What kind of rifle is this?

[hansol]

Hey all, I was given this rifle by my uncle, but am having a hard time ID'ing it. All it seems to have for marking on it is "7mm rem mag" stamped on the barrel, and the serial # 373XX. Also has what looks like a mauser-style bolt. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking. And yes, the stock is my uncle's "custom" work. I'm quite fond of it lol

like I said, I have no idea who makes this rifle, so any help would be appreciated

 

[todbartell]

im speechless. overcome with emotions brought on by the beauty of that rifle

 

[Calum]

I bet that rifle has put allot of Deer, and other game critters in the freezer, in it's time.

 

[rgv]

it is a Browning rifle, made by FN (Fabrique Nationale) in Belgium, ~1960's, they were called the safari I think

they are excellent quality rifles. If it doesn't say Browning on the barrel, it may be re-barrelled, but that is definitely a Brownning action, they were the only ones to use that bolt release/ejector system, and it has FN proof marks on the bolt handle

 

[hansol]

Well thank you for all the wonderful comments. I apologize for the somewhat rough condition of the rifle, as I haven't even had a chance to polish it up at all.

So it's a 1960's FN/Browning then eh? What is one of those worth anyways? Like I said, I am so in the dark when it comes to this rifle. Cheers -Cameron

 

[Why not?]

rgv has it right!

It is definitely an FN Browning action. The bolt stop is a dead giveaway.

The barrel, however, is not from Browning, as they used stepped barrels.

Ted

 

[mylesrom]

How much is it worth? Depends on how much the can of polish costs

 

[Rembo]

that barrel profile looks very similiar to one I had in 308 Norma.....it had a step on it....nice action. If the barrel is OK, it could easily be refinished and restocked into a very nice sporter....

 

[hansol]

well I've actually been toying with the idea of re-chambering it into a heavier caliber, although what I can get away with I'm not sure. Any ideas? I've always thought something in .458 would be fun...

 

[fat tony]

A friend of mine has a Belgian mauser in .458 American, with peep sights, I think it's quite the cannon.

 

[tiriaq]

You could rebarrel it in any calibre that would fit the boltface and magazine. These FN Browning actons are nice ones, worth the time and effort.
At one time Western Gun Parts had in the white Browning replacement barrels on hand.

 

[crazy_davey]

Here is what she should look like IMO

 

[Why not?]

Now that I take a closer look at it, the barrel could be from Browning. They used stepped barrels, and you can see the first step in the barrel to the right in this picture:

It is strange that there are no markings on the barrel.

Ted

 

[BUTCHJESSOP]

Nice rifle!!

rgv s got it !!! Very nice rifle i had one in .338 kick my a$$ for selling it .

 

[haggisbasher]

Here is what she should look like IMO

That is not a rifle,that is a "showpiece wall hanger"

 

[Gibbs505]

Great rifle there!!

 

[Win/64]

Here is what she should look like IMO

Is that a Bushnell scope I see on that rifle?

 

[H4831]

re chamber?

well I've actually been toying with the idea of re-chambering it into a heavier caliber, although what I can get away with I'm not sure. Any ideas? I've always thought something in .458 would be fun...

Your gunsmith may balk at the plan of rechambering a 7MM Mag to .458!!

 

[hansol]

haha hey all, thanks for all the replies.


Davey that is quite the rifle you have there. I am rather impressed. Although I have to say that even though my rifle may not have the original stock, there is a bit of a story behind it. Long story short, my uncle got divorced and moved to the US, and left me this rifle. He was a custom cabinet maker/ woodworker, and this was one of his first attempts at "customizing" his gun collection. So while it may not be perfection or "original condition", I still very much treasure the thing.

As for rechambering it, I was thinking about this last night, and was thinking that she would probably make a pretty decent sheep rifle in 7mm in the current condition she is in. So maybe a guy would be better off just leaving it alone.

And I will keep looking for barrel markings, but I'm fairly confident that indeed there are no markings. I pulled the rifle from the stock to check, but didn't see anything. I will check again though. Cheers guys

 

[Bush Man]

When I search on the internet I can't find any info at all of these rifles. I have one of these in .308 it has a skinny barrel and is basically in 95%+ condition. I'm looking to sell this someday and I can't find any values of these Browning FN rifles.

You can PM so I don't hijack this thread too much.