Sporterized 24/30 short rifle
As already said by vintage hunter, a Belgian-made Mauser.
Looks like the FN model 24/30 short rifle. 16,500 short rifles and carbines were delivered in 1934-5, with subsequent smaller orders up to start of WWII. So statistically most likely date is 1934-5.
Barrel length seems correct for a short rifle - it is NOT a cut-down.
It also looks as if the foresight and backsight may be original.
Thiis is all good news, as you would only (!!!) need the correct stock + fittings to put it back into military configuration. Try "the usual suspects" for spares, or look for a wallhanger as a parts donor.
Lumberjack, for your enlightenment, the marks are read thus:
Lion over PV is the Belgian proof mark, applied on barrel, chamber/receiver and bolt.
Star over V is the inspector's mark
E over LG is the Liege proof mark.
Ammo is no problem. Try it out. If it is a good shooter and you can get bits or a wallhanger donor for not much more than 100, I would go for it.
Patrick
:wave:
Some suggestions for a possible stock
The Venezuelan 24/30 has a standard size large-ring 98-type action. This means that the wood and fittings from several other types could fit - I am not going to stick my neck out and say will fit, as I have not got a 24/30 to check. If you can get hold of a stock to try for fit before purchase, then you could try the stock from other 98 types of short rifle with a barrel not much longer than 23.2".
The 24/30 was an FN export model, made for quite a few countries around the world. Belgian FN 24/30 (23.22 barrel) could be a perfect fit. The Peruvian 1935 is basically the same model.
Export Model 1933 or 1935 "Mauser banner" short rifles had a slightly shorter (22") barrel, made for Argentina, Bolivia etc. etc.
K98k (23.6" barrel) would not be correct, but at least look like a military rifle again!
There are probably a lot more, but I think you get the idea. The correct stock has a pistol grip and no grasping grooves, and is cut out for the standard large-ring 98 action. Someone somewhere in the US of A will surely have a suitable stock, even if he doesn't know it! Or as I already suggested, buy a wallhanger to get the wood plus fittings!
Patrick
:wave:
Venezuelan 7X57 short carbine
Many years ago when my grandfather passed away, my grandmother let the grandchildren pick out of my grandpa's old rifles. I chose the Venezuelan short carbine because I could carry it around on the pack of my motorcycle with a sling. My rifle has the old crest with the horse facing to the left and is marked FUERZAS ASMADAS de VENEZUALA and FAB.NAT. D'ARMES de GURRRA HERSTAL - BELGIQUE. I learned to reload as a kit from shooting this old rifle and I still have it to this day. My rifle barrel measures 16 -3/4 inches from the end to the action. I have seen other carbines, but not one this short. I have several books on military Mauser bolt action rifle and can find very little information about this rifle.
