FN Browning BAR High Power Grade II 308 Winchester Semi-Auto Rifle 1968 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1150

LSB#: 220212GB002

Make: Browning, Made by FN Belgium

Model: BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) High Power Rifle Grade II

Serial Number: 25545M8

Year of Manufacture: 1968 C&R (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/bar-high-power-rifle.html)

Caliber: .308 Winchester

Action Type: Semi-Auto with 3 Round Box Magazine Clipped Into the Magazine Floorplate

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY / MADE IN BELGIUM” and at the receiver with three Belgian proof marks and an inspection mark. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .308 ONLY / PATENT PENDING” and is marked with the serial number on the shank. The sides of the receiver have grade II engraving with light flourishes, the left has the bust of an elk and the right has a bust of a deer. The bottom of the floorplate and bottom of the trigger guard have light flourish engraving

Barrel Length: 22?

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The front sight has a protective hood installed. The rear sight is a flip-up sight with a U-notched fitting with a white triangle aiming reference. The rear sight is dovetailed into the barrel. Equipped to the top of the receiver via two Weaver rings is a Leupold Vari-X IIc optic with 3-9x magnification and a duplex reticle. The scope shows a few light nicks and ring marks. The lenses are clear. The scope rates in about Fine condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, black hard rubber Browning buttplate, and sling swivels front and rear with an attached brown leather sling. The sling shows scattered scuffs and creases with verdigris on the brass components. The stocks have several scattered scuffs, draglines, scratches, and compressions. The wear is most notable on the buttstock where three distinct scratches can be viewed on the right side of the stock as well as several nicks and scuffs on the comb. There is finish loss along some of the bordering edges. The checkering shows some minor interruptions throughout with light handling wear and is generally strong throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad shows scattered nicks and light scuffs and brownish discoloration on the face. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Black alloy trigger guard and floorplate.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is what appears to be light erosion in the grooves but may prove to be stubborn fouling a thorough cleaning.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 89% of its metal finish. There is thinning along all leading edges, though it is most notable on the lower edges of the receiver and around the muzzle. There are faint little nicks and scratches throughout the barrel and  on the receiver flats along with light swirl lines. There is operational wear on the bolt and charging handle. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described and a three-round magazine

Our Assessment: The Browning BAR rifle was produced starting in 1967, and in the early 1970’s, assembly was transferred to Portugal. This is an early Belgian made BAR High Power Rifle manufactured in 1968 and chambered in .308 Winchester. It has a 22? barrel which has a nice bore. The rifle looks to have seen some use in the field, retaining about 89% of its metal finish, and was certainly well maintained with strong mechanics. This semi-automatic rifle is chambered for a popular hunting cartridge and comes with a Leupold scope. It will make for a great game rifle that will provide the fastest possible follow-up shots. Please see our photos and good luck!