Jump to content
Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Fn Sporter


cameleon

Recommended Posts

I recently picked up this FN sporter. It is in .243. The action is a Fabrique Nationale. From my studying up on Mausers it seems to be a small ring large action. It is a cock on closing bolt. The stock is a Bishop. I found out some history on it. On the barrel it's stamped Richland Gun Shop. I emailed a Richland Shooters in Lebanon Pa. It was one of theirs. Made by a Carl Hottenstein. I Googled some info on him. Seems he was a well respected gunsmith and bench rest shooter in the Pa area. From what I was told he used Douglas premium barrels. It is also fitted with a Dayton Triaster Mark11 safety. Carl passed in 1998.

 

post-7866-0-86448100-1454364696_thumb.jpgpost-7866-0-26178000-1454364721_thumb.jpgpost-7866-0-62160100-1454364744_thumb.jpgpost-7866-0-90489700-1454364762_thumb.jpgpost-7866-0-58671500-1454364787_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That looks real nice. I have a similar safety on my Spanish 93 Mauser. Not that brand, but similar. Is there a date on the action? You might be able to tell what year the receiver was made by the serial number.

 

How does it shoot?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I recently picked up this FN sporter. It is in .243. The action is a Fabrique Nationale. From my studying up on Mausers it seems to be a small ring large action. It is a cock on closing bolt. The stock is a Bishop. I found out some history on it. On the barrel it's stamped Richland Gun Shop. I emailed a Richland Shooters in Lebanon Pa. It was one of theirs. Made by a Carl Hottenstein. I Googled some info on him. Seems he was a well respected gunsmith and bench rest shooter in the Pa area. From what I was told he used Douglas premium barrels. It is also fitted with a Dayton Triaster Mark11 safety. Carl passed in 1998.

 

Looking at you images, and from the description:

 

- cock-on-closing

- pre-98 shroud

- pre-98 extractor

- stripper-clip slot

 

It's definitely a "pre-98" action: I'm guessing a '93 or a '95. It may be made well after 1898, but it's pre-98 design.

 

Someone put some love into it. Let us know how it prints.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I gotta get to the range yet. I live in the burbs and only have the public range. It will only be a fun shooter. I haven't hunted in decades and never really did too much with long guns. At 68 just looking for a little fun. Picked up an inexpensive Tasco 3x9 40.scope. Should be adequate for my needs and skill. Also,I'm getting over a nasty flu. Can't remember the last time I was sick. Must be something nasty going around. Will let you know how it shoots as soon as I can. Picked up some Monarch ammo at academy. Not the best I know but retired on a budget so I gotta make do. Thanks for all the input.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also looks like a good floating job on the barrel. I can pass a dollar bill up the barrel to the receiver. When I try to squeeze the barrel and front of forearm together it does not make contact. At least this was the way I was told to check. Haven't separated the action from stock to look around.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not the best I know but retired on a budget so I gotta make do.

Gotta politely disagree with you!! You're making do with the best out there. Far as I'm concerned the FN Mauser is the best of all factory made Mauser sporters. The German Voere's a close second but come with a healthy price tag. 243 is also one of the best all around rifle calibers for USA game. Simply selecting the best bullet weight you've got everything covered from groundhogs to deer and everything in between.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

By the way something just drew me to this rifle. I was actually looking for a budget bolt action like a Rem 770 or 700 maybe a Savage Axis etc. Then I was spinning a turntable rack of rifles and this just stood out to me. Didn't know much about the sporters. I went home a did a little research and it was still there when I went back. I paid 275 otd. Fair price? I was almost tempted to buy a used Mitchel Mauser that was there. Must have been fate that saved me. LOL.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does it say "Fabrique Nationale" or "FABRICA de ARMAS"?

 

FN = Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal

 

FABRICA de ARMAS, OVIEDO = made in Spain, not FN

 

Either way, it's a good looking piece of work.

I redid this reply. You got me thinking. Did I really see fn? I just took a cursory look at the time and there was some gunk kinda smeared over it. I saw Fabri something and do to my ignorance presumed FN. I had to look again. Took mount off and lightly cleaned some of the gunk off with 0000 steel wool. Nothing else would work. It's a Fabrica de Armas oviedo markings. I am not disappointed in the least. I would rather know then be wrong. Thanks for your expert info.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I redid this reply. You got me thinking. Did I really see fn? I just took a cursory look at the time and there was some gunk kinda smeared over it. I saw Fabri something and do to my ignorance presumed FN. I had to look again. Took mount off and lightly cleaned some of the gunk off with 0000 steel wool. Nothing else would work. It's a Fabrica de Armas oviedo markings. I am not disappointed in the least. I would rather know then be wrong. Thanks for your expert info.

That makes sense. Everything was screaming "93 Spanish Mauser" except it being an FN; I'm not aware that FN made any pre-98 receivers, but hey, ya never know. I was actually hoping to see something unique; maybe FN did a weird limited production run of replacement receivers for the Turks or something. Heh.

 

Thank you for checking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's why I come to the experts. I'm not a serious collector but like to know what I have. Usually I'll stumble across something that fits my budget then I'll find out more about it. Like my Mak90. Usually AK'S were out of my budget but I came across a well worn in a pawn shop. Wood needed a little tlc and the underfolder did not fold, was bolted in place, but it shot great. So I expanded my limited knowledge of AK'S with that one. Study firearms and you pretty much study the history of the world.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a fine looking rifle, and it's always nice to have some background about the gunsmith who lavished his time on the build. I'm one who's a little leery of modern rounds that exceed the design levels of the pre-98 actions and the metallurgy of the day. I'm sure that it's been fired many times over it's life to date, and should be fine, especially if you reload and can tailor a mild accurate load. We look forward to a range report.

 

 

Spiris

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Like azrednek stated I think the .243 is a nice all purpose round. I think Hottenstein was experienced enough to know what his build could take. I had the stock off and it was clean as a whistle. Even after all these years. No rust, gunk crap etc. Just wood and metal. I gave it a good wipe down with Ballistol, I love the stuff, natural and user friendly. No cancer causing elements. A good clp.Then put it back together. I should have taken a pic so you guys could explain the bedding procedure he used. Next time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...