Older Browning Rifles.

[Pukindog]

You have one of the rarest cataloged Browning Hi-Powers made. Only about 350 rifles made in Safari grade; 20 medallion grades; and 23 Olympian grades. Serial number indicates it was made in 1965. The last .284 I saw sold was new in the box and went for $4200.00.

Jeff

[Shufflin-along]

[QUOTE=Pukindog;1704843]Browning High Power rifles. There were three grades; Safari, Medallion, and Olympian. Upon introduction in 1959m all rifles were produced by FN in Belgium. The Safari Grade was the first of the line in 1959. In 1959 the standard Safari calibers were built on the large ring Mauser actions. These were the .264 Win. Mag., 270 Win., 7mm Rem. Mag., 30-06 Spring., 300 H&H Mag., 308 Norma Mag., .338 Win. Mag., 375 H&H Mag., and the .458 Win. Mag. In 1960 the .243 Win. and the .308 were introduced on the small ring Mauser action. These rifles are at a premium. There were a few large ring rifles produced in .243 Win. and .308 Win. These are really rare. In 1964 the Sako medium length action (L579) was introduced. These were produced in .22-250 Rem., 243 Win., .284 win., and .308 Win. Sako also provided barrek=led actions in the small action (L461). The calibers were .222Rem., &222. Rem. Mag.,
I realize I am being long winded here but I collect these fine rifles. Note that Sako was the only manufactureer that could stand up to the FN requirements. Sako did not produce finished rifles for FN.
The medallion and Olympian Grades followed in 1960.
If you want any more info as to production date or ? send me an IM.

Jeff

[Shufflin-along]

Jeff,

My photos are too large for the attachment. How can I get them to you?

Charles

[Pukindog]

Try and email them to me.

Mballistic@aol.com

Jeff

[rwd3971]

Jeff I have a question about a rifle, it is a small ring Mauser action, In 243, it has a serial number 42011 which is on the reciever and barrel , there appears to be no makers name on it other than it says made in Belgium and chrome vanidiam steel on barrel, it has a highly figures curly maple stock with a roll over check piece, the safety is to the rear of the reciever not on bolt head like most mausers, and it has a gold inlaid floor plate with what looks like a head of an elk or maybe a stag with gold leaves, also the trigger guard is engraved on bottom got any idea what I may have here and possible manf. Date thanks for your time

[Pukindog]

The serial number is not a Browning number. Most likely an FN built barrel and action albeit it should have a makers name.

Photo would be a big help.
Jeff

[Tpitt]

Hi Jeff
I have a Browning 1959 with serial number 9L50006 what could you tell me about this gun in about how much it's worth!

[Pukindog]

First of all the 9L indicates an FN long action made in 1969. 1959 rifles do not have a numerical prefix to the serial number.
Second without any info at all your rifle it is impossible to give you an answer.
Jeff

[ljcdpm]

Hello, New to site. GREAT information posted her by Pukindog. So, now on to my rifle. Browning Safari .308 with SN# L 109XX in 95% condition. With all the information given here and on the web, I still am unable to correctly date this firearm or determine whether it is "small ring or large ring" mauser action. Your help is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks

[Mungo2]

Interesting, your post made me go open the RSC to see if my Browning 308, L109xx , (which I would guess to be about 95% except I don't have any knowledge on how to rate) was still there. Thankfully it is.😜 My searches for information on it had been unsucessful also. But it does measure to be a small ring. Hope Jeff can tell us something about these fine firearms.

I have had my copy since the early 70's when my uncle gave it to me. Mostly just been a safe queen. I don't think he ever hunted with it.