Request info for Venezuelan FN 24/30

[cbiscuit]

Hi all, first time poster looking for some information on a rifle I picked up at my local gun store. I have always liked Mausers and finally got to pick one up which looked very nice. I was hoping someone more versed on the subject could tell me if it is authentic. Parts seem to match and the wood is in excellent condition with what appears to be a very low serial number. From my own research I believe these were sold to Venezuela under contract from FN. I don't see any dates listed so I am unable to tell exactly what year this would have been made. Any further info would be greatly appreciated.

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Information

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[Aussie48]

Hi cbiscuit,

It is indeed a Venezuelan FN Model 24/30, is it still in original 7 x 57 mm, if you could measure the barrel length I can tell you which of the 3 models it is. The standard 24/30 Short Rifle was negotiated with FN in 1930 and the order placed for 16,500 during 1934 - 1935. Smaller orders to FN continued up to the second world war, with total quantities purchased unknown. I suspect it has been re-barrelled as the rear sight leaf is incorrect it should be marked to 2000 metres. Does the number on the bolt match the barrel number? If it does it would be one of the earliest made so 1934.
Information obtained from 5th Edition Mauser Military Rifles of the World

Dick

[Patrick Chadwick]

Nearly there Dick!

In fact, if you look at the bottom of P.398 in MMRotW you wil find the twin of this rifle, described as the "FN Model 24/30 Target Rifle". That explains the long barrel and the sight leaf graduated only to 1000 meters.

So not a fudged-up example, but a very rare specimen!
One may assume that the components were specially selected for the Olympics and that it shoots better than average - it looks as if it is in much better condition that the example in the book!

[Aussie48]

Hi Patrick,

My first assumption was the Olympic Model from the photo of the overall length of the barrel which is why I asked for the barrel measurement to be sure. I couldn't find any information reference the Olympic sights, my old eyes aren't what they used to be.
Sadly my 24/30 is just a beautiful bog standard one in excellent condition.
That one does look in very good condition, one always ponders where they hide all their lives, I found mine in a little out in the bush gunshop, unloved until it kind of followed me home.

Dick

[cbiscuit]

Thank you for the quick replies and the excellent information. I can certainly measure the barrel after I get out of work. The serial number on the bolt handle matches the one on the receiver however I did not see a number listed that was visible for the barrel itself. Is there somewhere under the wood it would be hidden that I would need to look?

[Calif-Steve]

If I recall it, I think Springfield Sporters had these rifles for sale for 1-2 years. They were odd looking and most folks passed on them. They are the real deal and are true keepers.

[cbiscuit]

This one in particular came out of a small gun shop on the outskirts of Philadelphia. I was actually on the hunt for a decent m91/30 and asked to see what surplus rifles they had. In between 2 quite bad condition Arisaka's was this beauty. In reference to an earlier question this is still chambered for 7 x 57mm.

-Conor

[Aussie48]

Mate in that case I think you have the very rare Olympic Model, the barrel length will confirm this, just like my 24/30 tucked away in an out of the way country gunshop in beautiful condition but unwanted as no one knew what it was.

Great find

Dick