Belgian contract 24/30 7x57 ''SHORT'' rifle

[ratherbefishin]

I'm looking for information on the Venusuelan 24/30 7x57 ''short ''rifle.They should make nice little deer hunting carbines.I'm particularly interested in seeing how they compare with the 6.5x55 swedes for workmanship and accuracy

 

[MiG25]

accuracy is a tough one to call, but the swedes (M38) are lighter, handier, and have better workmanship. the stocks are "chunky" on the FN.

 

[Mike Webb]

It should make a handy woods rifle except Mauser sights are tough in low light. If you can find a South American with a good bore, the humid climate coupled with corrosive ammo was hard on barrels. They are good quality rifles though.

 

[ratherbefishin]

I have absolutely no qualms about putting new sights on old miltary rifles,theres plenty of chopped milsurps around and a short handy rifle in 7x57 with a ghost ring sounds pretty good.I had a nice little 6.5x55 ''sporterized''swede with a nice peep sight and an 18'' barrel-I gave it to a young fellow with a family who couldn't afford a deer rifle.Made a nice deer rifle,too

 

[The Kurgan]

I have a 1946-47 7x57 Vene made by FN (model 1930, standard length action, as ALL Vene's were). Mine is unissued and unused (except the 20 rounds I put through it), and it is in pristine original condition. I can attest to the overall build quality and fitment of this fine classic rifle. Yes, the stock is "chunky" as it was made to survive battlefield conditions, but easy and comfortable to hold nonetheless. I cringe at the thought of modifying it in any way, shape or form. I find the sights perfectly fine for my 41 year old eyes. Because FN Mausers are not as valuable or sought after as their inferior German wartime counterparts (ironically, often made with FN barrels, etc.), and if you find a nicely maintained used example, then I suppose adding sights is no big deal and won't seriously detract from its value. Just as an aside, you will be hard pressed to find a better and smoother action anywhere. There's a reason why FN Mauser actions, particularly the commercial variants (minus stripper clip guides and thumb slots, etc.) are so sought after by custom builders.