FR8's come around every once in a while. The FR7 is pretty scarce. Made from the older Spanish 1916's or -1983's, they have the small ring receiver where FR8's are large ring, K98 type receivers.
This one is in great shape. I have shot 308 in it but now only take it out for fun using plastic bullets. I believe it would hold up fine to the power of 308 but if there is a 1% chance of not, I'd rather not take the chance. It's a debate that goes on for years but I have yet to see an FR7 or 1916 modified to 308 go kaboom.
The bent bolt on the FR7 is a much better design than the straight bolt on the FR8. You don't catch your knuckles on the rear sight with the bent bolt. With a straight bolt, you really need to work the bolt with an open palm.
Well, the board is either fixed, or it's going to run terribly. Cross your fingers and hope for the best. I'm at my technical limit right now.
FR7
- RWS
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Re: FR7
I think the debate hinges around the fact that most of the cartridges for the small ring Mauser actions operate in the 40,000 to 45,000 psi pressure range. .308/7.62 runs over 50,000 psi.
I have both a FR7 and an FR8. I choose to shoot full bore .308/7.62 in the FR8 but use reduced loads in the FR7, about 2,100 fps and pressures under 40,000 psi. Due to the light weight of these carbines I find the FR7 with the reduced loads much more pleasant to shoot. Kicks about like a 7.62x39. I haven't shot the FR8 for over a year now but may begin using reduced loads in both just so the FR8 can get some range time.
Nice looking FR7, BTW...
-Bob
I have both a FR7 and an FR8. I choose to shoot full bore .308/7.62 in the FR8 but use reduced loads in the FR7, about 2,100 fps and pressures under 40,000 psi. Due to the light weight of these carbines I find the FR7 with the reduced loads much more pleasant to shoot. Kicks about like a 7.62x39. I haven't shot the FR8 for over a year now but may begin using reduced loads in both just so the FR8 can get some range time.
Nice looking FR7, BTW...
-Bob
Re: FR7
Yea, if I start reloading for 308 I'd shoot it, but the plastic bullets are fun. Gives practice getting sight pictures. It would probably be fine with full loads but I have the FR8 to shoot those so I guess there's no need.
Last edited by jbs on Fri Oct 20, 2017 2:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: FR7
That one looks like the finish is new/unused. Quite a beauty.
I was R.L.E.V.M. on our old forum.
Re: FR7
I like what RWS opined---that said, a guy at our milsurp shoot used a very nice 1916 arsenal-redo to 7.62 NATO. He is not a reloader, so was using the cheapest ammo he could find at Walmart/gun shows. Never had a problem---BUT---we found him a lovely 03A3 Smith Corona (all correct) at a dynamite price and he has recovered from the Mauser. He is a neat guy, so not sure if we found him the rifle out of our own self-interest (I shoot at the bench nest to him) or 'cause he is an OK friend!
I kind of look at those early Spanish Mausers the same as low-numbered 03 Springfields--I don't hesitate to shoot them, but am careful.
I kind of look at those early Spanish Mausers the same as low-numbered 03 Springfields--I don't hesitate to shoot them, but am careful.
"I have never seen a situation so desperate that the arrival of a policeman did not make worse"
Brendan Behan, Irish poet
Brendan Behan, Irish poet
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