FN action what's it?

25 March 2004, 16:14

OutlawMk26

got nice action today and i've never seen one like it.
it's marked on top of the front action bridge -
FABRIQUE NATIONALE - HERSTAL-LIEGE on the left side of the action it's marked L6257 no other markes except proof marks. it's a short or 308 length action and bolt face is .473". it has a Mauser wing style safty but DOES NOT have a claw extracter, bolt has 2 locking lugs with the left one split for the fixed ejecter, the extracter is sort of like a SAKO except it's on top of the bolt between the locking lugs and is 1 1/4" long. the bolt handle is a butter knife type designed for scope clerance. the trigger is unlike any i've seen, hard to describe, it works sort of like a see/saw.
anybody got any info or idea what it is?

please over look my spelling i'm a product of public education and my spell checker is down.

25 March 2004, 16:49

GrandView

I believe you have an FN Model 1889. The 1889 was the first Mauser action made by FN. In original configuration it would have had an external magazine that extended to the bottom of the trigger guard. You didn't mention that so it apparently has been modified.......as the bolt handle surely has been also.

The original cartridge was 7.65x53. I have no idea of the suitability or safety of this action for modern ammo. I suspect it is marginal at best.

GV

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=15762749

http://www.geocities.com/abl1830/M89PrixDeTir.html

http://geocities.yahoo.com.br/armas_brasil/SecXIX/declinio/ArmasFogo/mauser_belga.htm

26 March 2004, 01:46

OutlawMk26

WoW! you are right on the money!! my action has been modified a bit [converted to single shot, new bolt handle and the darkest richest deepest blue i've ever seen] but who ever done the work was a master of the highest leavel. i'm going to have it Rockwelled today, if it checks out ok i'm going to build it into a 250/3000.
have you ever seen one used to build a custom rifle on?

26 March 2004, 04:07

GrandView

Quote:

Originally posted by OutlawMk26....
have you ever seen one used to build a custom rifle on?

Not "custom" in the sense you are referring to. As kids in the late 50's and early 60's, my brother and I and a few friends acquired Argentine Model 91's that we shot a bit with military ammo. That model 91 was a derivative of the FN 1889. We sometimes would dress up the wood a bit.....possibly apply some cold bluing.

I would add a word of caution here........

You are going to shoot a Mauser action that predates any of the Mauser improvements in design and safety that came along in models of 92, 93, 94, 95, and 96. Not to mention the vaunted Model 98.

This is decidedly not an action you should enter into any rechambering and handloading exercises without some competent advice and guidance.

I've shot military rifles of that vintage.....and other aficianados and collectors still do. I still convert military actions to hunting rifles.....within specific parameters of accepted safety and action design.

I encourage you to seek some qualified advice on your project before continuing.

GV

26 March 2004, 05:35

OutlawMk26

thanks!