Spanish Oviedo Model 1916 Short Rifle 7.62 NATO Mauser Bolt Action
This Spanish Model 1916 was factory-converted during the Cold War from its original 7×57 mm chambering to 7.62×51 mm NATO. Built on the proven small-ring Mauser 1893 action and marked with an OT-prefix serial denoting the NATO program, it combines classic Mauser handling with a modern cartridge. A 22-inch barrel, straight-grip hardwood stock, and distinctive buttstock sling bar give this short rifle both practical utility and collector appeal.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good — showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent — clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Good — intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Light handling marks are present on the stock and metal surfaces consistent with service use; the bore is bright and clean.
What’s Included
- Canvas sling (installed)
Arsenal work at Fábrica de Armas Oviedo rechambered and refurbished this rifle, upgrading it to 7.62 NATO while retaining the original forged steel receiver and cock-on-close bolt. Spanish proof and acceptance marks remain crisp, confirming military inspection after conversion.
The 22-inch barrel carries an inverted-V front blade and a tangent rear sight graduated from 100 to 2000 meters, giving shooters period-correct iron sight capability with the flatter-shooting NATO round.
A straight-grip, oil-finished hardwood stock pairs with a matching upper handguard. The buttstock features the Spanish cavalry-style sling slot with a hinged bar, a detail unique to these Oviedo short rifles.
Finished in military hot-blue, the metal surfaces show only normal service wear, preserving clear arsenal markings and the OT serial prefix that collectors look for in authentic 7.62 NATO conversions.
The internal 5-round magazine and 13.25-inch length of pull keep handling true to Mauser form, making this rifle both a shootable classic and a documented piece of Cold War small-arms history.