Fábrica de Armas de Oviedo Model 1916 Mauser Short Rifle, 7.62x51 NATO Conversion, 21.75 in Barrel
This Spanish Model 1916 short rifle was arsenal-converted to 7.62x51 NATO and retains classic small-ring Mauser features with practical service updates. Notable elements include the re-calibrated tangent rear sight with an arsenal range plate, a left-rail "7.62" conversion stamp, a 21.75 in barrel, and a side-sling configuration. It has a blued receiver with an in-the-white bolt, controlled-round feed, and a 5-round internal magazine, with production originally spanning 1916–1936 and later conversion to 7.62x51.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The hardwood stock shows numerous blemishes and scratches. The metal surfaces exhibit a widespread layer of pitting across various finished areas, with patches visible throughout. The rifling remains well-defined with minimal blemishing. The front sight blade is absent; only the protected front sight base is present.
What's Included
- Fábrica de Armas de Oviedo Model 1916 short rifle (7.62x51 NATO conversion)
Arsenal conversion to 7.62x51 NATO is confirmed by the "7.62" stamp on the left receiver rail and the rear sight re-calibrated with an arsenal-applied range/numbering plate. The tangent rear sight carries metric graduations to 2000 m, paired with a protected front sight base (front blade not installed).
The small-ring Mauser receiver retains hallmark features: oval thumb cut, charger clip guide, gas relief port, and a full-length claw extractor with controlled-round feed. It operates with a cock-on-close action and a flag safety. The straight bolt handle with a large round knob offers a traditional Mauser handling profile.
This short-rifle configuration uses a 21.75 in barrel and a 5-round internal magazine. Furniture consists of a full-length hardwood stock with a separate handguard, two cross-bolts, a left-side sling slot, and a steel buttplate. The side-sling arrangement is completed by the barrel band loop, and the length of pull measures 13.0 in.
Finish details include a blued receiver and barrel bands contrasted by an in-the-white bolt, plus a milled trigger guard and floorplate. Additional collector-relevant points include non-matching assembly numbers and a scrubbed crest on the receiver ring, consistent with arsenal practices. Origin is Spain, with original manufacture in the 1916–1936 period and subsequent 7.62x51 conversion.