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Posted: 2/15/2010 3:50:36 PM EDT
Yep, an Egyptian Rasheed. I had been toying with the idea of picking up something in 7.62x39 for awhile, and just barely passed on a couple of SKS's recently. However, when I saw this little baby at a recent show, I couldn't help myself. The Egyptians only made around 8000 of these; of that maybe 2000 were imported into the US (most, if not all, by CAI). The Rasheed is a scaled-down version of the Hakim with some design elements from the SKS incorporated. Same DI gas system. It's in pretty nice shape. The finish shows some wear, but the wood is solid and the bore is excellent (for those who don't know Rasheeds, these have chrome-lined bores). The same arabic serial number is marked on every part I can find (stamped on the buttplate, EP'ed on the bolt, safety and cover). Haven't gotten a chance to take it out and run it through the paces, though - that will have to wait. I know a couple others here also have Rasheeds - what are you using for slings? Mine came with a crude green web sling that is apparently an Egyptian AKM sling. Not sure it's correct for the Rasheed, but it's at least Egyptian, so it'll stay until I can find the right sling. -Mark |
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You'll love it. I've found the Rasheed to be one of the more pleasantly surprising C&R rifles I've ever handled. They're short, handy, and surprisingly accurate. In fact, the two I have have shown the capability to produce "Garand style" groupings at 100 yds, which is saying something when comparing them to other 7.62 x 39 caliber rifles. Under 3" groups are common, and with good ammo or handloads, sub 2" groups are attainable. There is almost zero recoil or perceived muzzle rise from the Rasheed, so it becomes as fast to fire on follow up shots as an M1 carbine. They really are nice rifles. Here's the two "mint" examples I've been able to find.   And with it's Ljungman derived kin-folk...  We need a range report!  |
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It'll probably be spring before I can get it out, though I did have the foresight to pick up 100rds of 7.62x39 at the same show to go along with it.
I see you have the same sling on one of yours as came with mine, so I guess it's correct enough. I've read the Egyptians just used whatever they had on hand and there wasn't any specific "right" sling for these. Are your stocks varnished? I know the Rasheeds had beech wood stocks, but I've seen some blonde with a thick varnish, and some dark with an oil (probably linseed or tung oil) finish, like mine. Not sure what the difference signifies, although mine has a green painted rack number ("12" in Arabic), so I know the finish isn't something that was done after the rifle left service. -Mark |
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The bottom one is sort of a varnish type finish. The top has an oil type finish. Neither has dings or handling marks, so unlike most Rasheeds I've seen, it doesn't look like they've seen much "action" if any at all. I've seen several blondes, but typically, the darker "Hakim" color (as seen above in the group shot) that yours has is what I've observed. I have also seen a couple "blonde" Hakims, but again, the darker color is typical, especially for those rifles that show usage. I haven't found an ammo that it doesn't like, but what works best (accuracy wise) is Golden Tiger. I think these rifles, as well as the Madsen M47 are sleeper collectibles due to their low production numbers and high quality. |
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Another quick question - what parts on yours are serialed? On mine, besides the receiver, I've found serial numbers (Arabic) on the buttplate, safety assembly, cover, bolt carrier, and bolt. Is anything else marked on yours, and are the serials electropencil or stamped?
These things have a simple takedown, don't they? Much easier than I thought it would be. Thanks! Mark |
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