Fabrique Nationale FN Deluxe Mauser Lightweight .30-06 Bolt Action C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,825.00

LSB#: LSB260120RS051

Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN), Belgium

Model: FN Deluxe Mauser

Serial Number: 40963

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1953-1960. Pages 389-393 of Anthony Vanderlinden’s book, FN Mauser Rifle.

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “FN in an oval”. The right side of the receiver, the right side of the barrel shank and the underside of the bolt handle are all marked with the serial number. The left side of the receiver and barrel shank are marked with Belgian proofs. The left side of the receiver is also marked “FAB. NAT. D’ARMES DE GUERRE-HERSTAL–BELGIQUE”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.30-06 CAL.” and“CHROME VANADIUM STEEL”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The top of the bolt handle is marked with a Belgian proof. The buttplate is marked “FN in an oval”. 

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches, Lightweight Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded, beaded blade dovetailed into a ramp that is soldered to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or a receiver sight. There is a vintage Bausch and Lomb BALvar 8, 2.5-8x scope installed in adjustable mounts. We cannot guarantee optics. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece Deluxe checkered walnut with capped semi-pistol grip, FN hard rubber buttplate, two sling rings front and rear, and pancake cheekpiece. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout, the most notable being on the right side of the forend. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: This bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original finish. There are light scratches and handing marks throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope

Our Assessment: The Fabrique Nationale Deluxe Mauser Lightweight represents the high point of postwar European sporting rifle production, built on FN’s refined commercial Mauser action during the 1950s. Drawing directly from the proven Model 98 system, FN’s sporting rifles were widely regarded for their precision machining, smooth bolt operation, and elegant sporting configurations. Produced in Herstal, Belgium, these rifles became a benchmark for quality and were often supplied to other makers or sold under FN’s own name in deluxe trim levels such as this example. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a cartridge introduced in 1906 and long regarded as one of the most versatile sporting cartridges in the world, the rifle reflects a combination of European craftsmanship and American ballistic practicality.

This example features a lightweight 24″ barrel and retains approximately 95% of its original blued finish, showing only light handling marks and minor wear consistent with careful use. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 9/10, with only light fouling present. The rifle is fitted with a vintage Bausch and Lomb BALvar 8 2.5-8x scope in adjustable mounts, complementing the rifle’s sporting purpose while leaving the receiver drilled and tapped for additional sighting options. The Deluxe walnut stock with pancake cheekpiece, capped semi-pistol grip, and FN buttplate remains in Good to Very Good condition, with scattered scratches and compression marks most notable along the forend. The Belgian proofs and FN markings remain clear and well-defined throughout.

The FN Deluxe Mauser rifles are widely recognized for combining the strength and reliability of the Mauser action with refined sporting aesthetics and practical field performance. Their smooth handling, controlled round feed design, and high-quality materials made them a preferred choice among hunters and riflemen during the mid-20th century. This example presents as a well-preserved representation of that tradition, maintaining strong finish, a high-quality bore, and classic European styling that continues to define FN sporting rifles. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF