Description

South American Surplus: FN Model 1950 Colombian Mauser – .30-06 Springfield

A fantastic blend of world-class Belgian craftsmanship and Cold War-era South American military history, the FN Model 1950 was produced by the legendary Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Herstal, Belgium, for the Colombian Armed Forces (Fuerzas Militares de Colombia). Built on the incredibly strong, time-tested Mauser 98 controlled-round-feed action, these rifles were famously ordered chambered in .30-06 Springfield, allowing Colombia to standardize its logistics with post-WWII United States military aid.

This specific rifle is a highly desirable piece for military surplus (milsurp) collectors. It prominently features the beautifully intricate Colombian National Crest stamped on the receiver ring, along with the distinct “.30” caliber marking on the rear receiver bridge. Offering the legendary smoothness of an FN-produced Mauser action and the modern accessibility of the .30-06 cartridge, this rifle is an outstanding addition to any C&R collection and a highly capable vintage shooter.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre (Herstal, Belgium)

• Contract: Colombian Military Forces

• Model: Model 1950 (Mauser 98 Short Rifle configuration)

• Caliber: .30-06 Springfield (Stamped “.30” on the receiver bridge)

• Action: Bolt-Action (Mauser 98 pattern with large-ring receiver, controlled-round feed, and dual locking lugs)

• Capacity: 5 Rounds (Internal box magazine fed via stripper clips)

• Barrel Length: 23.5 inches

• Sights: Traditional military tangent rear sight (graduated for distance), paired with an inverted “V” front blade sight.

• Markings: Features the distinct Colombian National Crest on the receiver ring, FN Herstal manufacturer marks on the left receiver rail, and the “.30” caliber designation on the rear bridge.

• Furniture: Traditional military hardwood stock and upper handguard, equipped with side-mounted sling swivels, a bayonet lug, and a steel buttplate.

• Safety: Classic Mauser 98 three-position flag safety on the rear of the bolt.

• Finish: Traditional military blued carbon steel.

Condition Report

This FN Colombian Mauser is an honest, authentic military surplus rifle. It displays the expected cosmetic character of a service rifle that spent time in the South American climate, but remains mechanically robust and ready for the range.

• Finish: Retains approximately 70-75% of its original military bluing. The finish has naturally thinned and transitioned to a smooth, even grey/plum patina in high-handling areas like the receiver ring, bolt handle, and trigger guard. The Colombian crest and FN factory stampings remain clear and deeply struck. There is no active, deep rust, though some scattered, very light surface freckling typical of surplus rifles may be present.

• Bore: Good to Very Good. The bore is surprisingly bright for a surplus rifle, with strong, pronounced rifling. There is some minor frosting in the grooves typical of military ammunition use, but it is not “shot out” or heavily pitted.

• Wood: The military hardwood stock is structurally solid with no major structural cracks or splits. It displays a heavy, authentic military patina with standard dings, dents, scratches, and compression marks from its service life and storage in military armories. The wood-to-metal fit remains properly snug.

• Mechanics: The FN-machined Mauser action is legendary for a reason—it is buttery smooth and locks up like a bank vault. The bolt cycles reliably, the extractor grips casings tightly, and the standard military two-stage trigger functions perfectly with a clean break. The three-position safety engages properly.