New toy! FR-8

[DSanders]

Woohoo! I just bought (well actually put iy on layaway) a FR-8 Mauser. I have one already, but Pops laid claim on it after it resided in his safe too long. A local dealer had it at the funshow this weekend, but I didn't buy it there. I had to stew on it for a day. So I went in today and placed it on layaway. I was short on funds after the funshow. Anyway, paid $195 + tax. I think I got a good deal.

My question is this. I noticed a small crack along the receiver. Is there a way of repairing it? It'll shoot in its present condition, but I'm I'm a perfectionist. :)

[skfullgun]

Please tell me the crack was not actually ON the receiver...
If so, are you sure it was not a "scratch"? Was it at the front of the receiver where the barrel screws in? If so, it may have been an alignment mark.

If the receiver is "cracked" the rifle is toast.

['TUDE]

Define "crack along the receiver" please. Would that be the metal receiver itself or the wood?

[DSanders]

:D Oops. I guess I should have elaborated. The crack is on the stock just below the bolt. It's not on the receiver itself. I may be willing to buy a lot of stuff, but a potentail bomb isn't one of them. :]

['TUDE]

Ah. Thank goodeness.
Try acra-glass or superglue.

[skfullgun]

Some of the modern wood glues are amazing. They should do the trick, or do as Faltitude suggested for another "sure" cure.

Congrats on the purchase.

[Ssarge]

If it won't repair, you can buy an M43 stock from Gun Parts Corp. (thats all the FR 8 is, a modified M43 with cutdown stock) You just have to cut it down to fit. I just got one to fix up one of my FR 8s which has great looking but cracked wood. http://www.e-gunparts.com/product.asp?chrProductSKU=304870&MC=

[TheBigCA]

Don't waste you money on a new stock. Put some sweat equity into it. It will repair. Put in some TLC and end up with a sweetheart.

Tell us how it shoots. I sure love mine, and I did a lot of work to that stock.

[Opie]

What does one of these go for nowadays? I've seen one locally in very good shape (looks unissued) for 325. Is that a good price? "Home-6" liked it, so it looks like I may have to find one of those pretty soon. Gonna by a K-31 first, and see if she likes it, if not I got a new rifle, and will have to get one of these. BTW, Sorry if I inadvertantly hijacked this thread, but I had a question about this rifle.

[DSanders]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I'll post a more thorough description (w/ pics) and my possible courses of action when I pick it up.

Opie, I don't know about every one else, but I've seen the FR-8s pop up on Gunbroker and Auction Arms every now and again for anywhere from $200 - $375. They must be that popular. Then again, you might spot one at the local pawnshop for much less.

[Aifwikir]

I just replaced the stock on my FR-8 also. Got an M43 stock from Numrich Arms has them for around $35.00 . Cut it to length, a little wood stripper, a steam iron and some sand paper and you'll have something like this!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid68/p748a57a08af952e90a0b61d5692a01e3/fbc34dcf.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid68/p5971c03596cf6c3a99f0e33d7e6e8d83/fbc34966.jpg

:D
Aif

[BUFF]

Most of the metal on mine is really nice but the stock has a lot of gouges and is otherwise quite beat. I bought a new stock and handguard from Springfield Sporters before they went belly-up.

I DO need a new buttplate and screws. Does anyone know a source for those?

[DSanders]

I forgot to mention that it looks like part of the gun has been "bubbarized." The bolt has been polished and I think they were trying to go for the jeweled effect. BTW, how would you go about cutting down the stock? Aifwikir, I like the way your rifle turned out.

[Ssarge]

Aif, that is awsome looking! I sure hope mine turns out as well.
Buff, my M43 stock from GunParts Corp. came complete with buttplate and all other metal. I don't recall seeing buttplates sold seperately.
Here's the link to GPC. http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=1780zMISCELLANEOUS&MC=
The one I'm replacing should re-finish well. If you are interested, I'll give it to you for postage.

[TheBigCA]

Nice pics boys. Glad to hear there's an alternative in case I break my original reworked/reborn stock.

I'm always finding myself in need of another picture hosting board. I'm awaiting conf email from yet another.

Will post a pic then.

[TheBigCA]

http://www.picturefuse.com/picdetail.php?picid=32227

Dang!!

[Aifwikir]

On cutting down the M43 stock, I used a Mitter box. Turned the stock on it's top, flat front portion. and hacked it off!. Ohh, I did measure it first! :eek:

I used EZ strip wood stripper from Walmart (3 times) and washed it off with a garden hose. Then I steam ironed the dings out of the butt area. Wet a towel and use the iron on that. (Be sure to let the stock dry thoroughly before installing metal parts) I used one coat of Tru-Oil on it for that dull finish look.

When you order the stock from Numrich Arms you get all the metal parts with it. Keep the short upper handguard though, as handguard that comes with the stock isn't the correct one for the FR-8.

:D
Aif

[loneeagle308]

I just posted a thread asking about the accuracy of the FR8 in general discusion forum. How do they shoot? I traded my ruger p89 for one. It should be arriving soon.

[EMDII]

It'll be LOTS more accurate than the P89!
:rofl:

The FR-8 (yes I have one) is a 2 MOA gun generally. Not bad for a carbine.

[DSanders]

I went a picked up my FR-8 this weekend. I even took the opportunity to take her to the range and compare her to her sister. One word, "Sweet!" Here she is with her big sister. She's the one on the left as you look at the pic.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid87/p0a0950b0f38cbf9a16e57570c3677ab0/faa756d0.jpg.orig.jpg

I'll have to post the pic of the crack in her stock a little later. It's a little worst than I thought because it's about 2 inches long. :(

[loneeagle308]

I am totally happy with my new FR8. So much better than the P89! It slaughtered all pumkins in its sight. Huge holes in te back of their heads! Awesome! Kicks like a mule though. Anybody thinking of putting a scope on theirs though?