Browning BAR ShortTrac .270 WSM 23″ Semi-Automatic Rifle & Box, 2005
SOLD FOR: $1,380.99
LSB#: LSB260617GP009
Make: Browning; Made in Belgium, Assembled in Portugal
Model: BAR ShortTrac
Serial Number: 311MV28306
Year of Manufacture: 2005 (MV Date Code) / Modern
Caliber: .270 WSM
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by Detachable Magazine (No Magazine Included).
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY, MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM – ASSEMBLED IN PORTUGAL”, along with a couple Belgian proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “ShortTrac CALIBER .270 WSM ONLY / BROWNING S.A.”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, which includes the “MV” date code.
Barrel Length: 23″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x scope with a BDC 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 to a two-piece Leupold base, and sits in 1″ Leupold rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, checkered, satin finished walnut stock set, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black rubber buttpad, a checkered forend with finger groove, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light handling wear, with a few light surface-level scratches, minor dings, and light compressions throughout. The stock’s finish is intact, and the checkering is well defined. The buttstock is a little loose, but the forend fits tight to the barrel. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: There is no magazine included with this rifle.
Type of Finish: Polished 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 9.75/10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light thinning of the bluing at the muzzle and in a couple spots on the top of the barrel. 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 as mentioned above, along with its original serial number matching box, and stock shims.
Our Assessment: The Browning BAR ShortTrac is a streamlined evolution of Browning’s long-running sporting autoloader, designed around short-action cartridges and combining Belgian manufacture with Portuguese assembly. Chambered in .270 WSM, this 2005 example pairs a 23″ barrel with a gas-operated semi-automatic action, satin-finished walnut furniture, and a compact ShortTrac receiver. The .270 WSM offers flat trajectory and strong downrange performance in a short-action cartridge, making this rifle well suited for deer, antelope, elk, and other medium-to-large game.
This rifle is in Very Good condition overall, retaining about 95% of its original polished blue finish with minor thinning at the muzzle and in a couple of areas on top of the barrel. The checkered walnut stocks also rate in Very Good condition with scattered light scratches, dings, and compressions, though the buttstock is slightly loose and should be checked for proper fit. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and light fouling, rating 9.75/10, while the action and safety function correctly. The included Nikon Prostaff 3-9x scope has clear glass and remains in Excellent condition. The rifle also includes its serial-number-matching factory box and stock shims, though no detachable magazine is included. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.