Archived Posts » 59,757,950
Spanish FR-8 educate me please
3/5/2012 9:26:55 PM
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
3/5/2012 9:37:53 PM
Originally Posted By Wendelsnatch:
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
High pressure 308 is a no go. But, Mauser actions are really strong.
You should be good to go with just about anything every once in a while. A steady diet of surplus sounds like a great plan though.
You will love the FR-8.
Watch out for the rear sight when you work the bolt quickly. The rear sight has settings for 100, 200, 300, and 400. The front sight is where you make your adjustments. The tube should hold a boresnake.
3/5/2012 10:23:31 PM
Originally Posted By Wendelsnatch:
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Here's a link to a post that completely debunks the worn out, internet rumor that somehow 308 Win. is loaded to higher pressures than military (7.62x51) ammunition. 7.62 NATO Pressure vs. commercial 308 Winchester
I've owned an FR-8 for about 20 years. I converted mine into a Scout configuration and thought I own upward of 25 centerfire rifles, it is by far my most used hunting rifle. I've fired it with everything from light cast bullet loads up to and including full power 165 gr. handloads. Mine is very accurate. Enjoy yours!
GG
3/7/2012 3:38:50 PM
Yes, the large ring Mauser action should be more than adequate to handle most any common .308 loads. I would avoid hot reloads, or the Hornady "Light magnums" but that's about it.
By way of comparison, H.P. White Labs tested small-ring Mauser actions converted to 7.62NATO at up to 3X SAMMI proof-loads for .308. It takes a LOT to KB a properly assembled Mauser.
Be sure to check the fake CTME cocking tube/bayonet tube. I had an original little Spanish cleaning kit, brushes, jags, and a pull string, and oil packet in mine. Others have found Spanish Lira, photos of girlfriends, even rolled up and torn out pages of old 1970's European porn magazines in there.
By way of comparison, H.P. White Labs tested small-ring Mauser actions converted to 7.62NATO at up to 3X SAMMI proof-loads for .308. It takes a LOT to KB a properly assembled Mauser.
Be sure to check the fake CTME cocking tube/bayonet tube. I had an original little Spanish cleaning kit, brushes, jags, and a pull string, and oil packet in mine. Others have found Spanish Lira, photos of girlfriends, even rolled up and torn out pages of old 1970's European porn magazines in there.
3/7/2012 9:01:15 PM
I've got two and they're really fun! As I remember, they were a "stepping stone" from
the bolt action Mausers to the Cetme for the Spanish military. There is also an FR-7
that was built from a different Mauser action(can't remember which just now).
What looks like a gas tube under the barrel is actually storage for a cleaning kit. It
unscrews from the bottom ring. Also, the front sight is non-concentric so that adjusting
for elevation seems to affect windage. Have fun shooting it but remember, they bark a bit.
the bolt action Mausers to the Cetme for the Spanish military. There is also an FR-7
that was built from a different Mauser action(can't remember which just now).
What looks like a gas tube under the barrel is actually storage for a cleaning kit. It
unscrews from the bottom ring. Also, the front sight is non-concentric so that adjusting
for elevation seems to affect windage. Have fun shooting it but remember, they bark a bit.
3/8/2012 9:36:33 AM
Originally Posted By AJ_Dual:
Yes, the large ring Mauser action should be more than adequate to handle most any common .308 loads. I would avoid hot reloads, or the Hornady "Light magnums" but that's about it.
By way of comparison, H.P. White Labs tested small-ring Mauser actions converted to 7.62NATO at up to 3X SAMMI proof-loads for .308. It takes a LOT to KB a properly assembled Mauser.
Be sure to check the fake CTME cocking tube/bayonet tube. I had an original little Spanish cleaning kit, brushes, jags, and a pull string, and oil packet in mine. Others have found Spanish Lira, photos of girlfriends, even rolled up and torn out pages of old 1970's European porn magazines in there.
Yes, the large ring Mauser action should be more than adequate to handle most any common .308 loads. I would avoid hot reloads, or the Hornady "Light magnums" but that's about it.
