So I got myself a Nomad... (lots of pics)

BC604

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Hi everyone,

A while ago at the Chilliwhack gun show I ended up according to the Browning website
buying a 1967 Browning Nomad.
At that time I didn't even know what kind of pistol it was, I just know I had to have it.
It just looked good in the leather holster and I couldn't resist.

I cleaned, and went to the range a few times and it just functions
flawlessly.

Considering the wear on the holster,It looks like it was someones working/bush sidearm.

I could not find too much information about these pistols, so I am just curious if someone
knows anything about them.

It came with that large ring on the holster. Is that used for any
particular reason, or it is just someones odd addition?
I am also curious if I payed too much for it.
Does anyone know how much similar pistols going for?

Thank you.

And of course the pictures: :p














 
I bought a Nomad 13 years ago. Over thousands of rounds, I've never had an issue with it. I've never shot high end ammo, always bulk. It was my first pistol so I'll keep it forever.
 
I got one just like it! My grip was cracked, but I found a new one on-line in Edmonton. Mine looks to be in better shape. I was considering selling it... the book value ranges from $175 to $400, depends on the state it's in.....
I don't have the holster, can't tell you anything about that (but it looks cool!!).
 
The Nomad was made from 1962 to 76 alongside the Challenger which was a slightly fancier version. The earliest nomads had an alloy frame but then changed to the steel frame like the challenger. Both guns came with either 4.5 or 6.75 inch barrels. The challenger has large walnut target grips, outside adjustable trigger, last shot hold open & gold trigger.
I bought my challenger almost unfired for 400.00 about 4 years ago. It has the 6.75 barrel & is the most accurate handgun i have ever used.
I liked it so much I got a nice 4.5 inch nomad this spring. The barrels interchange, & The long barrel is best on either frame because of the extra sight radius.
These were high end guns, made by old world craftsmen.
Western gun parts has some parts left, get a recoil spring or two.
Brian
 
It's a US version of the FN model 150 target pistol. The 150 was a further development of the Colt Woodsman. Then they got an American magazine release and different grip angle and became the Browning Buckmark pistol. In my opinion the best general use 22 pistol with a superb trigger.
 
I'm guessing that the ring is where he tied in a shoulder strap. If he was packing the gun on a trap line or something along that line and if he had a build that lacked much of a bum the weight of even the Nomad may well have kept dragging down his pants. If so the ring and a Sam Brown like cross strap would quickly make it stop pulling. And the ring instead of simply slipping the shoulder strap through the belt loop may have been because he used a quick clip hook so he didn't need to fumble with the shoulder strap when Nature called and the pants HAD to come down.

Like I say, I'm guessing but all in all it would seem like ONE reasonable reason for a ring of that sort.
 
Looking at your pics again I notice your slide has the extra notch to hold the slide open. This was not a feature on the Nomad, only the Challenger. Does your slide lock back after the last shot? I wonder if it is a replacement slide or a factory variation? Very interesting.

Brian
 
Looking at your pics again I notice your slide has the extra notch to hold the slide open. This was not a feature on the Nomad, only the Challenger. Does your slide lock back after the last shot? I wonder if it is a replacement slide or a factory variation? Very interesting.

Initially looking at youre gun,it looks like a challenger with Nomad grips,but then it should have a gold trigger.Perhaps some parts were changed over the years?Check the serial number,if theres a U in it,then its originally a challenger,if a P in it,a Nomad.Either way,they are great guns ,really classic 22 pistols.Ive had a challenger for quite a few years which is my favourite 22 pistol.BTW,you can get replacement mags from Brownells(Triple K),which although not the same quality as the factory originals,are relatively inexpensive and work just fine in my gun.
 
I appreciate all the info,
keep it coming. :)

The slide does not stay open on last shot,
As for the serial # I'm fairly sure it has a P in it,
I'll check it when I get home tonight.

Thank you.
 
Looking at your pics again I notice your slide has the extra notch to hold the slide open. This was not a feature on the Nomad, only the Challenger. Does your slide lock back after the last shot? I wonder if it is a replacement slide or a factory variation? Very interesting.

Brian
My Nomad does not have the notch to hold the slide open. I got in trouble at a range where pistols are supposed to have the slide locked open when on the bench. I had to show it couldn't be done.
 
Looking at your pics again I notice your slide has the extra notch to hold the slide open. This was not a feature on the Nomad, only the Challenger. Does your slide lock back after the last shot? I wonder if it is a replacement slide or a factory variation? Very interesting.

Initially looking at youre gun,it looks like a challenger with Nomad grips,but then it should have a gold trigger.Perhaps some parts were changed over the years?Check the serial number,if theres a U in it,then its originally a challenger,if a P in it,a Nomad.Either way,they are great guns ,really classic 22 pistols.Ive had a challenger for quite a few years which is my favourite 22 pistol.BTW,you can get replacement mags from Brownells(Triple K),which although not the same quality as the factory originals,are relatively inexpensive and work just fine in my gun.

Thanks for the tip about the mags, $38 seems like a little too much for a simple mag.
Perhaps I buy it for Christmas. :ninja:
 
Ok, the serial is 9####P7.

The way I understand is that the P stands for Nomad and the number for the year 1967/
Source; http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=40

Does this year supposed to have the notch?

My guess is that your Nomads previous owner filed a slot so the safety could act as a slide stop.The Challengers/Medalists have the notch for the slide stop on the slide in a different location,so this suggests an aftermarket mod.As one of the previous posters noted,perhaps he got tired of being moaned at at shooting ranges for not leaving his slide locked open!
 
My guess is that your Nomads previous owner filed a slot so the safety could act as a slide stop.The Challengers/Medalists have the notch for the slide stop on the slide in a different location,so this suggests an aftermarket mod.As one of the previous posters noted,perhaps he got tired of being moaned at at shooting ranges for not leaving his slide locked open!
You are right.
The notch looks definitely not original.
Regardless I don't mind it,it would be a hassle not being lable to lock it open on the range.
 
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