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FN/Browning International Medalist Question??
Spring Creek
Member Posts: 1,260 ✭
Browning marketed the International Medalist (w/5.9" barrel)from 1970-1975.
At which time (1975) FN/Browning introduced the "Second Model" International Medalist. It had the "parkerized" finish and Palm Rest grips.
When was this model discontinued? I'm thinking mid-80's.
If FN collectors could look at their mid-80's FN Brochures, I was hoping they could narrow down last year that the pistol was cataloged.
Thanks
At which time (1975) FN/Browning introduced the "Second Model" International Medalist. It had the "parkerized" finish and Palm Rest grips.
When was this model discontinued? I'm thinking mid-80's.
If FN collectors could look at their mid-80's FN Brochures, I was hoping they could narrow down last year that the pistol was cataloged.
Thanks
Comments
The original intention was to build a gun that would qualify under both N.R.A. and International Shooting Union regulations. The heavy barrel has a non-glare ventilated rib. They were only made with barrels 5.9" long, giving a sight radius of 8.6". All the micrometer rear sights were adjustable for both windage and elevation and are positive.
Barrel markings on the left side are as follows:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.
On the right side were the words:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
The grips were made of walnut and have a thumb rest, they are not adjustable like the second model and are checkered 18 lines per inch. The grooved triggers were fully adjustable for weight of pull and backlash. As in the Medalist there is a dry fire mechanism as standard. All were shipped in a leatherette pistol case lined in red velvet.
The second version of the International Medalist was sold in this country in 1980. It is generally refered to by collectors as the International Medalist II. It has a heavy barrel that is bored and rifled to a high standard of excellance to assure accuracy and consistency. Under the barrel, a weight is fitted that can be slid forward or backward so that the shooter can alter the balance as he sees fit. The most apparent difference with the first variation are the checkered walnut adjustable grips that have a palm rest you can move to make them as comfortable as possible.
The front sight is interchangeable with different types and sizes of blades, and the rear sight has positive click adjustments for both windage and elevation. Triggers are gold plated and adjustable so that the shooter can adapt it to the type of shooting and his own preferences.
All were matte finished to cut down on the glare. These are strickly functional target pistols that were made for competitors. They are rare and very collectable, for only 200 were shipped to this country. They are still being made for sales outside of the U.S.
All barrels were 5 15/16" and marked with both F.N. and Browning Arms Company names. On the left side:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.
MADE IN BELGIUM
BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL
On the right side:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
The ones made in France were marked with a "P" in the serial number, markeings on the barrel are as follows:
MADE IN FRANCE
BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL
On the other side:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
On one side:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
It was delivered in a deluxe zippered case.
Hope this helps, from "Browning Sporting Arms of Distinction" by Matt Eastman.
Edited by - Rembrandt on 08/05/2002 13:23:48
You say you are advertising one.
Please give me more information as to where you have one listed and what item #.
Email: springcreeknra@yahoo.com
Edited by - Rembrandt on 08/05/2002 13:22:49
Thanks for your help.
I have the same research books, that say that same thing.
In fact I have a first year (1970) International Medalist, which is one of the first 20 made--it in fact has a forearm. One of two know to exist with forearm on International Medalist. Oddly enough the forearm, along with the barrel length is why the "Standard" Medalist was not legal in ISU shooting events.
I also have a 1973 International Medalist.
I recently purchased the "Second Model" International Medalist (w/palm rest), it was made in 1975 (first year). What I'm curious to find out is: the International II was still listed in early 80's FN catalogs, but not later 80"s.
Wondering for sure what year they were discontinued.
Thanks
Can't help on the exact dates, but you are a fortunate fellow to own one. I'm still kicking myself for passing on a Renaissance Medalist for $1200.....went back to get it and sure enough, someone else got it....one of the most beautiful pistols I've ever seen.