By way of comparison, H.P. White Labs tested small-ring Mauser actions converted to 7.62NATO at up to 3X SAMMI proof-loads for .308. It takes a LOT to KB a properly assembled Mauser.
Be sure to check the fake CTME cocking tube/bayonet tube. I had an original little Spanish cleaning kit, brushes, jags, and a pull string, and oil packet in mine. Others have found Spanish Lira, photos of girlfriends, even rolled up and torn out pages of old 1970's European porn magazines in there.
Received it yesterday. Sorry to say, nothing was in the Bayonet tube. Bolt and Receiver match with no other parts seeming to be serialized (except bayonet which does not match). Bore is bright. Rotating sights turn and lock positivly. Wood is pretty scuffed up with the stock having a gouge on the side near the trigger, but no cracks. The top handguard also has a small fingernail sized piece broken off on the edge near the receiver. I have the piece but the wood is so thin that the only repair option I can think of is to glue it back on and cross my fingers. I hope to post pics tonight.
3/8/2012 10:28:29 AM
pics?
3/8/2012 2:25:24 PM
Be careful when you work the bolt, if done the same way as a 700 or other bolt gun you will fuck your hand up 
3/8/2012 2:38:00 PM
Originally Posted By Wendelsnatch:
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
I would actually be inclined to feed it starting level hand loads. That's what I did years ago when I had one of those Spanish 7.62mm conversions. The specifications for the 7.62mm CETME round those were chambered for is actually lower pressure than even military 7.62x51mm NATO. While most milsurp is probably safe, why take a risk if you don't have to. I think the one I had was an FR-7 if memory serves (it was about 20 years ago) and I think those are weaker than the FR-8s.
3/8/2012 2:49:17 PM
Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
I would actually be inclined to feed it starting level hand loads. That's what I did years ago when I had one of those Spanish 7.62mm conversions. The specifications for the 7.62mm CETME round those were chambered for is actually lower pressure than even military 7.62x51mm NATO. While most milsurp is probably safe, why take a risk if you don't have to. I think the one I had was an FR-7 if memory serves (it was about 20 years ago) and I think those are weaker than the FR-8s.
Originally Posted By Wendelsnatch:
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
I would actually be inclined to feed it starting level hand loads. That's what I did years ago when I had one of those Spanish 7.62mm conversions. The specifications for the 7.62mm CETME round those were chambered for is actually lower pressure than even military 7.62x51mm NATO. While most milsurp is probably safe, why take a risk if you don't have to. I think the one I had was an FR-7 if memory serves (it was about 20 years ago) and I think those are weaker than the FR-8s.
I appreciate people taking a cautious "better safe than sorry" approach, but this gun board/Internet legend about Spanish surplus rifles and 7.62 NATO has been bouncing around since before the web even existed, on newsgroups/USENET and it has got to stop.
The lower pressure 7.62 CTME round had nothing to do with what the CTME, or the small ring FR7's or FR8's could handle. The 7.62 CTME loading was to aid in full-auto controlabillty and nothing else. All three rifles are fully capable of handling full normal pressure 7.62 NATO loadings and similar .308 Winchester commercial loads.
It's true that the FR7, re-arsenaled and modified from small ring Mausers is 'weaker' than the FR8 based off the large ring receivers, but again, H.P. White labs has tested small ring Mausers chambered in 7.62 NATO to several times SAMMI proof loads before they got a KB.
While it's possible ANY rifle could be improperly assembled, or have unacceptable wear, breakage, or a random metallurgical flaw, as designed, the FR7, the FR8, and the CTME... They're ALL SAFE with regular full 7.62 NATO loads, period.
3/8/2012 2:57:51 PM
Originally Posted By AJ_Dual:
I appreciate people taking a cautious "better safe than sorry" approach, but this gun board/Internet legend about Spanish surplus rifles and 7.62 NATO has been bouncing around since before the web even existed, on newsgroups/USENET and it has got to stop.
