Fabrique Nationale FN Trombone .22 LR Takedown Pump Rifle MFD 1952-1955 C&R

SOLD FOR: $893

WOA#:  WY240226SP089

Make: Fabrique Nationale

Model: “The Trombone”

Serial Number: 105284

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1952-1955

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Pump Action Rifle

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE-HERSTAL-BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. The left of the barrel, left of the receiver, and the right of the bolt have Belgian proof/inspection marks. The serial number is marked on the bottom-front of the receiver and on the top of the trigger assembly.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a three-leaf “U”-notch assembly dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; there is one fixed leaf and two taller folding leaves.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and smooth steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some scattered discoloration, residue, and finish wear. The right mounting screw is missing from the slide handle. There is a small loss at the heel. There are no cracks. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion, but there is minor stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There is scattered light finish wear and surface oxidation. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. As noted above, the right mounting screw is missing from the slide handle. The remaining screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide release is located in front of the trigger and the safety is a cross-bolt through the back of the trigger guard. The magazine tube moves with the slide as it is opened and closed. The action comes apart easily with a serrated screw on the left side of the receiver. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: FN and Remington both produced pump action gallery-type rifles based on John Browning’s patent. FN produced its .22 Pump-Action Repeater in Europe between 1922 and 1974 and Remington manufactured their Model 12 and 121 rifles between 1909 and 1954, so apparently there was an agreement between them that the FN produced models would not be exported into the United States (though they were available in Canada). Because of its slide action, with the magazine tube moving with the slide, the FN design was nicknamed “The Trombone”. About 150,000 were manufactured between 1922 and 1974, and this example is from post-WWII, manufactured sometime between 1952 and 1955. Given this rifle’s age, it is in decent condition, retaining original blue finish, a strong bore and good mechanics. The Trombone is somewhat rare in the United States, and most seen here were brought in from Canada. For that reason, they have a small, but dedicated following. This old pump plinker will make a great addition to any collection. Good luck and happy bidding!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud