FR-7
Fabrica de Armas La Coruña · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1957
Also known as: Mauser FR-7, Fusil Reformado Modelo 7, Spanish FR-7, Cetmeton
Overview
The FR-7 is a Spanish bolt-action rifle developed in the late 1950s at the Fábrica de Armas de La Coruña arsenal. It was converted from surplus Model 1916 short rifles — themselves derived from the small-ring Mauser Model 1893 — by fitting a new barrel chambered for the 7.62x51mm CETME cartridge, a CETME-pattern hooded front sight and aperture rear sight, and a hollow tube beneath the barrel for storing a cleaning kit. Issued as a training and reserve weapon, the FR-7 was designed to mirror the sight picture, ballistics and ergonomics of the new select-fire CETME rifle while Spain built up its modern small-arms inventory.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 978 mm (38.50") |
| Barrel Length | 482 mm (18.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 780 m/s (2559 fps) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm CETME, 7.62 CETME, .308 Winchester, 7.62x51
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Cleaning Rod Tube, Cetme Pattern Sights, Muzzle Brake, Stripper Clip Loading
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Armed Forces · adopted 1957
- Guardia Civil
Production
Production years: 1957-1964
Converted at the La Coruña arsenal from Model 1916 short rifles; exact FR-7 production totals are not well documented, with several thousand estimated across the FR-7/FR-8 program.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1964
Notes
Because the FR-7 is built on the weaker small-ring Mauser 1893 action, it was intended for the reduced-pressure 7.62 CETME loading rather than full-power 7.62 NATO. It is often paired with the FR-8, which used the same conversion on the stronger large-ring Model 1943 action.
Background
The 'FR' stands for Fusil Reformado ('Converted Rifle'). The FR-7 and FR-8 let Spanish conscripts train on the modern 7.62 CETME cartridge and CETME-style sights using familiar, inexpensive Mauser bolt actions before the full-auto CETME assault rifle was fielded in quantity. Surplus FR-7s flooded the Western collector market when Spain transitioned to 5.56mm weapons around 1980.