R. Greco FN Browning High Power Olympian Grade .270 Winchester MFD 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $7025
LSB#: 230630HE007
Make: This rifle was made by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium for Browning Arms
Model: FN High-Power Olympian Grade
Serial Number: 8P 44631
Year of Manufacture: 1968 C&R
Caliber: .270 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action with Hinged Magazine Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY”. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .270 ONLY 8P 44631 / MADE IN BELGIUM” followed by a proof and an inspection mark. The outward and rear-facing sides of the base of the bolt handle have small proofs. The rifle has been engraved by R. Greco. The top and sides of the receiver have scroll engraving, so do the sides of the chamber, action screws, and stock through bolt. The right of the chamber ring has a scene of a pronghorn jumping over a rock with a cactus in the background. The left of the chamber ring has a scene of an elk with trees in the background. The trigger guard is engraved with a bear surrounded by scroll engraving. The floorplate is engraved with a bust of a stag surrounded by trees and has scroll engraving at the rear with the engraver’s name towards the bottom. The floorplate tang has scroll engraving. The underside of the bolt is marked “44631”.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver has tao pairs of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered fancy walnut with a flared pistol grip, wood capped nose & pistol grip with tan spacers, Monte Carlo comb with cheekpiece, through bolt, and a Browning ventilated recoil pad. The pistol grip has a diamond metal inlay marked “C / V” and the checkered portions have fine scroll engraving with light punch dots in the negative spaces. There are a few draglines on the cheekpiece. There is some very faint scuffing on the sides of the forend, below the receiver. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad shows some scuffing on the heel and remains soft and pliable. The stock rates in about Fine-Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued Barrel, Satin Chrome Receiver & Bottom Metal with “In the White” Bolt
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some faint oxidation on the crown and scattered surface oxidation on the bolt and bolt knob. The screw slots are sharp and the markings are clear, but some of the small proofs are lightly stuck. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. There is a manual safety on the right rear of the receiver. As with all firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Browning “suitcase” with the keys for the locks.
Our Assessment: This is a spectacular Olympian Grade Hi-Power bolt action rifle from Browning built by FN on the renowned Mauser action. This is truly a beautiful specimen rating in about Fine-Plus condition with 97% of its finish remaining. Stated on the Rifle Magazine website, “The Olympian Grade was a factory-built, custom rifle that featured a satin receiver with multiple game scenes that were hand engraved by master engravers, and usually signed. The animals chosen for a rifle were typical of what was commonly hunted with the caliber of that particular rifle. The receiver engraving coverage is classified as “full coverage,” and the trigger guard and floorplate were likewise fully engraved with game scenes while scroll engraving graced the bridge and barrel. The stock consisted of high-grade fancy walnut and was finished with hand-carved floral patterns and checkering.” This example was engraved and signed by R. Greco in 1968. This is a great find for the Browning enthusiast and this rifle certainly belongs in any respectable Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
