Rifle built on FN action
In November of 2011, at a local dealer, I asked about a bolt rifle on the rack and was told it was a military conversion and it was in .300 Savage. When I handled it, I saw right away that it was an older commercial FN by the trade mark on the bolt root, the flattened and checkered bolt knob underside, that odd left side safety, the protruding floor plate release button and the lack of the thumb cut. The price was what you'd expect for a converted military and I like the .300 Savage cartridge so it came home with me. On closer examination, the serial number, 9773, is stamped on the flat underside behind the recoil lug, proofs are on the receiver ring below the wood line on the left side. On the right, below the wood line; MADE IN BELGIUM below FN in oval and 1948. It is set into a Bishop stock, has 24" barrel, a good quality ramp front sight with Redfield "sourdough" bead and a screw-on open rear sight. The receiver is D&T'd for scope mounts but I don't think factory done. No receiver sight holes. The only barrel markings are 300 over the chamber on the left side. This rifle was apparently built on an early post-war action (only). The stock work, while well done (a steel cross bar is inletted for the recoil lug to bear against) is not up to professional standards. The rifle style says 1950's. Now my question though there's no way to know the answer: In the 1950's & 60's, the .30/06 was pretty much King. in fact, there was a general or something that said then, "The US, being a free country, it's everyone's choice to own a rifle other than a .30/06, but it's no testament to his good sense!" So why, since FN made only .30/06 length actions, did this one get a barrel chambered for the .300 Savage? I'm glad it did and I may have bought it anyway if it was an '06 but I can't help wondering.
EDIT: Since I collect bolt action rifles, I have the de Haas book. Judging from my other FN from a similiar era (That one an "as issued" factory rifle), FN barrels were well marked and pretty well cluttered up with proof marks while this barrel, as I indicated, is unmarked except for the 300. Therefore, I don't believe this is a factory barrel. Also, this action is standard length, no magazine block, and accepts full length (3.34") .30/06 cartridges.
EDIT: Since I collect bolt action rifles, I have the de Haas book. Judging from my other FN from a similiar era (That one an "as issued" factory rifle), FN barrels were well marked and pretty well cluttered up with proof marks while this barrel, as I indicated, is unmarked except for the 300. Therefore, I don't believe this is a factory barrel. Also, this action is standard length, no magazine block, and accepts full length (3.34") .30/06 cartridges.
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Frank de Haas & Wayne van Zwoll, in their "Bolt Action Rifles". Have a chapter on Begian FN Mausers. To make a long story short, 300 Savage was one of the calibers that barreled actions were offered in.
Prior to the introduction of the 308 Winchester in the mid 50's, 300 Savage was a well known highly regarded cartridge.0 -
There were FN Mausers that were not true .30-06 length actions even though chambered in our caliber. I know a Belgian who has one. Even though the receiver ring is notched, it is still limited on OAL. 0 -
When someone is starting out with a bare receiver there is no way to replicate their thought patterns in deciding how they will build their ideal rifle. As it appears to be a one-off build you can feel free to change out any of the bits and pieces to make it your ideal rifle withou hurting the collector value as there is little, if any. 0
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