq]

FR7 conversions are done on Model (18)93 Spanish Mauser actions.
I think the 1916 Short Rifle was the primary issue Spanish weapon that got converted. A '93 Mauser action at any rate and originally 7x57.
These Fr7 and FR8 conversions were supposed to better simulate the CETME rifle that Spain was converting over to as their issue rifle in the '50's.

What they're worth,,I don't know. Like alot of surplus rifles, they weren't worth much when they were first available,,now it's a different story.

I'm not a fan of the 7.62Nato round being used in any of the pre-98 Mauser actions. Others will point to these very rifles and say see,,they work fine.
It's not all about the action strength, which is pushed to the limits IMO with the Nato rd.
But the (in)ability of the design to handle the higher pressure should a case head itself let go with your eyes behind the bolt. The '93 doesn't even have the bolt handle safety lug of the '95. Not that that's the best design advancement, but it's better than the nothing of the '93.
FR-8 is built off a '98 Mauser action and can handle it fine.

Either should have headspace checked as a precaution of course.
Inspect any of the FR7 or 8 carefully. They were originally made with the intended purpose of being a training rifle and many had some very hard use and abuse.

 

[Muley Gil]

If I remember correctly the FR-8's were '98 Mauser actions, the FR-7's were earlier versions ('93?). Joe

This is correct.

I have known a few folks who owned the FR7, converted to .308/7.62 NATO, and never had any problems.

Myself, I have owned two FR8s and I trust them much more than the '93 Mauser action, using 7.62 NATO.

 

[jaykellogg]

OK, I am going to say a nice one will go $175-225 for the FR-7 and $375-430 for the FR-8

As stated before the FR-7 is a small ring Mauser and the FR-8 is a Large ring (98) Mauser. I think this fellow is out of line on his price.

 

[Combat]

I may be remembering this wrong but I think the early Spanish version of 7.62x51/.308 is of a slightly different size than the standard NATO round. Smaller maybe, or it might have been something about the headspace gauges they used. Anyway, the 98 action ones are the one you want.

 

[walnutred]

If you are looking for a 308 bolt gun with a little waiting you can find a new Savage or Mossberg on sale for <$400. Searching the net auctions there are 98 actioned 308s in the $300-400 range with shipping. I'd pass.

 

[Dano]

I have an FR-8 that I've shot .308 and Nato thru with no
problems but that said, I'd have one checked out by a competent
gunsmith before firing it. I really like mine. Inside the cleaning
tool compartment I found a faded rolled up picture, of a naked woman.
That's when I knew a soldier had used this weapon for sure.
I put it back in. Mine is a 1953 version and that pic belongs with
the gun. It has a very good bore and is plenty accurate. I've taken
a couple deer with it. Action is slick but tight and works perfectly.
Personally, it's one of my guns that's on my NEVER SELL list.
Dano