Questions about origin of Belgian made k98 chambered in 7.62x51 NATO

[O'Neal Jones]

Hi all, my friend has found a Belgian made k98 mauser chambered for 7.62x51 and he says it will be my xmas gift. I know k98's are good guns and heck anything made in Belgium should be quality. He said it looks like its been in a war or two, but being the awesome friend he is, he's gonna clean it up nice for me. My question is where could this rifle be from, I do realize that is a bad discription, but its all I got to go on. Any help figuring out the origins of this rifle would be great!

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[Calif-Steve]

Is it possibly in 7.65mm? Might need a picture or two to figure this one out.

[Sarge]

I'm betting it is an FN made K98k, originaly in 8mm, made/sold to the Isrealis and later rechambered by them to 7.62 Nato.
Your friend probably said it is 7.62 because it is stamped 7.62 in large numbers across the top of the rec - above the Isreali crest.
Sarge

[Calif-Steve]

I agree with Sarge13. Nice rifle, in any event.

[O'Neal Jones]

Sarge, thank you for your response, you are absolutely correct. My friend had the rifle taken to a competent smith, who informed him of its origin as an FN K98 made for Israel after the war and rechambered to 7.62 by the Israeli's in 1947. Sounds like an interesting piece of history and my friend said the barrel looks clean so I'm sure its going to be a shooter. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR RESPONSE'S!

[Calif-Steve]

Made as an 8mm Mauser. Re-barreled into 7.62mm around 1956/58. Nice shooters with some collector value, as well.