FN Browning High Power Safari Grade .30-06 22.5″ Bolt Action Rifle 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1222
LSB#: 220110MM001
Make: Browning (Made by FN in Belgium)
Model: FN High-Power Safari Grade
Serial Number: 2L17009
Year of Manufacture: 1962 C&R
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action with Hinged Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY / St LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q.”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with a “* / K” inspector’s mark, and “crown / R”, “lion / P.V.”, and “E / LG / *” in bomb proof marks. The left side of the chamber ring has a “Lion over PV” proof, another liege proof, and a “* / K” inspector’s mark. The right side of the shank is marked “2L 17009”. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .30-06 ONLY / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “17009” and the top of the bolt handle is marked with a “Lion over PV” proof. The magazine floorplate and trigger guard have gold colored engraving.
Barrel Length: 22 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade which is dovetailed into a serrated ramp base that is fixed to the barrel. The base is slotted for a hood that is not present. The rear sight is a flip-up U-notch leaf that is fine adjustable for elevation and dovetailed to a raised base. The rear sight appears to be a replacement. The top of the receiver has two sets of drilled and tapped holes for mounting an optic (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece checkered walnut with a Monte Carlo comb with cheekpiece, pistol grip, thru-bolt, sling swivel studs, and a checkered steel buttplate. The position of the sling studs was adjusted and the previous holes have been filled. There are small repaired portions on either side of the front of the trigger guard. The wood shows some faint draglines on the buttstock with a small gash on the right. The checkering is sharp. These stocks were known to have salt brine between the years 1967-1969. Though this gun was manufactured in 1962, we tested for salt brine anyway and there is none in this stock. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate shows a mottled faint patina and the checkering is sharp. The stock rates in about Fine condition as repaired.
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 rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. The sides of the front sight show finish loss. There are just a few sparsely scattered light marks throughout the barrel. There are also some little nicks and scratches on the top of the chamber ring. The bolt handle and rear of the bolt shows a pleasant light patina. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The High-Power was offered in three grades, including Safari, Medallion and Olympian. In spite of the Safari being the base rifle, it was a beauty with select walnut stock wood and hand-cut checkering. The trigger guard and floorplate were lightly engraved and highlighted with gold. This was a beautiful rifle when it was made 60 years ago, and is still a beautiful rifle to this day. In addition to its good looks, it has a strong FN Mauser style action. With its 30-06 chambering, it is the perfect rifle for deer hunting. Please see our photos and good luck!