Value of an FN Browning Olympian? Pics inside.

8

8 ball

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
280   0   0
Location
Saskatchewan
Hello all. I am interested in possibly selling a firearm that I own and am trying to get a reasonable idea of what it is worth in today's market. The firearm in question is an FN Browning Olympian in .308 Winchester. It was made in 1973, in Belgium, on the Sako action used by Browning at that time. This gun is in virtually mint condition, and includes a 6x Redfield wide angle scope as well as a Browning hard leather case that is like new as well. No sign of rust from the stock . Everything that I have been able to find on line (mostly US) is running from about $8000 to $12000. How comparable would this be to Canadian pricing? Especially interested in hearing from anyone that has bought or sold something similar recently. Thanks!




 
You might want to check the salt wood records with Browning and see if your serial number is listed. That would drastically reduce the value if it is. Nonetheless, I would doubt this gun would sell for that kind of money up here. I have seen a handful come at gun stores for anywhere between 5-7k depending on the condition/caliber.

Patrick
 
8 ball said:
I have pulled the stock off (carefully) and looked at the metal underneath, there is no rust present at all.
Click to expand...


Maybe true but if you're serial number indicates a salt wood gun, it will have a negative impact on value, certainly to a collector. I have a 1972 Medallion grade and mine is a salt wood gun but its in great shape and does not show any sign of rusting. I still take the stock off twice a year and keep it coated in G96 and it still goes hunting.

Patrick
 
I wasn't aware that the Sako built actions were affected by the salt wood syndrome. I thought it was only the FN built actions that suffered?

Sorry for not being much help but the closest I've seen was an actual FN built (not Sako) browning medallion in .308 (can't remember the year) that a fellow was trying to sell for $1500 and it was nowhere near the condition of your rifle. I would recommend following supercub's advice and looking on figuring a way to sell south of the border for the best price.
 
Super nice rifle. I don,t think the rcoil pad i origonal to the gun, however could be if this gun was special order. If not origonal, this would decrease its value considerably. I would sy the gun is valued in the 3 to 4 thousand range.if origonal,4 to 5 thousand.
 
Last edited:
Can someone explain what salt wood is?

Beautiful rifle 8 Ball!

At the price range you are looking at, it is worth the effort to send it to the states or even possibly Europe to maximize your return.
 
vkos1 said:
Super nice rifle. I don,t think the recoil pad is origonal to the gun, however could be if this gun was special order. If not origonal, this would decrease its value considerably. I would say the gun is valued in the 3 to 4 thousand range.if origonal,4 to 5 thousand.
Click to expand...

Looking at it closely, you are correct. The pad is not original to the gun, or at the very least the stock has been shortened slightly. I'm guessing that it came from the factory with a butt plate and someone got the stock shortened to put the pad on it. Length of pull is still 13 1/2 inches so the stock is not short, but has been cut for the pad. The pad does say Browning on it, so I never even thought of it being changed. Good eye. Disappointing, as it will bring the value down some for sure, but still a beautiful gun!
 
There is a new one (NIB) for sale in the States for $10,995. It has been for sale for a very long time. It has more intricate engraving than your rifle and the stock has nicer figure. So that should also give you some idea.
 
For the kind of money you think it is worth you should put it on Gunbroker, gunsamerica, or gunsinternational and try and sell it there. I had a minty Kimber of Oregon in 222 with no engraving and superb wood and it went for $1500 to the first guy that saw it. FS
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom