This Spanish Civil Guard Model 1916 Short Rifle is in excellent condition. The M1916s were manufactured by Fábrica de Armas (1916 – 1951) and Industrias de Guerra de Cataluna (1936 – 1939). Many of M1916s were built as conversions from the preceding M1893 rifles.
Originally the M1916 were in 7mm Mauser (7×57mm Mauser). Some of these would later be converted to 8mm Mauser (7.92×57mm Mauser) into the M43 rifle. Others would be converted in the 1950s-1960s to 7.62x51mm.
Our best guess is this M1916 was originally made 1930s-40s and then converted in the early 50s to 7.62mm caliber.
This Model 1916 rifle is in excellent condition and appears to have all matching numbers (receiver, bolt, trigger guard plate, magazine).
The stock shows no cracks or splits but it does have some minor dings and scratches but overall much less than are usually seen on surplus arms of this age. The finish of the stock and hand guard is excellent and this was most likely arsenal refinished at the time it was converted to 7.62mm.
The finish on the barrel, receiver, rear sight, and most other metal parts is very good at about 80% intact. Most finish loss is seen on rear sight, bayonet lug, and butt plate. There is patina on both barrel bands and trigger guard plate. The inside of the receiver is very clean with minor wear on magazine follower as well as inside receiver. The bolt is excellent showing some wear and scratching. The bolt face is incredibly clean. The action works very smoothly and all mechanical parts function as they should. This rifle has not been test fired by us.
The bore is very good, 3.5/5, shiny with crisp rifling but some minor abrasion wear is seen. This rifle includes the cleaning rod. All other hardware (screws, sling mounts, etc) are present. Overall this is a fantastic looking example of the Spanish M1916 chambered in 7.62mm.
