FN Browning High Power Safari Grade .338 Winchester mag 24″ Bolt Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1150
LSB#: 220329LT004
Make: Browning (Made by FN in Belgium)
Model: FN High-Power Safari Grade
Serial Number: 3L19092
Year of Manufacture: 1963 C&R
Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Hinged Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY / St LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q.”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with a “* / R” inspector’s mark, and “crown / R”, “lion / P.V.”, and “E / LG / *” in bomb proof marks. The left side of the chamber ring has a “Lion over PV” proof, a perron, and a “* / R” inspector’s mark. The right side of the shank is marked “3L 19092”. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .338 WIN MAG ONLY / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “19092” and the top of the bolt handle is marked with a “Lion / PV” proof. The magazine floorplate and trigger guard have gold colored engraving.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade which is dovetailed into a serrated ramp base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch leaf screw adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage; it is dovetail atop a boss at the rear of the receiver. Equipped to the top of the receiver via a Redfield rail and two rings is a Bushnell Command Post Scopechief II with 2.5-8x magnification and a fine crosshair reticle. The external surfaces show scattered small nicks and scratches with spots of thinning on the knobs. The lenses are a touch cloudy yet retain a high level of visibility.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece checkered walnut with a Monte Carlo comb with cheekpiece, pistol grip, thru-bolt, sling studs with an attached brown leather sling, and a brown ventilated Browning recoil pad. There are areas of crazing with notable crazing and finish loss on the left side of the forend towards the top and on the bottom right edge near the floorplate. There are some little nicks and scuffs throughout. There are spots of interrupted finish on the side of the forend at the front. There are other dispersed hardly notable nicks and compressions throughout the wood. The checkering is sharp with a few minor interruptions. These stocks were known to have salt brine between the years 1967-1969. This example was manufactured well before, in 1963. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The plate shows scattered rub wear, most notably along the edges and has slightly hardened with age. The stock rates in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. There is erosion and pitting on the crown. There is light thinning on the leading edges of the front sight. The barrel shows infrequently scattered light nicks and scratches. The lower metal shows scattered tiny nicks and the trigger guard shows faint thinning. The screw heads are faintly tool marked and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The previously mentioned scope and sling are included.
Our Assessment: The High-Power was offered in three grades, including Safari, Medallion and Olympian. In spite of the Safari being the base rifle, it was a beauty with select walnut stock wood and hand-cut checkering. The trigger guard and floorplate were lightly engraved and highlighted with gold. This was a beautiful rifle when it was made 60 years ago, and is still a beautiful rifle to this day. In addition to its good looks, it has a strong FN Mauser style action. The .358 Winchester is a .35 caliber rifle cartridge based on a necked up .308 Winchester created by Winchester in 1955. Some think that the cartridge is only good as a short-range and woods round, but it is adequate for any North American big game. Another benefit is that this round can be loaded with very light loads for informal shooting using smaller powder charges and bullets designed for the .38 Special and .357 Magnum. If the 250 grain bullet is used, it is reliable against the great bears. Please see our photos and good luck!