FN benchrest mauser action

[usherj]

FN made these single shot, solid bottom actions intended for benchrest use at the time. Yes, things have progressed quite a bit since back then, but I feel it would still make a decent long range platform.

However, has anyone seen any of these out there, and if so, what do they typically go for (action or assembled rifle) pricewise?

Any info is appreciated

[billy_56081]

Sounds interesting would be nicce to find some info on it.

Here's a little. http://www.mausercentral.com/gungallery14.htm

[mannyrock]

  I have seen two of these over the years at shows.   They had massive walnut benchrest stocks (like in the early 1960s), plus very heavy barrels, plus what looked like a standard commercial FN mauser action (such as you would see on the old FN Supreme rifles). I believe they were both in 7.62 Nato.   Nothing very fancy or flashy.  Kinda run of the mill looking.

   I recently saw one of these on GB.  It is probably still listed there. 

Best Regards,

Mannyrock

[usherj]

Mannyrock,

Are you referring the one with the solid receiver bottom (single shot)? A pic is on pg 271 of Olson's Mauser Bolt Rifles. Which forum was it listed on? Thanks

[mannyrock]

    The ones I saw at shows were single shot, solid bottom.

    I hope I am not breaking the forum rules by telling you that GB means Gunbroker.

    It is not listed today.  Maybe you can do a search back, over the last 90 days, and you will find it.  I always search "FN mauser".

   For some reason, I remember these being referred to as British army bench rest rifles?  Don't know why. 

   I don't have my Olson's with me.

   I also recall that the asking price for these were steep.  I think in the $1,800+ range.

  Hope this helps.

Mannyrock

[Luckyducker]

I put up a post in the "Small bore" section about a single shot commercial FN Mauser custom I bought today at a local gunshow.  It is chambered in 22/250 and is in pretty good condition.  I gave the guy $450 for it.  I don't know if that is high, low or in between but if it shoots worth a hoot down a holler I will be tickled pink.  This rifle weighs an estimated 12# at least.  I knew these single shots were built but this was the first one I had handled personally.

[usherj]

Based on the earlier info and the rarity of them, I would say you were in the right place at the right time. Congratulations. Considering the intended purpose, the action has likely been squared up nicely when assembled and should require no tweaking on your part. Worse case scenario, the barrel may need to be set back to provide a fresh throat, depending on the barrels prior life. Even if it needed to be re-barreled, you got a bargain. Not sure what you have in mind, but it would be a great f-class or varmit rifle as is. At 12#, I believe it would fit in the lighter bipod category, but don't quote me.

[usherj]

The high end value would be for the solid bottom action, meaning no magazine and solid bottom metal too.

[eastbank]

they were the FN number 6,i have one and will build a 600yd 308 win on it with a parker hale 1 in 12 twist 30 inch 1.125 dia. barrel when i get around to it. i picked it up very cheap as no one knew what it was and was stripped. eastbank.

[usherj]

Eastbank,
That's a beauty! Why stop at 600, it would be great for Palma in that caliber. Not sure which twist the 155s prefer. Find a nice Lyman 48M and you would be set with a vintage style rig that would be good out to 1,000yds. If you ever lose interest in your project, please send me a PM. Trade or sale, let me know

[Frank46]

One of the stores I used to hang out at had an FN benchrest action new in the box hanging on the wall. Don't remember what the price was but that action was there as of the end of 1995 when I moved to louisiana. It would not suprise me if it were still there. Guess with all the mausers being imported folks are finding out that the oldies can still do the job. Frank