Browning High Power Safari Grade .458 Win Mag 24” Bolt Rifle & Scope C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,625.00
LSB#: LSB251109DC133
Make: Browning
Model: High Power Safari
Serial Number: 56078L70
Year of Manufacture: 1968 (L70 Date code in serial number)
Caliber: .458 Win Mag
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with hinged internal magazine.
Markings: The right side of the chamber and the receiver are marked with the serial no. “56078L70”. The right side of the barrel is marked “ ‘CALIBER .458 Win Mag ONLY” / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY”. There are multiple proof marks on the barrel and receiver. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “56078”.
Barrel Length: 24”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade post sight. The rear sight is a flip-up V-notch with a white diamond marker. There is a Leupold VARI-X II 1.5×5 variable scope mounted on the receiver with a two-piece scope mounts. The scope has a duplex reticle and the sight picture is clear. The scope shows numerous fine scratches consistent with field use.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a high-grade one piece checkered high gloss walnut with a Monte Carlo comb with a cheekpiece, semi pistol grip, sling studs, vented Browning rubber buttpad. There are minor compression marks and scratches throughout, particularly on the left side of the buttstock. The checkering remains well-defined but slightly worn. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 3/ 8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The floorplate and trigger guard feature engraved, gold-filled embellishments but the engraving is fading. There is light operational wear on the bolt. There is thinning of finish at the muzzle. The markings are clear. The screwheads are strong. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its attached scope as mentioned above and a plastic case.
Our Assessment: The Browning High Power Safari rifle represents one of the company’s most respected bolt action sporting arms of the postwar period, produced during an era when Browning emphasized premium materials, traditional styling, and proven European actions. Manufactured in Belgium, the Safari Grade rifles combined controlled round feed reliability with refined finishing, making them particularly well suited for serious hunting applications. Chamberings ranged from common sporting cartridges to powerful dangerous game rounds, with the .458 Winchester Magnum standing out as one of the most authoritative offerings in the lineup.
The .458 Winchester Magnum was introduced in the mid-1950s to deliver true big game performance in a standard length bolt action, and it quickly became a staple among African and Alaskan hunters. In the High Power Safari configuration, the cartridge was paired with a 24 inch barrel, robust iron sights, and a stock design intended to manage recoil while maintaining balance. Features such as the hooded front sight, folding rear sight with white diamond, and hinged floorplate reflect the rifle’s intended use as a serious field arm rather than a purely sporting or target rifle.
This example presents as a well-preserved Safari Grade rifle, retaining strong original finish, a bright bore with sharp rifling, and crisp markings throughout. The high gloss walnut stock shows only light handling wear consistent with careful field use, and the included Leupold Vari-X II scope adds a period-correct optic appropriate to the rifle’s hunting role. Taken as a whole, this rifle stands as a classic expression of Browning’s Belgian-era craftsmanship and remains an appealing example of a powerful safari rifle from the golden age of postwar sporting arms, Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF
