Browning BAR .338 Win. mag 24” Semi-Auto Rifle & Leupold Scope, 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,125.00
LSB#: LSB250825JP026
Make: Browning
Model: BAR High Power
Serial Number: 26954M70
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by Hinged Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .338 Win. Mag. ONLY / PATENT PENDING”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The left and right sides of the receiver are factory engraved with Grade I engraving, the right side featuring a ram and scroll engraving, the right side featuring a bear and scroll engraving. The bottom of the magazine and the trigger guard also feature scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed. The receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on a one-piece Leupold-style base, and sits in 1” rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a gloss finish, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, rubber buttpad, sling studs front and rear, and a checkered forend. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show no notable wear. The checkering is well defined. The gloss finish is strong throughout. The stocks fit tightly to the barreled action with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light surface corrosion around the muzzle and front sight. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings and engravings are all clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the Leupold scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Belgian-made Browning BAR High Power sits at the crossroads of artistry and serious field performance, and this 1970 C&R-eligible example chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum is one of the most capable configurations Browning ever produced. Introduced in 1958, the .338 Win. Mag. quickly became the benchmark for elk, moose, and large-bodied game across North America, offering deep penetration, high retained energy, and reliable accuracy out to extended ranges. In the gas-operated BAR platform with a 24″ barrel, the cartridge delivers its full ballistic performance with notably reduced felt recoil compared to bolt-action rifles of the same chambering.
This early-production Belgian BAR showcases Grade I engraving—ram on one side, bear on the other—cut into deep, dark bluing that reflects the Liège factory’s hand-finished standards during Browning’s golden era. Stocks on this example remain in truly Excellent condition, with vivid gloss, crisp checkering, and tight fitment, highlighting the walnut selection and finishing quality for which Browning was known. Mechanically the rifle remains sound, with a bright 10/10 bore and strong cycling, and it comes topped with a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5–10× scope, a period-appropriate optic that complements the rifle’s hunting pedigree.
Metal finish remains approximately 98% intact, with only light surface corrosion beginning around the muzzle and front sight—an honest nod to age rather than misuse. The engraving, markings, and overall presentation remain sharp and deeply appealing. Altogether, this .338 Winchester Magnum BAR stands as a powerful, elegant, and highly functional example of Browning’s Belgian craftsmanship, fully capable in the field and immediately collectible in the rack. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
