Browning Fabrique Nationale FN High-Power 375 H&H Safari Grade, Factory Letter & Case, MFD 1960

Sold For: $1,800.00

LSB#: 160503SH26

Make: Fabrique Nationale in Belgium for Browning

Model: FN High-Power Safari Grade I Mauser

Serial Number: L46

Year of Manufacture: 1960 (Per the factory letter)

Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum

Action Type: Control Feed, Mauser-Claw Extractor, Bolt Action, Internal Magazine Fed, Rifle with Hinged Floorplate

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY / ST LOUIS MO. & MONTREAL P.Q.”, with “*” over “R”, crown over “R”, lion over “P.V.”, the left side is marked with the serial number and “CALIBER 375M ONLY/ MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the receiver is marked “*” over R, a small lion over “PV” and the Perron proof. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “46”, the top has a proof mark. The floorplate and trigger guard have gold-color filled embellished engraving. The recoil pad is marked “BROWNING”.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, integral to a base that is dovetailed onto a finely serrated ramp base, which is fixed to the barrel and covered with a blued steel sight hood. The rear sight is a “U” notched leaf, which is in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the receiver has four drilled, tapped and screw-filled holes for the addition of a scope base (not provided).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is European oil-finished walnut with a Monte Carlo comb and left side cheek piece; two quick disconnect swivel studs are installed into the stock. The forend and semi-pistol grip have fine checkering which show only a few extremely light and scarce instances of minor compression. There is a small ding near the floorplate and a couple of small compression marks near the forward swivel stud. The smooth portions show a few very scarce instances of shallow handling marks as photographed. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the brown ventilated rubber shotgun-style recoil pad; the pad is set with a black and white spacer which have exceptional fit to the stock; the pad has a few compression marks and tiny material losses; there are holes at the screw locations; this pad is in Fine Plus condition. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition without any cracks or major damages, there is NO evidence the stock is ‘salt wood’.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is mild erosion in the grooves.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The front sight hood and base have edge thinning. The trigger guard and floor plate and trigger guard have simple engraving with light gold plating, some has rubbed off, it looks like this was caused by rubbing in the case. The rifle looks to have been used infrequently in its life. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle incorporates an FN Mauser action with control feed claw extraction (http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/controlled-feed-vs-push-feed-rifles/). The forward receiver ring on the action is 1.70” long. The rifle has a hinged magazine floorplate. The trigger breaks clean at 3 ½ lbs. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a factory letter from Browning, created on January 22, 2008, verifying that this rifle was sold on October 5, 1960 and sent to Morris Sporting Goods in Great Falls, Montana. The letter is in Excellent condition. Also included is a Browning leather-bound hard case that shows scattered scuff marks, a few spots of discoloration, cutting marks and shallow scratch marks on the exterior. The faux-fur lined interior shows minor compression from storage; the case is in Very Good to Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This is a beautiful FN made Browning Grade I ‘High-Power’ rifle in .375 H&H Magnum. The Mauser claw-extractor control feed bolt locks up tight and the action is smooth, with a crisp trigger pull. Included is a Browning factory letter that verifies an initial sale date in 1960, shipped to Morris Sporting Goods in Montana. Also included is a leather bound Browning hard case with faux-fur lined interior. This VERY low digit serial number item is one of the first to have left Browning’s factory in the Safari configuration, it is sure to attract the collectors, who will have to duke it out with hunters and hobbyists.