Israeli FN Short Rifle Fabrique Nationale K98 7.62 NATO Bolt Action C&R

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 211109RT28

Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN) Belgium. Israeli contract

Model: FN Short Rifle. A German K98 Mauser Replicate.

Serial Number: 629310

Year of Manufacture: Early 1950’s contract (page 245 of Robert Ball’s book, MAUSER Military Rifles of the World – 5th Edition).

Caliber: 7.62 NATO (7.62x51mm)

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The import mark is in small text below the receiver serial number. It reads “LD ENT. FARM. CT.”. The top of the receiver is marked “7.62” and with the Israeli Defense Force crest. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, two Hebrew characters and “FAB. NAT. D’ARMES de GUERRE / HERSTAL-BELGIQUE”. The barrel shank is marked “.1.9 R”, “n 7.62” and with 2 Hebrew characters. The bolt assembly is marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number and with 2 “circled Z” Czechoslovakian stamps. The bottom of the buttstock is marked “7.62”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 23 3/4 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set atop a raised base and under a removable hood. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to a sliding sight escalator marked from “1-20”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, scallop for the bolt handle, nosecap with bayonet lug, hole for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, sling well, sling pass through and a metal buttplate. The buttplate, nosecap & barrel band each show scratches and light surface erosion. The nosecap is nailed to the wood. The wood shows numerous other scrapes, scratches & compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small portions of surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled or have darkened with age. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished Receiver

Bore Condition: The barrel has been counterbored to about 3/4 of an inch back from the muzzle. The grooves are dark and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the bore. It is heavier in the grooves.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The receiver has been refinished. Small scratches show through the new finish on the receiver. The receiver has surface erosion bleeding through the new finish on the receiver causing discoloration. The bottom metal shows light surface erosion. The metal shows scrapes and scratches. The top of the barrel shows oxidation. The screw heads show heavy use & oxidation. Most of the  markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to 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: None

Our Assessment: This Israeli FN Short Rifle was purchased from Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium in the early 1950’s. These FN Mausers are copies of the German K98 but are chambered in 7.62 NATO. The rifle is marked with large 7.62 stamps on the receiver and stock. This one has seen some use but still has nice markings including a large Israeli Defense Force crest on the receiver.
For more see pages 244 and 245 of Robert Ball’s book, Mauser Military Rifles of the World – 5th Edition.