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Spanish Mauser Serial Number
Chromedome
Member Posts: 16 ✭
I have what I believe to be a sporterized Spanish Mauser model 1916 short rifle. The receiver is marked Fabrique De Armes 1922 Oveido. My question concerns the serial number stamp. The serial number I expect to see on the receiver is F5934 but this serial number is marked G/F5934. Any idea what the "G" means? I have searched the internet without success.
Also, the bottom of the barrel near the receive is stamped "33". Any ideas? Maybe the 1922 receiver had a 1933 barrel installed on it.
Comments
From what I understand is that Oveido actually was a refurbishment facility, and never actually manufactured Mausers.
The F prefix on the serial number means originally it was a '93 made in the 1898-1899 year range. The G may have been added later during a rebuild and likely the 1922 Oveido marking added during its conversion to the 1916 model.
Hard to say what the '33' marking indicates as Spain refurbished these guns several times before they were replaced and sold into the international market.
If it is still 7x57 caliber, they are generally considered safe. If converted to 7.62 Cetme, they are as well, but the use of .308 or 7.62 Nato is questionable as they operate at a much higher pressure.
Thank you for the information. I will consider the rifle a conversion rebuild.
chris8x57 's comments fit into my limited knowledge of these rifles.
I feel most can be considered safe to shoot with 'starting load' .308 handloads but most certainly not with .308 factory ammo. They're old, well worn, and the metallurgy is not up to modern standards. I have a couple of bolts that have one locking lug broken off so not just the receiver is questionable.
We do not know for sure that the OP's rifle is a caliber conversion to 7.62 Something. If it is, Lyman starting loads for .308 will do pretty well at 40000 CUP, which is well under the original 7x57.