Browning Belgium BAR High Power .280 Rem. 22″ Semi-Automatic Rifle, 1989
SOLD FOR: $1,600.00
LSB#: LSB260617GP010
Make: Browning; Made in Belgium by FN Herstal, Assembled in Portugal
Model: BAR High Power
Serial Number: 137PN28738
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (PN Date Code) / Modern
Caliber: .280 Remington
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 BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL, ASSEMBLED IN PORTUGAL”, along with a couple Belgian proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “BAR CALIBER .280 Rem ONLY / BROWNING PATENTS”. The left side of the receiver is marked “BROWNING / BAR”, along with the serial number which also includes the “PN” date code.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold VX-I 3-9×40 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear, and rates in Fine overall condition. The scope is mounted to a one-piece base and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, checkered, gloss-finished walnut stock set, with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, black plastic Browning buttplate, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with a few light scratches, minor compressions, and dings scattered throughout, with a few light dings in the checkering on the forend. The checkering is otherwise well defined. The gloss finish is intact. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good to 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 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light scratches and minor dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces. There is minor thinning of finish at the muzzle, light corrosion on the sling studs, and light corrosion on the right side of the receiver where the stock meets up with the metal. The bluing is otherwise largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to 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 magazine and the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Browning BAR High Power is a classic gas-operated sporting rifle that combined Belgian FN manufacture with Portuguese assembly and Browning’s traditional walnut-stocked hunting configuration. Chambered in .280 Remington with a 22″ barrel, this 1989 example offers a versatile combination of flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and strong hunting performance for deer, antelope, elk, and similar game. The mounted Leupold VX-I 3-9×40 scope complements the rifle well for field use, while the detachable magazine and semi-automatic action provide quick follow-up capability.
This rifle is in Good to Very Good condition overall, retaining about 90% of its original blue finish with scattered light scratches and dings, minor muzzle thinning, light corrosion on the sling studs, and light corrosion on the right side of the receiver at the stock line. The checkered gloss-finished walnut stocks also rate in Good to Very Good condition with scattered light scratches, compressions, and dings, but no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the action and safety function correctly. The included Leupold VX-I 3-9×40 scope has clear glass and rates in Fine condition, and the rifle also includes a Very Good condition factory 4-round magazine. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.