not a 98

dkbradley · 03-08-2008, 08:28 AM

ok my first forum! just purchasted a sporterized .308 mauser sight unseen . i assumed it was going to be a model 98 but when i seen it it was a cock on closing model with what looked like a model 96 bolt shrould . after comparing the bolt with my 96 sweede it was altogeter different the faint markings on the receiver are Fabrique Nationale Herstal Liege I believe soooo just what do i have? THANKS

ArkansasHunter · 03-08-2008, 01:31 PM

dkbradley WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller Maybe someone here can help you.
Thanks for Joining and I hope to see you around...A.H

Big Dog · 03-08-2008, 08:54 PM

According to Rober Ball's "Mauser Military Rifles of the World", this would be the Belgian FN Model 1889. There were several variations - Rifle, Carbine, Carbine With Yataghan bayonet, Lightened Carbine - they differed in barrel length and some features. It has a pronounced extended magazine beneath the stock, and was originally in caliber 7.65X53mm.

I would not feel safe shooting modern commercial .308Win in it.

dkbradley · 03-09-2008, 09:54 AM

Big dog,

thanks for the reply. I know pictures would of helped described it when I figure out how to do that! But according to "Frank de Haas" book "Bolt Action Rifles" I think I've determined it to be a Spanish 1893.
Example: The left locking lug raceway in the receiver is milled to leave a long ridge of metal down its center matching the ejector slot in the locking lug.
It has a flush staggard column box magazine.
The bolt face of a M93 has a flat spot on the bottom of the bolt with the tang and the rear of the receiver cut accordingly to allow the passage of the bolt.

Another excellent website can be found at "Spanmauhome" in your search engine which clearly shows the bolt and other info.

I've also read elsewhere that the M93 is not such a strong action for high intensity cartridges. What is your input for me handloading for the .308 in this gun. I am a avid and experienced handloader but am concerned the strength of this action.

Looking forward to your reply. THANKS

Marrjob · 03-09-2008, 01:09 PM

DK, from your description, especially the flat bottom bolt, it sounds like you have a Spanish M93 which was originally in 7mm Mauser. The M95 went back to the round bolt. There were also the M1916s that were remanufactured with 308 NATO barrels. Does your Mauser have a straight or turned down bolt? These weapons are "small ring Mausers" which were not designed for the pressures of the 308 Win. There are web sites where you can refer to the serial numbers for the model 93/1916 defination.

dkbradley · 03-10-2008, 06:33 PM

Thanks Marrjob It is a turned down bolt The barrel is not the stepped down military style The barreled action has also been put into a sporter style stock Im wondering if someone could of screwed a .308 barrel into this receiver The barrel has no markings on it

lefty o · 03-10-2008, 09:01 PM

there is not one way shape or form, that i would consider firing .308 win ammunition in that rifle.

SwedeSteve · 03-10-2008, 09:41 PM

You need to "slug" the barrel to determine the caliber, or do a chamber casting to get the "Lo-Down" on that rifle.

03-08-2008, 08:28 AM	#1
dkbradley Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	not a 98 ok my first forum! just purchasted a sporterized .308 mauser sight unseen . i assumed it was going to be a model 98 but when i seen it it was a cock on closing model with what looked like a model 96 bolt shrould . after comparing the bolt with my 96 sweede it was altogeter different the faint markings on the receiver are Fabrique Nationale Herstal Liege I believe soooo just what do i have? THANKS

03-08-2008, 08:54 PM	#3
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 9,463	According to Rober Ball's "Mauser Military Rifles of the World", this would be the Belgian FN Model 1889. There were several variations - Rifle, Carbine, Carbine With Yataghan bayonet, Lightened Carbine - they differed in barrel length and some features. It has a pronounced extended magazine beneath the stock, and was originally in caliber 7.65X53mm. I would not feel safe shooting modern commercial .308Win in it. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

03-10-2008, 09:41 PM	#8
SwedeSteve Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 4,356	You need to "slug" the barrel to determine the caliber, or do a chamber casting to get the "Lo-Down" on that rifle. __________________ You can tune a piano, but you can't Tuna Fish!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-08-2008, 01:31 PM	#2
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,698	dkbradley WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller Maybe someone here can help you. Thanks for Joining and I hope to see you around...A.H

03-09-2008, 09:54 AM	#4
dkbradley Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	Big dog, thanks for the reply. I know pictures would of helped described it when I figure out how to do that! But according to "Frank de Haas" book "Bolt Action Rifles" I think I've determined it to be a Spanish 1893. Example: The left locking lug raceway in the receiver is milled to leave a long ridge of metal down its center matching the ejector slot in the locking lug. It has a flush staggard column box magazine. The bolt face of a M93 has a flat spot on the bottom of the bolt with the tang and the rear of the receiver cut accordingly to allow the passage of the bolt. Another excellent website can be found at "Spanmauhome" in your search engine which clearly shows the bolt and other info. I've also read elsewhere that the M93 is not such a strong action for high intensity cartridges. What is your input for me handloading for the .308 in this gun. I am a avid and experienced handloader but am concerned the strength of this action. Looking forward to your reply. THANKS

03-09-2008, 01:09 PM	#5
Marrjob Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Detroit, MI 48224 Posts: 22	DK, from your description, especially the flat bottom bolt, it sounds like you have a Spanish M93 which was originally in 7mm Mauser. The M95 went back to the round bolt. There were also the M1916s that were remanufactured with 308 NATO barrels. Does your Mauser have a straight or turned down bolt? These weapons are "small ring Mausers" which were not designed for the pressures of the 308 Win. There are web sites where you can refer to the serial numbers for the model 93/1916 defination.

03-10-2008, 06:33 PM	#6
dkbradley Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks Marrjob It is a turned down bolt The barrel is not the stepped down military style The barreled action has also been put into a sporter style stock Im wondering if someone could of screwed a .308 barrel into this receiver The barrel has no markings on it

03-10-2008, 09:01 PM	#7
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,240	there is not one way shape or form, that i would consider firing .308 win ammunition in that rifle.