Spanish FR-8

[Nictra]

I am in love with the way thr FR-8 looks and the way it feels, but have never bought one due to the controversy surrounding this rifle. So I ask....

Is it true that these rifles are only fit for the .308 CETME rnd?

Will it really blow up if I use modern .308 ammo?

I appreciate any and all comments. I'd really like to get my hands on one and shoot it!

Thanks

[neilwest]

1. Ive never heard that. I have two and shoot .308 in both of mine. No problems that Ive seen.

[ceestand]

I have heard that before. I have one, I've only shot surplus 7.62N in it. Supposedly the minor difference between the 7.62N and .308 cartriges is enough to stress the reciever. You probably won't have a problem shooting commercial .308 and if it was a problem, you would probably get a warning in the form of cracked cases. The FR-7 which is the same design built on a small-ring mauser would probably have issues.

Given the price of surplus ammo, this should be moot.

[ceestand]

Follow up: The "CETME round" is a different round than .308 or 7.62 Nato. I can't recall the specifics, but do a search here: http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=47

[Nictra]

I know that the FR-7 has issues w/ the .308 nato, but my sources of info could never give me good answer. Usually along the lines of "I'm not sure, but the FR-7 won't shoot .308 nato" Just wanted to make sure. This now leads me in the direction of the best place to find one. Any ideas?

On another note, about 6 months ago I came across what I think (if my memory is right) either a German or Argentinian mauser (WWII era) in .308. Would this be a rebarreled rifle or did these actually get produced in post war times? I really liked it also, but prefer to have origional issue for my collection.

Thanks

[smittylite]

Originally posted by Nictra
I know that the FR-7 has issues w/ the .308 nato, but my sources of info could never give me good answer. Usually along the lines of "I'm not sure, but the FR-7 won't shoot .308 nato" Just wanted to make sure. This now leads me in the direction of the best place to find one. Any ideas?

On another note, about 6 months ago I came across what I think (if my memory is right) either a German or Argentinian mauser (WWII era) in .308. Would this be a rebarreled rifle or did these actually get produced in post war times? I really liked it also, but prefer to have origional issue for my collection.

Thanks

those would be rebarreled or rechambered about the time the nations went to a common MBR. Most of those at the time were chambered in 7.62Nato.

[snafuie1]

i also have never heard this.....better check it out

[geojap]

I've read quite a bit about these and they are pefectly safe to shoot Nato ball in them.

If you want to buy one locally, check out Military Antiques in Ft Worth. http://www.oldgunsupply.com/ They are sure to have one.

[probasco]

i ordered one last week, im still not sure if i want to shoot it with nato rounds, too many non answers, like being almost pregnant.

[ceestand]

probasco, I'm not sure I understand your post, but the NATO stuff is the "safer" choice between that and commercial .308. If you really have any doubts, have a local gunsmith do a headspace check.

[Schuetzenman]

No, no, no! The FR-8 is a large ring 98 Mauser action it is perectly safe with modern .308 or 7.62 Nato ammo. The original CETME round was an underpowered 7.62 Nato sized case. By the time of the CETME "C" model which is what Century ARms is cobbeling together like this one, which is mine.
http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/1353P1010003-med.JPG
The FR-8 came along as a contemporary of the CETME C model and from what I've gathered about it was a training rifle for the "C". Uses the same bayonet and is about the same overall length. So fear not the modern cartridge but instead go forth and fire most profusely for maximum enjoyment! :D

[probasco]

thanks to both of you

[johnnyh]

Brand new member. This is my first post here.

I bought an FR-8 about 8 years ago when a local dept. store chain went under. Paid $99.99, and it is the best money I have ever spent for a gun! Wonderful open-sight deer rifle. I've probably put a couple hundred rounds of .308 through it without the slightest problem.
It has a little threaded spike as an adjustable front sight, and takes a special tool to adjust it. I made one out of a cheap screwdriver (used a grinding wheel) that works fine. This front sight adjustment means everything is backward compared to a rear sight adjustment. (I say that here because it took me a while to figure out why my zeroing-in was getting worse instead of better).
I don't know if the Spanish refitters chose only the "prettiest" Mausers to modify, but the wood on mine is beautiful! My only complaint is the usual Mauser trigger. Finally replaced it with a Timney, but have not shot it yet.

JohnnyH

[smittylite]

Welcome JohnnyH, glad to have you here. Please post as often as you like. I had a FR-8 once, loved it, but it never fed just right. Something wrong with the mag follower.

[probasco]

just an update, i took it out and shot 762 nato saturday, put 10-15 rounds thru it flaawlessly. it was a good buy
thanks all for the info.

[Nictra]

Well guys, I have to say that I am impressed w/ all the grreat feedback you have given me. I have never had this many people reply to one of my posts.

I love the FR-8 and think that it is a beautiful marriage between an assault rifle and a bolt action and it has intrigued me to no end for quite some time.

I'd like to thank probasco for being brave enough to test the rifle and if I ever find myself in Oregon, I will be more than happy to bring you a box of .308 as repayment.

I also would like to thank Schuetzenman for his wisdom. It seems he has done alot of research on these rifles and really knoes his stuff. Schuetzenman, expect some pm's in the future so I can tap that information trapped in your head again.

Needless to say, I am off to get one. The next time I'm up to Dallas I will stop by Old gun Supply (thank you Geojap)

[larry408]

I have a FR-8 and a 1916 both in 7.62x51. What is the difference between the 1916 and a FR-7?

[JRMC75]

A good site that gives an account of the history of these rifles from actual Spanish sources...
FR-8 Page (http://members.rogers.com/snidey/fr-8.html)

[powerkicker]

I shoot nato ball in my FR8 all the time.No problems...just small groups:D

[Schuetzenman]

:welcome: johnnyh! Keep posting we like the new blood!;)