FN Model 24. The FN Mauser Model 1924 is a very famous and desired rifle with a rich history. The FN Model 24 series is a derivative of the Mauser Gewehr 98 patter rifle however was modified by Belgian’s Fabrique Nationale factory to fit their manufacturing needs. The rifle is actually very similar to the Czech VZ24 rifle in terms of appearance , feel, straight bolt handle, and use of carbine length barrels. However it should be noted that parts are not interchangeable between the two. The rifle came into existence after Germany had lost the First World War and had to capitulate a large inventory of their Mauser Gewehr 1898 rifles as a reparations. Like the Czechs, FN Belgium had built many of these rifles under contract for foreign nations with minor differences for each nation based on their needs. These rifles were produced until 1968 and some stayed in storage by the Belgian reserves until 1986. The rifle became world famous and was used by many militaries around the world over different time frames.  Belgium, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Congo, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Indonesia, Israel,Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Paraguay, Iran (Persia), Peru, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Costa Rica all had used this rifle as a primary service rifle at some point in their nation’s history. Germany’s case was rather interesting as they were dopted after Germany had invaded Belgium in WWII. FN was required to produce the rifles in 8x57mm Mauser  for second line German units.

The rifle pictured is the rifle for sale. This is an FN M.24/30 or formally known Model 1930 Greek contract Mauser chambered in 8mm Mauser (7.92×57 aka 8×57 JS) This rifle would be considered very good condition. This rifle is quite rare as only 75,000 units were made for Greece. These rifles were used by the Greeks in three major conflicts after their implementation so the fact that one has made it to us is truly special. The rifle has the Greek marking for the Kingdom of Greece Royal Crown Shield Coat of Arms. We also noted a few German eagles on metal parts indicating that this rifle may have been captured by German forces during WWII.  Not all serial numbers are matching. The stock is in very good condition the stock retains a majority of its finish with only light blemishes from service use, transportation and storage. The buttplate looks clean, there is about 50% of the original bluing finish intact, most wear is on the end of the barrel. The barrel bands do not have bluing finish, but that may be original for this pattern. The barrel has good rifling intact throughout the length of the bore. We did note a fair amount of pitting we would rate the barrel 3/5. The bolt and bolt face look excellent and give the action a nice smooth and strong feeling.

The FN Model 30 or FN Mauser Model 1930 is a very rare and very interesting Mauser rifle along the family of FN M.24 rifles. The FN Mod 30 Mauser was needed during the interwar period. Greece placed an order with FN for 75,000 FN Model 24/30 short rifles in between the years of 1930 and 1939 these models earned the nickname “Model 1930” and were used for the Greco Italian War, German Invasion, and Greek Resistance

• Kingdom of Greece Coat of Arms Crest
• FAB, NAT’DARMES DE GUERRE
• HERSTAL BELGIUM
• 8x57JS
• YTT 1930
• Eagle over N
• Triple Crown
• 96
• Delta (Triangle)
• WJA77 – Magazine floor plate
• German Eagle – Front Barrel Band
• Rack Number – Faint paint on stock