FN Browning Model 1900 .35 Remington 22″ Semi-Automatic Long-Recoil Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB: LSB251205VO001
Make: FN
Model: 1900
Serial Number: 3143
Year of Manufacture: 1910-1929 C&R
Caliber: .35 Remington
Action Type: Long-Recoil, Fixed Magazine Fed, Semi-Automatic Rifle
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “Fabrique Nationale D’Armes De Guerre Herstal Belgique, Brownings Patent Depose” There are Belgian proof marks on the receiver and bolt
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel rib. The rear sight is two position flip rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a semi pistol grip, straight comb, and spacer and recoil pad. The LOP measures approximately 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the recoil pad. The sling studs are missing. There are scattered scratches, handling marks and compression dents throughout. There are several spots of dented checkering. There are no cracks. The recoil pad has hardened and cracked from age. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is light corrosion freckling throughout. There are scratches and dings throughout. There is handling wear, mostly concentrated to the receiver from carrying. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are visible. Overall, this rifle is in about Good 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 standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The FN Browning Model 1900 rifle represents one of John Browning’s most forward thinking sporting designs, adapting his long recoil operating system to a centerfire hunting rifle decades before semi automatic rifles became commonplace in the field. Produced by Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium between 1910 and 1929, these rifles offered European craftsmanship paired with American cartridge practicality. Chambered in .35 Remington with a 22 inch barrel, this example reflects the early twentieth century shift toward faster follow up shots and modern repeating sporting arms. The receiver is correctly marked “Fabrique Nationale D’Armes De Guerre Herstal Belgique, Brownings Patent Depose,” with Belgian proofs present on the receiver and bolt.
This rifle retains approximately 85 percent of its original blued finish, showing light corrosion freckling, scattered scratches, dings, and handling wear most evident along the receiver from carry. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong, serviceable slots, and the markings remain visible. The two piece checkered walnut stock set features a semi pistol grip, straight comb, and a spacer with recoil pad. The length of pull measures approximately 14 1/8 inches. The stocks show scattered handling marks, compression dents, and areas of dented checkering, with no cracks observed. The sling studs are missing, and the recoil pad has hardened and cracked with age. Overall, the wood rates Good. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing some fouling and rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion.
The .35 Remington cartridge, introduced in 1906, earned a reputation as an effective medium game round well suited to wooded terrain, offering solid performance in a manageable recoil envelope. In a long recoil semi automatic platform such as the Model 1900, it provided hunters with quick second shots at a time when most sporting rifles were still manually operated. Mechanically, this rifle functions correctly and reflects the robust engineering characteristic of early FN production. As an early C&R era semi automatic sporting rifle from one of Europe’s premier arms makers, this Model 1900 stands as a significant piece of Browning and FN history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF/MA