Browning FN Fabrique Nationale Medalist Target .22 Semi-Automatic Pistol & Case MFD 1966 C&R OK

Sold For: $2,281.09

LSB#: 170215JS08

Make: Fabrique Nationale in Belgium for Browning

Model: Medalist

Serial Number: 56584T6

Year of Manufacture: 1966

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Blowback Operated Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left of the barrel’s chamber area is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY”, the right is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM .22 L.R.”, the underside of the barrel is marked “BROWNING’S PATENT”, “*/Y”, Lion over PV and a Liege proof. The front grip strap has the serial number.

Barrel Length: 6 ¾”, heavy profile with flat crown.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an undercut, serrated Patridge blade that is pinned fore to aft into the ventilated rib, the top of which is matted for glare reduction. The rear sight is a wide square notched target leaf on a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are extra fancy high burl walnut with a left side thumb rest, flank checkering, seen also on the back strap. The grips fit every aspect of the pistol with grace, they are free of any notable damages, there is one discolored spot on the front right. The barrel has a removable forend that exposes a wide dovetail, allowing insertion of one of the included barrel weights, the others screw into the front of the grip frame. The forend has a Schnabel forend tip and graceful curveature. The forend is also free of any notable harm. The grips rate in about Excellent, near new overall condition.

Type of Finish: High Luster & Matte Blue with Gold Plated Trigger

Finish Originality: Factory 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. It has clearly been well cared for; the barrel has a few tiny spots of surface etching from storage, the right of the barrel’s chamber area has a few tiny scrapes, most get covered by the forend. The screw heads are strait. The markings are clear and deep. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent, near New condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and with grace. The trigger pull is short and crisp, our snap cap was firmly grasped and extracted with ease. The pistol appears to be relatively unfired for its age. 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: The pistol comes in a correct black crinkled hard case with a red felt lined interior, the case has an ammunition storage block, one weight is installed into the frame, three other frame weights and one dovetailed barrel weight are provided, showing little to no use, in Excellent condition. The case has one scrape through the black finish, the brass plate on the lid has some scraping from storage, the case is otherwise free of notable damages, in Excellent condition. One factory 10 round magazine is provided showing faint wear, in Excellent condition. A Browning instruction envelope, and two manuals are provided, showing rubbing wear in Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This Browning Challenger Medalist model is a fine example of a true Bullseye match .22 target pistol. Only 24,000 were produced, this one was made in 1966 and is a shining example of the Medalist breed. With the various barrel weights, it can be tailored to achieve perfect balance for each shooter. To find one of these vintage, Belgian made target pistols in this condition is more than rare, as these were competition guns, but also cared for by their owners as prized possessions. For a beautiful gun that should be as accurate as it is good looking, this Browning Medalist cannot be beat.