Author Topic: Need help identifying  (Read 1000 times)

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Offline Gun Runner

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Need help identifying
« on: October 14, 2005, 01:59:39 PM »
It appears to be a mauser type action, cal is 7x57. Markings are as follows:
bottom of rec. S and what looks like a star on right side, left side-S that is crossways?, step up looking platform with what appears to be a tower on it.In the center above both sides is a C. On the bolt handle is a arrow pointing to the bolt, bottom of the bolt is a box with with the letters VD stamped in the box. On top of the receiver is Fabrique Nationale Herstal-Liege, with an arrow pointing to the left followed by an S.
BBl is a military stepped down type with 7mm B Blindee stamped on the left side. ( this is also the same name stamped on my 91 argintine), there is a crown over an R, TV, and a star over what looks like A.
It has a fairly decent stock, bore looks good. Some wheres along the history of it "Bubba: put a set of buckhorn sights on it. This looks like it would fit my Jeep just fine, for bouncing around the back country. Got a couple of cast loads made up gonna see what happens with them. Somebody also added a adj. trigger to it. Ser nr is A99xx

This was a freeby so cant complain, just curious what I have. Free is hard to beat for a haul around gun.

Tks Gun Runner

Tks Gun Runner

Offline 1911crazy

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Need help identifying
« Reply #1 on: October 15, 2005, 02:28:53 AM »
It sounds like an FN 7mm mauser made for Belgium.

Offline John Traveler1

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identify rifle
« Reply #2 on: October 15, 2005, 10:27:06 AM »
I concurr with D Man.  Your description fits that of various mausers made by FN Belgium, the great arms maker that made millions of Mausers under license.  

However, I believe the end user customer was a south american country, since Belgium never used the 7x57 as military standard.  The tower on a base is part of the Belgian proofmark.  Herstal-Liege was the heart of the Belgian gun making industry, and has been famous for arms and armour for centuries.  Somewhere there should be a crown over LEG, or ELG.  That would be the definitive proof mark that helps to date your rifle.

Not terrifically sure, but I think the star over the A was an inspection mark used by Chile.  The "B. Blindee" was either the barrel maker's name or "balle blindee" meaning it was chambered for the long-throated 7mm 173 grain FMJ bullet.  I guess CRS has finally set in.  I can't remember what else the Gun Digest Gun Proof Marks articles say.

Offline 1911crazy

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Need help identifying
« Reply #3 on: October 15, 2005, 11:27:18 AM »
Looking at the Book of "Mauser Military Rifles of the World" quickly this morning the only mauser i see with the "Herstal-Liege" on top of the reciever is the mauser made for Belgium by FN.  I believe all the chilean mausers  i have seen had the Crest on top of the recievers. I could be wrong too. I know most of the 7mm's are south american even Mexico liked the 7mm's too.