Browning FN Medalist .22 LR Semi-Auto Target Pistol Case & Weights 1971
SOLD FOR: $1601.99
LSB#: 210208BD01
Make: Browning (Made in Belgium by FN)
Model: Medalist
Serial Number: 45271T71
Year of Manufacture: 1971 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/medalist–22-caliber-pistol.html)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Single Action
Markings: On the left side of the barrel this pistol is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY / MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “.22 L.R. BROWNING PATENTS / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The front strap is marked with the serial number. The underside of the barrel is marked with a Belgian proof. The left-rear of the slide is marked with a Belgian proof. The bottom of the magazine is marked “.22 L.R. BROWNING”.
Barrel Length: 6 3/4?, Heavy Barrel with Vent-Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an undercut serrated Patridge blade pinned to the ventilated rib. The rear sight is a square notch, adjustable for windage and elevation mounted to the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a large walnut target grip with a thumb shelf and matching Schnabel-style tip forend. The stocks have only a few scattered minor marks mainly on the edges of the thumbshelf. The finish is uneven on the grip and feels slightly bubbled. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. There is a hole for the installed shell deflector pin in the right at the top. The grip rates in about Fine Plus 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 pistol retains about 98% of its beautiful blue finish. There are a couple of small spots of oxidation on the barrel on the left side. There are a few little marks into the finish, most noticeable on the front strap and on the bottom of the barrel. The barrel has a few hardly noticeable marks from a previously installed weight. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in about Fine Plus 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 standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol comes in a black faux-leather coated hard case with brass locking latch on the front (keys included), red felt interior with fitted depressions for the pistol, barrel weight set, multi tool, and cartridge tray, all of which are included along with a manual and a total of one 10-round magazine. There is a plaque in the case at the top-right reading “Automatics by / BROWNING / St. Louis, Mo.”. The exterior of the case has scattered light wear, mostly at corners and the brass nameplate on the lid is not marked, the interior has wear from the contents, mostly at the rear. When closed there is a gap, most noticeable on the left side. Overall, the case is in about Very Good-plus condition. The barrel weights and multitool have some scattered light marks, in about Fine condition. The magazine has light operational wear with a few hairline scratches, the feed lips are intact and the spring is strong, in about Good-Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Browning Medalist model is a fine example of a true Bullseye match .22 target pistol. It can be fit with a variety of barrel weights or the installed forend and has a track record of quality. This example is in about Fine Plus condition with only a few little defects in the metal and a few scattered light marks in the stocks. This pistol is quite attractive and should present well in its medalist case for a Browning collector. If not being presented, this pistol will make an outstanding target gun. Please see our photos and good luck!