Yuku free message boards

It is a Spanish model 93 small ring.

Year of production (19?2) is stamped on front receiver ring. I can't quite make the third digit out in the photo.

These were imported in great numbers in the 50's and 60's. Many were "sporterized" (barrels shortened and stocks cut off) by the importers. They were then distributed to retailers ranging from mom & pop hardware stores to Sears & Roebuck for retail sale.

Yours has also been drilled and tapped for scope mounts, the bolt handle forged to clear a low mounted scope, and a recoil pad added. This was almost certainly done by the new owner after purchase from a distributor.

I had one my dad purchased from Sears back in the 60's. My brothers and I abused it badly over the years, shooting thousands of rounds of corrosive surplus ammo and never cleaning it. Many times I remember the first couple shots causing a cloud of reddish brown smoke to leave the muzzle. It finally got to the point it shot a pattern rather than a group. No rifling left and the muzzle would swallow a bullet.

A couple years ago I dug it out of the back of the safe and decided to do something special with it. I rebarreled it with a Swede 94 carbine barrel in 6.5x55. New sporter stock, D&T'd for scope mounts, forged and welded the scope, and new low safety. I then gave it back to my father for Christmas. I can count on one hand the times I've seen tears in his eyes. That was one of them.

The barrel would have originally been 29.5 inches long. It was just done right on a lathe and not done with a hacksaw. Some 93's were armory converted to m1916 specs by cutting the barrel down to 22 inches.

If the rifling is still good, you should try shooting it. Even a badly pitted bore can be surprisingly accurate. Since it is a small ring action without the gas handling capabilities of the 98, you should check the headspace before firing and only shoot domestic ammo or comparable low pressure handloads and always wear safety glasses with it. They can be some really handy rifles and fun also.

A new sporter stock would greatly improve the looks and fit of the rifle, especially if shooting with a scope. You can get one for well less than $100 from Boyd's if you are willing to finish it yourself.