Make: Factory 54, Maadi Egypt

Model: Hakim

Serial Number: 2929

Year of Manufacture: 1956

Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)

Action Type: Semi Auto, Direct Impingement Gas Operated, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side is marked with a crown and , “1956 / 2929” in Arabic. There is a matching import serial underneath. There are various Arabic scripts. There is an import mark on the barrel.

Barrel Length: Approximately 23", 25 3/4 “ with muzzle device.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade post set atop a raised block. The rear sight is an aperture elevator sight marked to 10.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a capped forend & bayonet lug, barrel band w/ sling bar, finger grooves, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, steel buttplate. There are some large chips, pressure dents, and scratches throughout. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion in the bore with some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is faint thinning and light action wear throughout. There are drag marks from use. There are scratches and small nicks throughout. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with one 10rd magazine.

Our Assessment: The Egyptian Hakim Semi-Auto Rifle, chambered in 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm), is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle developed in Egypt during the 1950s. The rifle’s design is based on the Swedish AG-42 Ljungman rifle, which was adapted by Egyptian engineers to accommodate the larger and more powerful 8mm Mauser cartridge, a common caliber in the region at the time. The Hakim served as a mainstay for the Egyptian military during a time of modernization and transition, reflecting both local production efforts and foreign influences. The Hakim’s action is a direct impingement system, where gas is siphoned off from the barrel to cycle the action without the use of pistons. This system, inherited from the AG-42, was unique but highly efficient, reducing moving parts and enhancing reliability in various environmental conditions. However, the 8mm Mauser round generates significantly more recoil and gas pressure compared to the original 6.5mm Swedish cartridge, leading to the inclusion of a gas adjustment system on the Hakim. The rifle has a distinctive, almost industrial appearance with its full wooden stock and a large, exposed charging handle on the right side. It features a long barrel which helps maximize the ballistic performance of the 8mm Mauser round. The Hakim is also equipped with a 10-round magazine that is loaded via stripper clips, similar to many other military rifles of the mid-20th century. The magazine can be removed for cleaning or maintenance, although it was not designed to be swapped out quickly in combat situations. Weighing approximately 10.5 pounds, the Hakim is relatively heavy, contributing to its stability when firing the potent 8mm Mauser round. The 8mm Mauser had been a standard military cartridge in many countries since World War I, and its use in the Hakim ensured that the rifle could compete with other military arms of the era in terms of range and lethality. The Hakim rifle was used by the Egyptian military in several conflicts during the mid-20th century, including the Suez Crisis and various engagements with Israel. Its rugged construction and reliability in harsh desert conditions earned it a solid reputation among the troops who used it.

Overall, the Egyptian Hakim Semi-Auto Rifle is a distinctive, powerful firearm that represents a period of military innovation in Egypt. With its 8mm Mauser chambering, robust construction, and direct impingement system, the Hakim offers a blend of European design influences and local adaptation, making it a noteworthy rifle both historically and technically.