FN Browning Safari Grade

Alakar

I'm trying to figure out the date of manufacture of a FN Browning Safari Grade High Power Rifle. Caliber is .300 Winchester Magnum and Serial Number is "591## L70".

I've already looked here http://www.proofhouse.com/browning/index.html but I'm still not sure what it is. Does anybody have any ideas on this?

EDIT: Forgot to list that this has a short extractor Mauser action.

rufe-snow

We have had a number of similar posts on the same subject in the past. For some reason in the late 60's time frame, Brownings serial numbering ? SYSTEM ? went haywire.


My WAG is that your rifle is a Medallion Grade, made in 1970.

Alakar

Thanks Rufe. That does make sense looking at the serial number data that's available. Maybe I'll pay the $40 to Browning to get all the info. It would be worth it, especially if its a Medallion Grade.

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by Alakar
Thanks Rufe. That does make sense looking at the serial number data that's available. Maybe I'll pay the $40 to Browning to get all the info. It would be worth it, especially if its a Medallion Grade.




I find it very strange that Browning doesn't have the information for these F N made rifles,( circa mid 60's/ early 70's ), on their site. But they do for other types of firearms, made during this same time frame.

COINCIDENTALLY ? these are the same F N manufactured rifles that were involved in the "Salt Wood" fiasco. When the U.S. Browning organization provided wood contaminated with salts to F N in Belgium.

Alakar

Yeah, I know about the salt wood stocks. I don't believe this rifle has one. I have no corrosion around the edges of the stock, the finish is still nearly spotless, and there are no darker spots on the wood. I do want to pull the stock to check the metal underneath and would like to do a silver nitrate test to confirm it before putting it up for sale.