Belgian Browning BAR High Power .308 Win. 22″ Semi-Auto Rifle, 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,177.00
LSB#: LSB260511JS063
Make: FN, Belgium for Browning
Model: BAR High Power
Serial Number: 69061M70
Year of Manufacture: 1970 / C&R Eligible
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, along with a Belgian proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .308 ONLY / PATENT PENDING”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped base, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x scope, with a BDC reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear. Overall, the scope rates in about Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a two-piece Weaver base and sits in 1″ QD rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, black rubber Pachmayr buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with a few light scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout. The checkering is well defined. The stocks’ finish is intact. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 4rd factory magazine, in Very 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light thinning of the finish at the muzzle, along with light scratches and dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces. Otherwise, the bluing is intact. The markings are clear and legible. 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 and magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Belgian-made Browning BAR High Power was introduced in the late 1960s as a refined sporting autoloader built for full-power rifle cartridges. Manufactured by FN, the design combined gas-operated semi-automatic function with traditional walnut furniture and polished blue steel, offering hunters rapid follow-up shots without abandoning the appearance and handling of a conventional sporting rifle. Chambered in .308 Winchester with a 22″ barrel, this early example represents the desirable first-generation Belgian production and is equipped with its original open sights as well as a Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x scope in quick detachable rings.
Manufactured in 1970, this C&R-eligible rifle retains approximately 95% of its original blue finish, with light muzzle thinning and scattered scratches and dings. The checkered walnut stocks show light handling wear but remain tight, structurally sound, and free of chips or cracks; a Pachmayr recoil pad has been fitted in place of the original buttplate or pad. The bore is excellent, remaining bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, and both the action and safety function correctly. The Nikon scope has clear glass and shows only light exterior wear, while the included factory four-round magazine remains in Very Good condition. This is an attractive and well-preserved Belgian BAR with an excellent bore, useful optics, and classic .308 Winchester hunting configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.