The lower pressure 7.62 CTME round had nothing to do with what the CTME, or the small ring FR7's or FR8's could handle. The 7.62 CTME loading was to aid in full-auto controlabillty and nothing else. All three rifles are fully capable of handling full normal pressure 7.62 NATO loadings and similar .308 Winchester commercial loads.
It's true that the FR7, re-arsenaled and modified from small ring Mausers is 'weaker' than the FR8 based off the large ring receivers, but again, H.P. White labs has tested small ring Mausers chambered in 7.62 NATO to several times SAMMI proof loads before they got a KB.
While it's possible ANY rifle could be improperly assembled, or have unacceptable wear, breakage, or a random metallurgical flaw, as designed, the FR7, the FR8, and the CTME... They're ALL SAFE with regular full 7.62 NATO loads, period.
Originally Posted By SoftwareJanitor:
I would actually be inclined to feed it starting level hand loads. That's what I did years ago when I had one of those Spanish 7.62mm conversions. The specifications for the 7.62mm CETME round those were chambered for is actually lower pressure than even military 7.62x51mm NATO. While most milsurp is probably safe, why take a risk if you don't have to. I think the one I had was an FR-7 if memory serves (it was about 20 years ago) and I think those are weaker than the FR-8s.
Originally Posted By Wendelsnatch:
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
I would actually be inclined to feed it starting level hand loads. That's what I did years ago when I had one of those Spanish 7.62mm conversions. The specifications for the 7.62mm CETME round those were chambered for is actually lower pressure than even military 7.62x51mm NATO. While most milsurp is probably safe, why take a risk if you don't have to. I think the one I had was an FR-7 if memory serves (it was about 20 years ago) and I think those are weaker than the FR-8s.
I appreciate people taking a cautious "better safe than sorry" approach, but this gun board/Internet legend about Spanish surplus rifles and 7.62 NATO has been bouncing around since before the web even existed, on newsgroups/USENET and it has got to stop.
The lower pressure 7.62 CTME round had nothing to do with what the CTME, or the small ring FR7's or FR8's could handle. The 7.62 CTME loading was to aid in full-auto controlabillty and nothing else. All three rifles are fully capable of handling full normal pressure 7.62 NATO loadings and similar .308 Winchester commercial loads.
It's true that the FR7, re-arsenaled and modified from small ring Mausers is 'weaker' than the FR8 based off the large ring receivers, but again, H.P. White labs has tested small ring Mausers chambered in 7.62 NATO to several times SAMMI proof loads before they got a KB.
While it's possible ANY rifle could be improperly assembled, or have unacceptable wear, breakage, or a random metallurgical flaw, as designed, the FR7, the FR8, and the CTME... They're ALL SAFE with regular full 7.62 NATO loads, period.
I completely agree, 7.62 and .308 loads are well within the design specs of these rifles (7.62 pressures were measured in CUP and .308 is measured in PSI thus all confusion about commercial loads being higher pressure). And you can explain it till you're blue in the face. Internet myths die very slowly.
3/8/2012 2:59:25 PM
Originally Posted By ggibbs:
Here's a link to a post that completely debunks the worn out, internet rumor that somehow 308 Win. is loaded to higher pressures than military (7.62x51) ammunition. 7.62 NATO Pressure vs. commercial 308 Winchester
I've owned an FR-8 for about 20 years. I converted mine into a Scout configuration and thought I own upward of 25 centerfire rifles, it is by far my most used hunting rifle. I've fired it with everything from light cast bullet loads up to and including full power 165 gr. handloads. Mine is very accurate. Enjoy yours!
GG
Originally Posted By Wendelsnatch:
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Here's a link to a post that completely debunks the worn out, internet rumor that somehow 308 Win. is loaded to higher pressures than military (7.62x51) ammunition. 7.62 NATO Pressure vs. commercial 308 Winchester
I've owned an FR-8 for about 20 years. I converted mine into a Scout configuration and thought I own upward of 25 centerfire rifles, it is by far my most used hunting rifle. I've fired it with everything from light cast bullet loads up to and including full power 165 gr. handloads. Mine is very accurate. Enjoy yours!
