Browning Belgium BAR High Power .243 Win. 22″ Semi-Automatic Rifle, 1976
SOLD FOR: $1,160.00
LSB#: LSB260611JS129
Make: Browning; Belgium.
Model: BAR High Power
Serial Number: 48927M76
Year of Manufacture: 1976 (M76 Date Code) / Modern (Not C&R, as month of manufacture cannot be determined).
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Seni-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”, along with a couple Belgian proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “BAR CALIBER .243 Win. ONLY / BROWNING PATENTS”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp base, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a one-piece Redfield base and 1″ rings for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, gloss-finished, checkered 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 minor surface-level scratches and minor imperfections, along with one considerable ding in the right side of the forend. The stock’s finish is intact, and the checkering is well defined. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in 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 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear, with a couple small scuffs on the rear of the receiver, at the top. Otherwise, the bluing is deep, dark, and intact, throughout. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine 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 base/rings as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Browning BAR High Power is a classic sporting autoloader developed to provide hunters with the power and accuracy of a centerfire rifle combined with the quick follow-up capability of a gas-operated semi-automatic action. This Belgian-made 1976 example is chambered in .243 Winchester and fitted with a 22″ barrel, factory iron sights, detachable four-round magazine, and traditional gloss-finished walnut furniture. The mild-recoiling, flat-shooting .243 Winchester makes this configuration particularly well suited for deer, predators, varmints, and general sporting use.
This rifle is in Very Good to Fine condition overall, retaining about 98% of its original blue finish with only a couple of small scuffs near the upper rear of the receiver. The checkered walnut stocks remain in Very Good condition with minor scratches and superficial handling marks, along with one considerable ding on the right side of the forend, 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. It includes a Very Good condition factory four-round magazine along with a Redfield scope base and 1″ rings. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.