Took my FN barreled action out of the stock today. I'm pretty sure it was rechamber. Where the original numbers and proof mark was it has been flattened and stamped. "358 Norma" and the bolt looks like it might have been enlarged.

The bottom of the barrel is stamped 7-17-1959. Don't believe the 358 Norma came along until the early 70s. Any idea what the barrel might have been in it's first life?

I believe Norma introduced the .358 Norma Magnum in 1959.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/358norma.htm
http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/358nm.html

-Bob F.

The possibilities are limited by the number of .35-caliber bolt-gun cartridges that were common back then. Probably it was a 35 Whelen or a 358 Winchester, but if it was rebored AND rechambered, it could have been anything.

Are there any other marks on the barrel?


Okie John

Thanks Bob.

I misread my book one spot says 1959 the other late 58. LOL Where the barrel is normally marked with the caliber just ahead of the left side of the action the barrel has a flat spot. There are the top of some letters showing above the flat spot but I can't make them out. Proof Marks?? Then in that flat it is Stamped 358 Norma. Looks like it was did in one stamping not letter by letter. I can't really imagine it was a rebore because it is just a standard 21" barrel with front sight. Just can't think what else it might have been.

Okie, other than the date on the bottom and the parts of letters showing about the flat there are no other marking. The FN and Belgim sre below the stock line only the 4 digit serial number shows on the action.