Mauser FR-8
Fabrica de Armas La Coruña · Rifle · Discontinued · 1957
Also known as: FR8, Fusil Reformado 8, Cetmeton
Overview
The Mauser FR-8 is a Spanish bolt-action rifle converted from surplus Model 1943 short rifles, themselves based on the Model 1898 Mauser action. Rebarreled for the 7.62x51mm NATO (and 7.62mm CETME) cartridge during the 1950s, it served as a training and second-line arm while Spain fielded the new CETME semi-automatic rifle. It mounts a CETME-style hooded front sight, an aperture/V-notch disc rear sight graduated to 400 metres, and a combination muzzle brake/flash hider that doubles as a launcher for NATO-standard 22 mm rifle grenades. A prominent under-barrel tube, resembling a gas cylinder, actually houses the bayonet mount and cleaning kit.
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 | Hammer Fired |
| 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 · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm CETME
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Stripper Clip Loading, Muzzle Brake, Rifle Grenade Launcher, Cetme Pattern Front Sight, Aperture Rear Sight, Underbarrel Storage Tube
Variants
- Mauser FR-7 - Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Army · adopted 1957 · as FR-8
- Guardia Civil
Production
Production years: 1957-1960s
Converted at Fabrica de Armas La Coruña from existing Model 1943 Mauser stockpiles; retired around 1980 as Spain transitioned to 5.56mm rifles.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1980
Notes
Often nicknamed the 'Cetmeton' for its CETME-influenced furniture and sights. FR stands for 'Fusil Reformado' (reformed/converted rifle). The shorter FR-7 was built on the older Model 1916 small-ring Mauser action.
Background
When Spain adopted the 7.62mm CETME rifle in the 1950s it could not produce enough to equip and train every soldier, so it ran a parallel program rebuilding obsolescent Mauser bolt rifles into the 7.62mm FR-8 — a 'Frankenstein' Mauser deliberately styled to mimic the CETME so recruits could train on familiar controls.