
FN Browning High Power Safari .300 Winchester Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1964 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,505.00
LSB#: WY240730JM108
Make: Browning (Made by FN in Belgium)
Model: FN High-Power Safari Grade
Serial Number: 4L27139
Year of Manufacture: 1964
Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Hinged Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY”, the right “CALIBER .300. WIN. MAG. ONLY / MADE IN BELGIUM” and at the chamber with “8L 47777”. The bottom of the bolt handle, the receiver under the stock line, and the barrel inlet of the stock are each marked “27139”. There are Belgian proofs on the barrel, receiver and bolt. The bottom metal has Safari-Grade decorative engraving.
Barrel Length: The barrel is 24”, threaded with a muzzle-brake installed (approximately 26″ to the front of the brake).
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base that is fixed to the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood that is not present. The front face of the base has been milled with a vertical flat to allow for the barrel threads. The rear sight is a folding U-notch leaf that is fine adjustable for elevation and dovetailed in a base that is screwed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece Weaver-style bases and rings holding a Zeiss Conquest MC-Z5-25×50 scope with Rapid Z800 FFP red-green illuminated reticle (there is no battery installed. A sunshade and kill-flash has been installed on the objective bell. The scope has light wear on the windage turret, but otherwise shows only light handling marks.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece checkered walnut with a Monte Carlo comb with a cheekpiece, pistol grip, one thru-bolt, sling studs front and rear, and a brown ventilated rubber Browning recoil pad. The stock has a few minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The finish is satin instead of gloss, likely indicating refinishing. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad shows light wear and has hardened some with age. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, worn areas show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some scattered light finish wear on the barrel, some shows treatment with cold blue, mostly on the shank. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation, most easily seen on the bolt. The bolt also has some scattered dried grease. The bottom metal has scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described.
Our Assessment: The High-Power rifle was offered in three grades, including Safari, Medallion and Olympian. In spite of the Safari being the base rifle, it was a beauty with select walnut stock wood and hand-cut checkering. The trigger guard and floorplate were lightly engraved and highlighted with gold. This was a beautiful rifle when it was made 60 years ago, and has since seen some customization. Chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum, the barrel has been threaded with a muzzle-brake installed to help tame recoil. The gloss finish on the stock, known for frequently showing crazing at this age, has been replaced with a more subdued satin finish. Perhaps most impressively, the rifle has been equipped with a high quality Carl Zeiss 5-25x scope with front-focal plane Rapid Z800 reticle. The result should make for a fine hunting rifle for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
