C&R Spanish Mauser FR8 FR-8 7.62x51mm 19″ Bolt Action La Coruna Rifle, 1958
SOLD FOR: $825
WOA#: WY220906MH001
Make: Spanish, Fabrica de Armas
Model: FR-8 (Fusil Reformado) Reconfigured Rifle
Serial Number: FR8-31372
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Bolt Action
Markings: Top of the receiver is marked “FABRICADE ARMAS LA CORUNA 1958” around the Spanish crest. Right side of receiver is marked “CAL762”. Left side of receiver is stamped “FR8-31372” Bolt Charging handle is marked “31860” with a proof near the base. Barrel is marked “FR8 SPAIN 308” and “C.A.I. ST ALB VT”.
Barrel Length: “18″. 19.5” with CETME Birdcage flash hider
Sights / Optics: CETME front sight. The rear sight is a rotating dial with four different sight pictures: open notch and 3 apertures.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an M43 Mauser hardwood with a metal buttplate and sling rings. There is a cleaning rod under the barrel. The stock shows its age with dings and dents in the wooden surfaces but there are no splinters or large chunks missing. Has a CETME flash hider attached to the end of the muzzle as well as a sling swivel on the bottom of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The stock rates in about Good+ overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle does not have any magazines as it uses a 5rd internal magazine.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minimal to no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear across the bolt and barrel. Metal finish is parkerized with a period-correct m98 bolt. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Canvas sling
Our Assessment: The “Cetmeton” FR8 reconfigured rifle has a unique place in firearm history. As the Spanish began transitioning from the 8mm Bolt Action Mausers to Semi-Auto Cetme Rifles (HK G3 or HK 91). The new rifles were configured to use 7.62x51mm Nato cartridges. The Spanish began mass producing these new self loading rifles but has a surplus of Mausers. So what would any rational person do?… Put them together and create a hybrid beautiful masterpiece of course! Spain began rebuilding their old Mausers in their new cartridge and for training purposes began outfitting the Mausers with left over CETME parts. This is why the FR7 and 8 Mausers have the notorious CETME front sight and dial rear sight. But these training rifles were found to be too good for their simple task of transitioning soldiers to the new cartridge. These Mausers soon equipped to the Guardia Civil (National Police), reserve troopers, and anyone looking for a rifle but didn’t need the newest shiniest piece of machinery. The FR8 saw service well into the 1980’s until Spain adopted the 5.56 Nato. At that point the surplus of FR8’s found their way being imported into the U.S. where they quickly became a loved and cherished firearm for gun enthusiasts everywhere with a commonly available cartridge. Claim this prize today! Bid on it, add it to your collection, bring a new safe Queen home, punch holes on paper with the satisfaction that only a classic bolt action rifle can provide. Enjoy holding history in the palm of your hands and the fine ingenuity of Spain today. But you have to bid on it first!