I just swapped for a mint, original FN Mauser (not Browning) rifle and am a bit puzzled. It appears as new but does not have a rear sight or any holes drilled for one. It has a ramped and hooded bead front sight and is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and on the right side of the receiver for a receiver site. What was it originally furnished with for a rear sight? Also, any way to tell when the rifle was made?

Ed--

I've never seen an original FN that was drilled for a scope. They had a beautiful FN logo on the front ring of every action barreled by FN *for* FN�.or that�s my understanding anyway.

FN built whole guns for others (Browning, etc.) but sold actions only to anyone. Sako, JC Higgins, Marlin, H&R, and a dozen or so European makers used the actions on their rifles.

I hope this helps.

This rifle has the logo as you describe (it is pretty!) and I assume was drilled and tapped later. Are the side receiver sight holes original? I still do not understand what rear sight arrangement it had, originally as there are no holes in the barrel. It has a nice classic styled stock with crossbolt and well executed full wraparound checkering, left side swing safety, single stage military-type trigger, etc. I brought it home, cleaned the barrel, bought some factory 30-06 180 Winchester loads (never owned an '06) and took it out to shoot with the 4-12X Redfield that came with it. It banged out multiple 1" - 1 1/4" 3 shot groups exacly 2" high at 100 yards untouched. I was impressed!

Ed---

Lyman made several small receiver sights for the FN. I had a 257 Roberts FN once with a Lyman #37 and a sourdough bead. I didn�t keep it long enough to try it, but it was nice.

Ed--

I forgot your question.

I just looked at the 4 1951 FNs I have in the shop and all are drilled for receiver sights.

I'll bet the floorplate is not hinged but does have a button quick release on the floorplate. They went with the wing safety. In 1953 they hinged the plate and slicked the shroud and moved the safety to a trigger block. That's when I lost interest in the FN action.

It's not a "C" ring receiver. They are mighty slick. My Whelen is built on one.

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S3=A
Straight, square and Solid, equals Accuracy.

Yes, the floor plate is not hinged much like the one on my 9.3x62 Husqvarna except that the trigger guard has been slimmed down some. The bolt shroud and safety are nicely polished in the white. The barrel has a beautiful taper to it and lacks the double stepped diameter that the Browninggs had. I assume that the rifle orginally came from FN with some sort of receiver sight? Also, plan on replacing that trigger with a Blackburn. These things just have so much more character than what one can buy new these days, really a nice piece.

[This message has been edited by Ed (edited 04-01-2002).]

Ed,
I have an FN in .30-06 as well. The Olsen book on Mausers says that they came from Firearms International, the importer, with a peep sight mounted in those holes on the side of the rear bridge. I, too, added a Blackburn trigger, and I have shot many groups from the bench into .625" (using a scope), but if you hunt, those small groups only help if you're a good shot. I have found that my thumb tends to pop me in the nose during recoil because of the angle of the grip, so you may want to spend some time learning how to shoot from field positions so that you're not unpleasantly surprised.
Steve

Ed. this is from a Klein's ad in the Jan. 1949 American Rifleman.

FABRIQUE NATIONALE'S new Mauser SPORTING RIFLE
GENUINE FN BELGIAN MAUSER, 250-3000, .272 or 30-06 caliber. Micrometer sight. Only a limited supply of these superb custom finished rifles will be available this year. Order yours now! Immediate delivery.
5-2243 Postpaid................$186.60

The ad shows a line drawing with a receiver sight installed.
I copied the ad with caps exactly as it was in the ad.
I have one of these rifles in 30-06, and although I have sicnce had it rebarrelled, again to 30-06, and now have it in a McMillan stock, I wouldn't part with it, even for a David Miller top of the line custom job. It, along with 5 other FN's I have are my pets. I have a thing for two type rifles. Ruger #1's and Mausers.
You have one of the better rifles of the period, one which was probably made well before Browning had FN make their rifles.
JMHO.
Paul B.

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COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

Ed,
I own an FN original sporting rifle made in 1948. Unlike the later actions sold by FN to virtually everyone, this one has a full "C" ring in the front receiver ring.
The first FNs were offered with an Armstrong peep sight installed in the two holes on the right side of the receiver.
The above writer is correct in saying that none of the EARLY FN actions were factory drilled for scope mounts.
I have a J C Higgins .270 FN actioned rifle with a barrel date of 6/53. It had an original J C Higgins scope (Made my Weaver) on unique J C Higgins mounts that are like the Warne quick disconnect mounts only wider. The receiver on this rifle is drilled uniquely for the JCH mounts. The front receiver ring has the correct hole spacing for current mounts. The rear holes are much more widely spaced that those used for currently available mounts. This rifle also has the later cuts that eliminate the full "C" ring.
I also have a Colt Coltsman in .30-06. This is an FN commercial action with a unique hinged floor plate. This action was probably made in the late 50s or early 60s. It is drilled and tapped by the factory for currently available scope mounts.
My favorite FN actions of all times though are the ones with the huge "FN" engraved in a circle. The fit, finish and lines are nothing short of elegant.
Hope this little bit of info helps.
Great Shooting
The Bearman