1st Year Browning Medalist .22 LR Case & Weights Target Pistol MFD 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1500
LSB#: 211222JC03
Make: Browning (Made in Belgium by FN)
Model: Medalist
Serial Number: 22901T2
Year of Manufacture: 1962 (T2 Date Code)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Single Action
Markings: On the left side of the barrel this pistol is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM 22 L.R.” The front strap is marked with the serial number. The underside of the barrel is marked with two Belgian proof marks and “* / U” inspection mark. The front face of the slide and the bottom of the grip is marked with a Belgian proof and an inspector’s mark.
Barrel Length: 6 3/4?, Heavy Barrel with Vent-Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an undercut serrated Patridge blade pinned to the ventilated rib. The rear sight is a square notch, adjustable for windage and elevation mounted to the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The installed grip is a large walnut target grip with a thumb shelf and matching Schnabel-style tip forend. The grip has a few minor spots of interrupted finish on the left side along the shelf and on the top of the right side. The checkering shows light wear and remains sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The shell deflector pin is not included. The grips rate in about Fine-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a couple faint marks on the barrel. The trigger guard has two small freckles of oxidation. There is very light handling wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol comes in a black leather coated hard sided case with brass locking latch on the front, red felt interior with fitted depressions for the pistol, barrel weight set, multi tool, and cartridge tray, all of which are included along with a total of one 10-round magazine. There is a plaque in the case at the top-right reading “Automatics by / BROWNING / St. Louis, Mo.”.
Our Assessment: The Browning Medalist model is a fine example of a true Bullseye match .22 target pistol. It can be fit with a variety of barrel weights or the installed forend and has a track record of quality. The Medalist .22 Caliber Pistol was introduced in 1962 and ceased production in 1974, putting this one in the first year of manufacture. This example is in about Fine-Excellent condition. This pistol is quite attractive and should present well in its medalist case for a Browning collector. If not being presented, this pistol will make an outstanding target gun. Please see our photos and good luck!