FR8 Value

8

'88Scrat

New member
Recently I decided to sell my Benchmade Model 62 and after a few weeks of nothing got an offer from a guy who wants to trade me a Spanish FR8 rifle for it.

It has a Mauser action with CETME barrel and sights. It has been drilled and tapped for a scope and the bolt has been turned down and blued. He claims it is chambered in 7.62x51 NATO but I know that for a while during the time this rifle was produced there was a 7.62x51 CETME around as well.

I have two concerns, first how can I tell if it is chambered for the NATO or the CETME round. And second what is it worth you think? A model 62 Benchmade is not a cheap knife and I want to make sure I'm not getting ripped off.

Thanks
 
FR8's are built on 'large ring' Mauser actions, I don't think you have any worries. I've had one in my inventory for almost 15 years now and nothing has blown up. I would think that a bolt action is less sensitive to pressure/velocity than an autoloader which has to balance everything with springs, gas ports*, roller locks, etc., but ... meh.

That said, I do use NATO instead of commercial loadings.

*yes, no gas ports in CETME systems, I know.
 
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There is nothing wrong with the strength of the FR8, being originally a '98 Mauser in 8x57. It will handle 7.62 NATO or .308 Winchester. The 7.62 CETME was such a short lived project you will not likely ever see one.

But you have to discount for the drilled and tapped holes and bent bolt.
 
Completed sales recently:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=415325944
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The bent bolt will hurt the value, but not as much as the drill/tap.

I guess it boils down to how much you wanted for your knife. If you were asking a couple hundred bucks, it is probably a fair trade, but only if you want a FR8. I wouldn't do the trade thinking you could flip the rifle for more money, because that is pretty iffy for a modified gun.
 
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