M1943 Spanish Mauser 7.62x51

This rifle appears to be a M1943.

This rifle appears to be a M1943.

It was manufactured by Fabrica de Armas La Coruna and is a variant of the German K98k Mauser. Like the K98k, the 1943 was originally chambered in 7.92x57. This one is in 7.62x54 like the FR-8 although this rifle doesnt have the shorter stock etc of those.

These rifles were manufactured from 1943 to 1957 as a replacement for the 7mm Model 1916 Spanish Short Rifle The M1893 introduced a short staggered-column box magazine that fit flush with the bottom of the stock; , the internal magazine held five , which could be reloaded quickly by pushing a stripper clip from the top of the open bolt.

This rifle was made in the Fábrica de Armas factory in Oviedo, and appears to have been fitted with a 30 cal barrel chambered for 7.62x51 .

The Industrias Santa Barbara ( the Spanish National Arsenal organisation) made commercial Santa Barbara New actions for gunsmiths, and also 7,62 NATO ( aka .308 Win) M43 rifles for sale in the US and elsewhere.
These were new made rifles, fitted with new .30 cal barrels chambered for 7,62 NATO ammunition. And proofed according to Spanish Proofing Law for Commercial Rifles. They had no Military I D markings

They are a well-built rifle with a history proven design with modern 1960s technology.
The Santa Barbara commercial sporting actions ( all made at La Corunna as were all the Military M43 rifles) continued to be made for British and US gunsmiths well into 2000s.
Parker Hale of Britain was one of the major users of the sporting action.