FN Browning High Power Safari Grade .338 Win Mag 24″ Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS161
Make: FN; Belgium, for Browing
Model: High Power Safari Grade
Serial Number: 7L40223
Year of Manufacture: 1967
Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with a series of proof marks, and “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY”. The right side of the barrel is marked with the serial number, and “CALIBER .338 WIN. MAG. ONLY / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a series of proof marks. The floorplate and trigger guard has simple gold inlaid factory 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 is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight, dovetailed to a base, screwed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X III 1.5-5x scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings in the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a two-piece base, and sits in 1″ Talley rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, vented Browning rubber buttpad, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact, however, there is some finish wear on the edges of the cheekpiece, and light cracking in the gloss finish throughout the stock. The checkering is mostly well defined. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no structurally compromising chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good 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 fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings throughout all of the metal surfaces. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The action shows operational wear, and minor freckling of surface corrosion on the bolt body and bolt handle. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the 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 scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The FN Browning High Power Safari Grade stands as one of the finest commercial sporting rifles produced during the golden era of postwar European gunmaking. Manufactured by FN in Belgium for Browning, these rifles combined controlled-feed Mauser-pattern actions with meticulous machining, deep polished bluing, and select walnut stocks. By 1967, the Safari Grade had firmly established its reputation as a serious big-game rifle, prized for reliability, balance, and understated refinement rather than excessive ornamentation. The subtle factory gold inlay on the floorplate and trigger guard adds a tasteful accent that reflects Browning’s philosophy of elegance through restraint.
Chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum, this rifle represents the height of mid-20th-century magnum performance thinking. Introduced in 1958, the .338 Win. Mag. quickly earned favor among hunters pursuing large and potentially dangerous game, offering deep penetration, excellent retained energy, and manageable recoil in a standard-length action. Paired with a 24-inch barrel and robust iron sights, this Safari Grade was clearly intended as a serious hunting tool, equally at home in the mountains of North America or on international plains game safaris. The addition of a period-correct Leupold Vari-X III 1.5–5x scope further complements the rifle’s original purpose as a practical, field-ready magnum.
This example presents as an honest, well-maintained rifle showing appropriate signs of careful use rather than abuse. The bore remains strong, the action functions correctly, and the majority of the original finish is intact, with only minor wear consistent with age and field carry. The stock retains good structural integrity, with finish checking and edge wear typical of vintage Browning gloss finishes. As a Curio and Relic eligible Belgian-made Safari Grade in a classic magnum chambering, this rifle offers both historical significance and enduring utility. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.
