I bought a used rifle in 7MM Weatherby Magnum a few years ago. It has a Douglas barrel on it. The inletting is perfect and it shoots great with 154 and 160 grain factory ammo. I've established the barrel is not a premium Douglas by calling them and was told it would have the XX next to Douglas on the barrel if so. Question: Did FN buy ALL of their actions from Mauser? I do remember they bought some from Mauser though. If the serial number is the key to finding out, which web sight do I look? Thanks, Mike

FN made their own actions.

A Douglas would have XX on the breech end of the blank. It would most likely be removed during installation.

I talked again to an employee at Douglas Barrels. He asked if the barrel was stamped or engraved with Douglas and 7mm Weatherby on the left side. I stated, "No." He said sometimes there is a double "XX" in a circle on the other side of the barrel opposite the other stamping. Also if taken down on the bottom of the barrel will be the month and year with the initial of the inspector. He said they do and have done a LOT of Douglas Premium barrel installations on FN actions. Nice people to talk to. Thanks, Mike

Maybe this is a trick question, to see if we are really paying attention.

From the info given, I think we can at least say that the barrel was not installed by Douglas. But that doesn't mean it isn't a Douglas premium barrel that was installed by another gunsmith. Seems to me like the helpful and nice people at Douglas would have explained that.

Also see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauser
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.65x53mm_Argentine

KB

The stamps Douglas, and most makers, place are located on the breech end of the barrel usually on opposite sides of the chamber mouth. It is doubtful you will see them though as they are typically removed during the fitting process.