FN Browning Model Challenger Renaissance .22 LR 6.75″ Semi-Auto Pistol 1972
SOLD FOR: $3,000
LSB#: 201010SD01
Make: Browning, Made in Belgium by FN
Model: Challenger Renaissance, 437 Made, 316 with 6 3/4“ Barrel
Serial Number: 47691U72
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single Action SA Detachable Mag Semi-Automatic Rimfire Pistol
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .22 LONG RIFLE / PATENT No 3,150,458””. The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY / ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The bottom of the barrel is marked with Belgian proofs. The front strap of the grip is marked with the serial number. The bolt face has a Belgian proof. The chamber is scroll engraved on the top and sides. The front strap has scroll engraving surrounding the serial number. The sides of the and back of the frame and trigger guard are scroll engraved. The top of the barrel has scroll and border engraving around the front sight base. The rear sight base is scroll engraved on the back and top.
Barrel Length: 6 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated undercut blade pinned to a smooth ramped base set on the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a cylindrical fitting that is set on a rail and is adjustable for windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece checkered walnut with smooth borders and scroll engraving at the tops. The grip encloses the backstrap. The smooth borders have a few faint compressions, mainly on the smooth borders at the bottoms, most noticeable on the right side. Another of the most noticeable is on the right side up on the top smooth border. The decorative engraving is strong. The checkering is intact and attractive with light handling wear and only one or two lightly nicked peaks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Satin Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a couple of tiny, hardly noticeable, dings on the barrel, the most noticeable are located on the right side at about the rear of the front sight riser. The top of the chamber has a bit of faint discoloration at about the breech. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a single 10-round magazine. The mag has some light operational wear in the form of thin streaks. There is some faint oil staining on the right side up at the top, in about Fine Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This is one of the best looking Challengers we have ever seen. This Renaissance Challenger was made in 1972 when they made 437 in total and 316 with this barrel length. This beautiful rimfire is excellently engraved with floral motif scrollwork on the metal and on the grips with punch dots surrounding the foliate patterns. This is a must-have for a Browning collection that almost has it all. Please see our photos and good luck!