Browning Trombone .22 LR 22” Pump Action Tube Fed Rifle MFD 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,517.66
LSB#: LSB251108WM067
Make: Browning
Model: Trombone 22 Pump
Serial Number: 135376
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Pump Action rimfire with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Fabrique Nationale D’Armes De Guerre-Herstal-Belgique/ Browning Patent Depose” There are Belgian proofs on the barrel, receiver and bolt. The serial number is on the bottom of the barrel. The last 3 digits of the serial number are on both halves of the receiver. The left side of the barrel is marked “22L”
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf V notch that is dovetailed into the barrel. The elevator is missing. The top of the receiver is dovetailed for scope mounts.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut with a rounded knob semi pistol grip, ribbed forend, straight comb, with steel buttplate, the buttplate has felt glued on to it. There are light handling marks, scratches and compression dents throughout. Overall these stocks are in Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is no visible lead fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. Overall this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The slide action functions correctly and very smoothly. There is a cross bolt safety behind the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Browning Trombone .22 dates to 1970 and represents one of the finest pump-action rimfire rifles ever produced. Manufactured in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms Company, the Trombone carried forward John M. Browning’s original slide-action rimfire concept with exceptional machining quality and refinement. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, Belgian-made Brownings were regarded as premium sporting arms, and the Trombone stood out for its smooth operation, elegant proportions, and superb fit and finish.
Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, this example features a 22-inch barrel and tubular magazine, providing excellent balance and a generous sight radius. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, showing no erosion or visible lead fouling, and in this writer’s opinion rates an outstanding 9.5 out of 10. The rifle retains its original open sights with a beaded front blade and V-notch rear sight, though the rear sight elevator is missing. The receiver is factory dovetailed for scope mounts, reflecting Browning’s emphasis on versatility without compromising the rifle’s classic handling qualities.
Overall condition is very good. Approximately 90 percent of the original blued finish remains, with only light scratches and handling marks visible from careful use. The walnut stocks present very well, showing minor handling marks and compression dents, and rate in very good to fine condition, though the steel buttplate has felt glued to it. Markings are clear, serialized components match appropriately, and the slide action functions smoothly with a properly operating cross-bolt safety. This rifle stands as a highly desirable example of the Belgian-made Browning Trombone, combining mechanical excellence, outstanding bore condition, and classic Browning craftsmanship in a rimfire pump rifle long regarded as a benchmark for quality. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
