German Mausers don't seem to find me, but somehow the Chinese Mausers do.
I had been eying this FN1930 (Fabrique Nationale) model at a local shop for well over a year, and the $375 price tag kept me away. But finally, I put it together with an Arisaka, and the shop owner caved. I walked out with both for $400, putting about two-fifty into the somewhat uncommon FN 1930.
Even though at least 165,000 of these Belgian-made 8mm Mausers made their way to China from 1937-1939 (Robert W.D. Ball), very few seem to surface around the forums, here in the U.S.
It's in considerably better condition than my 1938 dated example, but still has scattered pitting, about 80% bluing, dings, scrapes, and a missing front band. But the bore is amazingly shiny for a Chinese Mauser, with moderately dark rifling that doesn't shred patches. It might even shoot out.
Bolt is not matching, even to itself, but at least it's an FN part with the teardrop knob. The "Keep and Utilize" stock brand is a little worn off, but plenty legible. Overall, the walnut stock is solid. If I do decide to shoot it, I'll have to get inside to remove a thick layer of pasty grease before inspecting. Outwardly, it shows no signs of damage.
Belgian proofs on the barrel (not pictured) and receiver ring, and the "FAB.NAT. D'ARMES de GUERRE, HERSTAL BELGIQUE" are well stamped. And the large, stylized FN logo is always pleasing to see. Nice little short rifle with some honest handling and experience, I'm sure.
More pics, and thanks for looking.
I had been eying this FN1930 (Fabrique Nationale) model at a local shop for well over a year, and the $375 price tag kept me away. But finally, I put it together with an Arisaka, and the shop owner caved. I walked out with both for $400, putting about two-fifty into the somewhat uncommon FN 1930.
Even though at least 165,000 of these Belgian-made 8mm Mausers made their way to China from 1937-1939 (Robert W.D. Ball), very few seem to surface around the forums, here in the U.S.
It's in considerably better condition than my 1938 dated example, but still has scattered pitting, about 80% bluing, dings, scrapes, and a missing front band. But the bore is amazingly shiny for a Chinese Mauser, with moderately dark rifling that doesn't shred patches. It might even shoot out.
Bolt is not matching, even to itself, but at least it's an FN part with the teardrop knob. The "Keep and Utilize" stock brand is a little worn off, but plenty legible. Overall, the walnut stock is solid. If I do decide to shoot it, I'll have to get inside to remove a thick layer of pasty grease before inspecting. Outwardly, it shows no signs of damage.
Belgian proofs on the barrel (not pictured) and receiver ring, and the "FAB.NAT. D'ARMES de GUERRE, HERSTAL BELGIQUE" are well stamped. And the large, stylized FN logo is always pleasing to see. Nice little short rifle with some honest handling and experience, I'm sure.
More pics, and thanks for looking.
