FR-8 Spanish Mauser 7.62x51

Eric_911

Eric_911

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Stumbled across this while browsing some gun pics on a different forum. I have never heard anything about them, but then again, I could have just been in my own little world.

It seems aufully interesting. Anybody have any experience with it? How do they handle/shoot. Any availability?

I did a quick search on the "ottawa citizen registry". It seems like there's lots of them out there...

FR8-22936.jpg
 
There are actually 2 different Spanish models. The FR-7 which is made on the 93 action and the FR-8 which is made on the 98 action. The rifles were supposedly built exclusively for the Spanish CETME round. The Cetme round externally resembles the 7.62x51 Nato round. The Cetme round is loaded to lowere pressures and has a bullet with an aluminum core which is long but light. There is a lot of discussion as to whether the rifles are safe for the 7.62x51 Nato round.

Personally, since the Nato round is normally loaded to around 45,000 psi, I don't think there is much to worry about, especially with the FR-8. When found, the rifles are usually in VG to excellent condition. The rifles were converted from 7x57 and 8x57.

The Brazilians also built a similar rifle but the rear sight was the same as the H&K G93. The Brazilian rifles were made by setting back the threads on 30-06 barrels and rechambering. The Spanish rifles had purpose built barrels.

All good rifles and decent shooters.
 
The FR8 is an awesome rifle. Very accurate and well made. You can find them in mint condition or really beat up. The FR8 can fire the 7.62x51 nato round no problem. The barrel was made with that in mind and it's a M98 action. The FR7 was made for the CETME round and while I have seen them shoot 308 win & 7.62 nato, it' not recomended.
 
I have a FR-7 - fun little gun.

It's interesting how the muzzle end resembles an M14 with the "Navy" sight and aftermarket brake/flash hider isn't it? ;)
 
Lots of common misinformation out there about the CETME round and these rifles. It is true that with the FR7 you need to use light reloads - and that's solely due to it having a 93 receiver. The FR8 can handle any factory 7.62x51 or .308win.

Spain experimented with the 7.62 CETME cartridge, and then also initially used downloaded 7.62 NATO rounds after adopting that cartridge to assist in control of automatic fire in CETME rifle, which still would have worked fine in the FR7.

In reality, neither FR7 or FR8 saw extensive use because they were intended for second line troops while the CETME was being integrated beginning with their combat troops. The FR7/FR8's were gradually phased out.

I really like bolt action rifles from the post war era. There are some interesting designs and conversions out there. The only thing I like better about the FR7 than the FR8 is the bolt handle!!! ;)
 
I had an FR-8 years ago... T'was okay. Decent round, but for little 150lb 19 year old me, it kicked the bejeezus out of me. That said, in comparison to say, a Lee Enfield No5, the FR-8 is a yugo - Mauser action that was rougher than shifting the transmission on a 1980's Hyundai, (They parked part of the action on refurb!), stamped sheet metal butt plate....

They are kinda cute, but unless you are desperate to have a .308, I'd just buy a Jungle Carbine, personally!

Cheers,

Neal
 
have an fr-7-in light of the sometimes questionable Spanish metallurgy and in deference to the design of the m-93 action-I load to .30-30 pressures-nice,light,handy firearm-just hold way low with factory sights
 
bearhunter said:
The Brazilians also built a similar rifle but the rear sight was the same as the H&K G93. The Brazilian rifles were made by setting back the threads on 30-06 barrels and rechambering. The Spanish rifles had purpose built barrels.

All good rifles and decent shooters.
Click to expand...
The M968, Great shooter. I have one that was sportered and am ever searching for one in full wood.
 
Pblatzz said:
The FR8 is an awesome rifle. Very accurate and well made. You can find them in mint condition or really beat up. The FR8 can fire the 7.62x51 nato round no problem. The barrel was made with that in mind and it's a M98 action. The FR7 was made for the CETME round and while I have seen them shoot 308 win & 7.62 nato, it' not recomended.
Click to expand...

I shouldn't have sold mine...Btw pm me with who bought the one I sold you.
 
Eric_911 said:
Stumbled across this while browsing some gun pics on a different forum. I have never heard anything about them, but then again, I could have just been in my own little world.

It seems aufully interesting. Anybody have any experience with it? How do they handle/shoot. Any availability?

I did a quick search on the "ottawa citizen registry". It seems like there's lots of them out there...
Click to expand...

There were once many, many Ishapore 7.62mm's, too....:)
 
About 13 years ago I bought two FR-8's for less than $100 each from Bob at Phoenix Range, same Bob that owned Trail Firearms.....one went to Inuvik with a brother in law who was teaching school up there , the other I had around for a few years. We shot lots of factory 308 in it as well as reloads. Neat little rifle,
The brother in law gave his to a friend when he left the north. The Innuuit loved it, he said if had brought up 50 of them he could have sold them all.
 
Fr-8

I have an FR-7, FR-8, and M-968 in my Mauser collection. The FR-7 is harder to find than the FR-8 usually see 5 times as many FR-8s as FR-7s.
I prefer the M-968 as a shooter. The FR-7 and FR-8 looks like a semi at first glance. The cleaning kit and bayonet lug is mounted under the barrel and looks like a gas system. Some guys that have had the FR rifles put shot in the cleaning kit to keep the barrel from climbing. They are really light and the muzzle will climb when fired.
 
albayo said:
I have an FR-7, FR-8, and M-968 in my Mauser collection. The FR-7 is harder to find than the FR-8 usually see 5 times as many FR-8s as the FR-7s.I prefer the M-968 as a shooter. The FR-7 and FR-8 looks like a semi at first glance. The cleaning kit and bayonet lug is mounted under the barrel and looks like a gas system. Some guys that have had the FR rifles put shot in the cleaning kit to keep the barrel from climbing. They are really light and the muzzle will climb when fired.
Click to expand...

I've seen more FR-7's on the E & E ;), anyhow...:redface:
 
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