- Location
- Toronto ON
For all serious Browning pistol fans/collectors...
The "International Medalist I" advertising started in 1970, though some were being made as early as 1969. Production ended in 1974 with about 681 made; they are still being produced for other countries. The second model, which is called the International Medalist II, was made starting in 1975.
The original intention was to build a gun that would qualify under both N.R.A. and International Shooting Union regulations. The heavy barrel has a non-glare ventilated rib. They were only made with barrels 5.9" long, giving a sight radius of 8.6". All the micrometer rear sights were adjustable for both windage and elevation and are positive.
Barrel markings on the left side are as follows:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.
On the right side were the words:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
The grips were made of walnut and have a thumb rest, they are not adjustable like the second model and are checkered 18 lines per inch. The grooved triggers were fully adjustable for weight of pull and backlash. As in the Medalist there is a dry fire mechanism as standard. All were shipped in a leatherette pistol case lined in red velvet.
The second version of the International Medalist was sold in this country in 1980. It is generally referred to by collectors as the International Medalist II. It has a heavy barrel that is bored and rifled to a high standard of excellence to assure accuracy and consistency. Under the barrel, a weight is fitted that can be slid forward or backward so that the shooter can alter the balance as he sees fit. The most apparent difference with the first variation are the checkered walnut adjustable grips that have a palm rest you can move to make them as comfortable as possible.
The front sight is interchangeable with different types and sizes of blades, and the rear sight has positive click adjustments for both windage and elevation. Triggers are gold plated and adjustable so that the shooter can adapt it to the type of shooting and his own preferences.
All were matte finished to cut down on the glare. These are strictly functional target pistols that were made for competitors. They are rare and very collectable, for only 200 were shipped to this country (US); Even LESS in Canada (my comment). They are still being made for sales outside of the U.S.
All barrels were 5 15/16" and marked with both F.N. and Browning Arms Company names.
On the left side:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.
MADE IN BELGIUM BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL
On the right side:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
The ones made in France were marked with a "P" in the serial number, markings on the barrel are as follows: MADE IN FRANCE BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL
On the other side:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
On one side:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
It was delivered in a deluxe zippered case.
Hope this helps, from "Browning Sporting Arms of Distinction" by Matt Eastman.
The "International Medalist I" advertising started in 1970, though some were being made as early as 1969. Production ended in 1974 with about 681 made; they are still being produced for other countries. The second model, which is called the International Medalist II, was made starting in 1975.
The original intention was to build a gun that would qualify under both N.R.A. and International Shooting Union regulations. The heavy barrel has a non-glare ventilated rib. They were only made with barrels 5.9" long, giving a sight radius of 8.6". All the micrometer rear sights were adjustable for both windage and elevation and are positive.
Barrel markings on the left side are as follows:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.
On the right side were the words:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
The grips were made of walnut and have a thumb rest, they are not adjustable like the second model and are checkered 18 lines per inch. The grooved triggers were fully adjustable for weight of pull and backlash. As in the Medalist there is a dry fire mechanism as standard. All were shipped in a leatherette pistol case lined in red velvet.
The second version of the International Medalist was sold in this country in 1980. It is generally referred to by collectors as the International Medalist II. It has a heavy barrel that is bored and rifled to a high standard of excellence to assure accuracy and consistency. Under the barrel, a weight is fitted that can be slid forward or backward so that the shooter can alter the balance as he sees fit. The most apparent difference with the first variation are the checkered walnut adjustable grips that have a palm rest you can move to make them as comfortable as possible.
The front sight is interchangeable with different types and sizes of blades, and the rear sight has positive click adjustments for both windage and elevation. Triggers are gold plated and adjustable so that the shooter can adapt it to the type of shooting and his own preferences.
All were matte finished to cut down on the glare. These are strictly functional target pistols that were made for competitors. They are rare and very collectable, for only 200 were shipped to this country (US); Even LESS in Canada (my comment). They are still being made for sales outside of the U.S.
All barrels were 5 15/16" and marked with both F.N. and Browning Arms Company names.
On the left side:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.
MADE IN BELGIUM BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL
On the right side:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
The ones made in France were marked with a "P" in the serial number, markings on the barrel are as follows: MADE IN FRANCE BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL
On the other side:
BROWNING ARMS COMPANY
On one side:
22 LONG RIFLE
MADE IN BELGIUM
It was delivered in a deluxe zippered case.
Hope this helps, from "Browning Sporting Arms of Distinction" by Matt Eastman.
