FN Browning Model BAR Grade V 5 .30-06 Sprg. 22? Semi-Auto Rifle, 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,775
LSB#: 240319HE002
Make: Browning (Made by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium)
Model: BAR Grade V, (Browning Automatic Rifle)
Serial Number: 70984M71
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi-Auto with 4 Round Box Magazine Clipped Into the Magazine Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” and with a Belgian proof at the chamber. The right side of the barrel is marked “BAR CALIBER .30.06 ONLY / BROWNING PATENTS”. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the chamber ring. The trigger guard and floorplate have ornate scrollwork. The right side of the receiver is marked with scroll engraving surrounding a game scene featuring three deer in gold, the scene has a gold outline. The left side of the receiver is marked with scroll engraving surrounding a game scene featuring three pronghorn in gold, the scene has a gold outline. The right side has a very small banner at the bottom at about the midsection that reads “J. BAERTEN”. The left side has a small marking below the last animal that reads “J. BAERTEN”.
Barrel Length: 22?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped riser that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding elevation-adjustable U-notch leaf with a white triangle aim guide and is dovetailed to the barrel. The sights were added to the rifle. The top of the receiver has two pairs of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, and a black hard rubber Browning buttplate. The checkered portions have beautiful scroll engraving at the front and rear. The stocks have light handling wear. There is a notable scratch on the belly and the lower edge of the pistol grip. There are some faint lines visible throughout. There is a thin split on the right side of the wrist near the bottom. The checkering and engraving are well defined and attractive. There are no chips. The LOP measures 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows light handling wear and a small amount of light discoloration. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Gold Accents, 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks and faint operational wear on the bolt. There are scratches on the barrel to the sides of the front sight. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Excellent 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 factory Browning “suitcase” and one 4-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 a Belgian made Grade V BAR Rifle chambered in 30-06 Springfield, which were made for only three years. It has a 22? barrel which has a bright bore and sharp rifling. The rifle looks to have seen the majority of its life in the safe of a collector and is seriously beautiful. From the rich blued metal to the grain in the stocks and engraved gold inlay game scenes done by J. Baerten, this just screams beauty. This Browning is certainly not your average box mag fed semi-auto rifle and deserves a place in the safe of a Browning collector. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
