New toy! FR-8

DSanders · October 13, 2003, 21:41

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 · October 13, 2003, 22:10

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 · October 13, 2003, 22:11

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

DSanders · October 13, 2003, 22:23

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 · October 13, 2003, 22:31

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

skfullgun · October 13, 2003, 22:45

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 · October 13, 2003, 23:21

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.as...SKU=304870&MC=

TheBigCA · October 14, 2003, 00:14

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 · October 14, 2003, 08:08

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 · October 14, 2003, 10:18

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 · October 14, 2003, 23:42

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!

Aif

**BUFF** · October 15, 2003, 03:34

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 · October 15, 2003, 16:22

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 · October 15, 2003, 18:23

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.a...CELLANEOUS&MC=
The one I'm replacing should re-finish well. If you are interested, I'll give it to you for postage.

TheBigCA · October 15, 2003, 22:33

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 · October 16, 2003, 12:37

Dang!!

Aifwikir · October 25, 2003, 03:23

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!

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.

Aif

loneeagle308 · October 25, 2003, 09:45

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** · October 25, 2003, 09:53

It'll be LOTS more accurate than the P89!

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

DSanders · November 03, 2003, 17:53

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.

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 · November 03, 2003, 18:08

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?

October 13, 2003, 21:41	#1
DSanders Registered FALaholic #: 3769 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 155	New toy! FR-8 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.

October 13, 2003, 22:10	#2
skfullgun Moderator FALaholic #: 3756 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,740	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. __________________ I'd like to spit some Beechnut in that dude's eyes, and shoot him with my ole .45!

October 13, 2003, 22:11	#3
'TUDE Registered FALaholic #: 704 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: N.Texas Posts: 6,491	Define "crack along the receiver" please. Would that be the metal receiver itself or the wood? __________________ http://smokefreequitmeter.com/index....nner/39345.png [/url]

October 13, 2003, 22:31	#5
'TUDE Registered FALaholic #: 704 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: N.Texas Posts: 6,491	Ah. Thank goodeness. Try acra-glass or superglue. __________________ http://smokefreequitmeter.com/index....nner/39345.png [/url]

October 13, 2003, 22:45	#6
skfullgun Moderator FALaholic #: 3756 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,740	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. __________________ I'd like to spit some Beechnut in that dude's eyes, and shoot him with my ole .45!

October 13, 2003, 22:23	#4
DSanders Registered FALaholic #: 3769 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 155	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.

October 13, 2003, 23:21	#7
Ssarge Registered FALaholic #: 247 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 7,473	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.as...SKU=304870&MC= __________________ http://militarysignatures.com/signatures/member899.png

October 14, 2003, 00:14	#8
TheBigCA Registered FALaholic #: 9761 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 225	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. __________________ A Day Without Shooting Something Is Like a Day Without Sunshine

October 14, 2003, 08:08	#9
Opie Registered FALaholic #: 11730 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Drewsey, OR Posts: 2,075	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.

October 14, 2003, 10:18	#10
DSanders Registered FALaholic #: 3769 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 155	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.

October 14, 2003, 23:42	#11
Aifwikir Registered FALaholic #: 2187 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Magazine, Arkansas Posts: 3,061	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! Aif __________________ Cosmo the Lene,,, Smeller of old grease! http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...ber3575new.jpg

October 15, 2003, 03:34	#12
BUFF Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 789 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 7,141	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? __________________ BUFF

October 15, 2003, 16:22	#13
DSanders Registered FALaholic #: 3769 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 155	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.

October 15, 2003, 18:23	#14
Ssarge Registered FALaholic #: 247 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 7,473	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.a...CELLANEOUS&MC= The one I'm replacing should re-finish well. If you are interested, I'll give it to you for postage. __________________ http://militarysignatures.com/signatures/member899.png

October 15, 2003, 22:33	#15
TheBigCA Registered FALaholic #: 9761 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 225	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. __________________ A Day Without Shooting Something Is Like a Day Without Sunshine

October 16, 2003, 12:37	#16
TheBigCA Registered FALaholic #: 9761 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 225	Dang!! __________________ A Day Without Shooting Something Is Like a Day Without Sunshine

October 25, 2003, 03:23	#17
Aifwikir Registered FALaholic #: 2187 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Magazine, Arkansas Posts: 3,061	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! 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. Aif __________________ Cosmo the Lene,,, Smeller of old grease! http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...ber3575new.jpg

October 25, 2003, 09:45	#18
loneeagle308 Registered FALaholic #: 3246 Join Date: May 2001 Location: in a trailer next to the runway, Naval Air Station, North Island. Posts: 888	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.

October 25, 2003, 09:53	#19
EMDII Evil Moderator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 6 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 13,971	It'll be LOTS more accurate than the P89! The FR-8 (yes I have one) is a 2 MOA gun generally. Not bad for a carbine. __________________ "The Spartans do not enquire how many enemy there are. The SPartans merely enquire WHERE they are." E.M. (Ted) Dannemiller II 1*

November 03, 2003, 17:53	#20
DSanders Registered FALaholic #: 3769 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 155	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. 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.

November 03, 2003, 18:08	#21
loneeagle308 Registered FALaholic #: 3246 Join Date: May 2001 Location: in a trailer next to the runway, Naval Air Station, North Island. Posts: 888	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?

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