GG
I'd like to see a picture of it, if you have one.
3/8/2012 3:08:49 PM
Originally Posted By 25Chuck:
I'd like to see a picture of it, if you have one.
Originally Posted By ggibbs:
Here's a link to a post that completely debunks the worn out, internet rumor that somehow 308 Win. is loaded to higher pressures than military (7.62x51) ammunition. 7.62 NATO Pressure vs. commercial 308 Winchester
I've owned an FR-8 for about 20 years. I converted mine into a Scout configuration and thought I own upward of 25 centerfire rifles, it is by far my most used hunting rifle. I've fired it with everything from light cast bullet loads up to and including full power 165 gr. handloads. Mine is very accurate. Enjoy yours!
GG
Originally Posted By Wendelsnatch:
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Here's a link to a post that completely debunks the worn out, internet rumor that somehow 308 Win. is loaded to higher pressures than military (7.62x51) ammunition. 7.62 NATO Pressure vs. commercial 308 Winchester
I've owned an FR-8 for about 20 years. I converted mine into a Scout configuration and thought I own upward of 25 centerfire rifles, it is by far my most used hunting rifle. I've fired it with everything from light cast bullet loads up to and including full power 165 gr. handloads. Mine is very accurate. Enjoy yours!
GG
I'd like to see a picture of it, if you have one.
+1.
3/8/2012 4:13:11 PM
Originally Posted By jdubya87:
+1.
Originally Posted By 25Chuck:
I'd like to see a picture of it, if you have one.
Originally Posted By ggibbs:
Here's a link to a post that completely debunks the worn out, internet rumor that somehow 308 Win. is loaded to higher pressures than military (7.62x51) ammunition. 7.62 NATO Pressure vs. commercial 308 Winchester
I've owned an FR-8 for about 20 years. I converted mine into a Scout configuration and thought I own upward of 25 centerfire rifles, it is by far my most used hunting rifle. I've fired it with everything from light cast bullet loads up to and including full power 165 gr. handloads. Mine is very accurate. Enjoy yours!
GG
Originally Posted By Wendelsnatch:
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Just bought an FR-8 and am looking for some info from those more knowledgeable than I. Paid $350 after shipping etc. including bayonet. From what I have read, commercial 308 is a no-go for safety sake, so a steady diet of surplus ammo it is. Anything else to know? History, things to whatch out for, etc.???
Here's a link to a post that completely debunks the worn out, internet rumor that somehow 308 Win. is loaded to higher pressures than military (7.62x51) ammunition. 7.62 NATO Pressure vs. commercial 308 Winchester
I've owned an FR-8 for about 20 years. I converted mine into a Scout configuration and thought I own upward of 25 centerfire rifles, it is by far my most used hunting rifle. I've fired it with everything from light cast bullet loads up to and including full power 165 gr. handloads. Mine is very accurate. Enjoy yours!
GG
I'd like to see a picture of it, if you have one.
+1.
+2
3/8/2012 4:22:35 PM
I was in Spain a couple years ago and the parade troops were still carrying the FR8. I wanted to tell them that I owned one too but my Spanish is so bad, I would probably start an international incident talking about rifles in my Spanglish.
3/8/2012 7:12:13 PM
As promissed, the pics. 2nd pic shows the worst 2 spots of damage to the wood. Last pic is the FR-8 with some of its stable mates.
3/8/2012 8:05:11 PM
Okee dokee...here she is along with a few of her many accomplishments
:
That's the original stock. I cut it down and added a Ruger recoil pad to it.
GG
:
That's the original stock. I cut it down and added a Ruger recoil pad to it.
GG
3/9/2012 9:19:27 AM
Great pictures! Assuming that's your daughter, she made a great shot on that last buck.
The FR-8 really is one of the coolest milsurps that ever hit the market.
The FR-8 really is one of the coolest milsurps that ever hit the market.
