FN Browning High Power BAR .338 Winchester Mag Semi-Auto Rifle MFD 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1625
LSB#: 210814DD01
Make: Browning, Made by FN Belgium
Model: BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) High Power Rifle
Serial Number: 69562M70
Year of Manufacture: 1970 C&R (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/bar-high-power-rifle.html)
Caliber: .338 Win Mag
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 a Belgian proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked “CAL .338 Win. Mag. ONLY / PATENT PENDING”. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the chamber ring. The right side of the receiver shows an engraved bear’s head and the left shows a ram’s head and is marked “L. J. Filisch”, both sides have scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 24″ Ported
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up U-notch leaf that is adjustable for elevation and dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped in four places for mounting an optic (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, basketweave textured black rubber Browning buttpad, and sling studs front and rear. The right side of wrist has a repaired crack. The wood shows sparse faint scratches and light draglines. The checkering is sharp with no interruptions. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ and 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and wood, respectively. The pad shows light discoloration between the weaves. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as repaired but would rate higher if not for the crack.
Type of Finish: Blued, Black alloy trigger guard and floorplate.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is light thinning at the muzzle. There is minor operational wear. There are some light scratches infrequently dispersed about the metal. There are a few nicks along the edges of the trigger guard. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fin-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 a three-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Browning BAR rifle was produced starting in 1967. This particular example was manufactured in 1970 and it has a 24? barrel which has a bright bore and sharp rifling. The rifle looks to have seen very little use in the field or was just very well kept, retaining about 96% of its metal finish and strong mechanics. Despite our efforts, we could not determine the significance of the engravings and initials on the sides of the receiver. Perhaps the initials of a previous owner? We are not sure. Not only is this a beautiful timeless classic, it might make a fun research project for a Browning enthusiast. Please see our photos and good luck!