Hello,

Came across a nice Browning bolt rifle made around 1965. Just wondering if anybody owns one of these and can attest to its qualities.

This one is in 7mm mag. I've heard of salt wood, but I think this rifle pre dates these problems.

Just hoping someone has some thoughts on expected accuracy. I also found a second, but it has a wing type safety, not the side safety, so I'm not certain if it's a FN factory model or not...

Any range reports with these Safari bolt actions would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Mark.

A friend had one in '06 that would shoot 1 to 1-1/2 inch groups at 100 yds with Winchester and Remington factory ammo, but we never tried reloading for it. They are VERY nicely made rifles, other than the salt cured ones.

my dad has a 7mm rem mag safari with the sako extractor. tackdriver. i have a .270 full length extractor... tackdriver.

That would proably be a great rifle.
Love to have it myself. If the price is decent...tj3006

I've owned several of them more than 35 years ago. I think they were the best factory bolt sporter of their day. Sure wish I had my .458 Mag Safari back..... It was a European version with an oil finish rather than a gloss finish. Someone prior to me had set a small ruby in the top of the bolt knob, but it was small enough it didn't look out of place, and the gun was great in functioning, reliabilty, and accuracy in the field.

Many of the smaller chamberings were built by Browning on Sako actions, but all the larger chamberings I have seen had the FN Mauser action with the CRF claw extractor. So I found the post above about the one in 7 m/m Mag with the Sako action quite interesting. Wasn't aware they put that chambering in that action until now.

Thanks for the replies,

I saw a couple at a local Sheels gun room and they don't have one for less that 1,200, but I'm hoping I can pick one up for around $700-750 used.

I've yet to reload for 7mm Mag, but I love the large bullet selection for anything from antelope to elk.

If I pick one up my other plan is to find a nice period scope for it. I kinda like to stick to the era of the rifle regarding accessories like optics.

I like the crossbolts, too... haven't found any reports on stock breakage so far, but 7mm shouldn't be a problem.

Alberta, I saw a 458 locally awhile back, but it had salt wood and the guy wouldn't come down on the price one bit, but it was a classy looking rifle.

quote:

Many of the smaller chamberings were built by Browning on Sako actions, but all the larger chamberings I have seen had the FN Mauser action with the CRF claw extractor. So I found the post above about the one in 7 m/m Mag with the Sako action quite interesting. Wasn't aware they put that chambering in that action until now.

There were no long action Safaris built on Sako actions. Some of the late long caliber Safaris were made on an FN Mauser model (Supreme?) which used a "short extractor" rather than the traditional CRF Mauser-type "long extractor".

Thanks Stonecreek. That explans pretty well why all the long ones I have seen have the traditional FN action and the long CRF extractor.

I have one of the long ones right now which is chambered for .280 Remington in a replacement Hart barrel, and it is a dandy for accuracy and function. Not sure I would have NP-3'd it, but the original owner had that done. As I bought it for $200 in 2005, I don't think I'll complain.

I still have Browning Safari in 243 that I got new 1965.

quote:

Originally posted by 300H&H:
Thanks for the replies,

I saw a couple at a local Sheels gun room and they don't have one for less that 1,200, but I'm hoping I can pick one up for around $700-750 used.

You'll have a hard time finding one in decent shape for that price. Of course prices vary around the country, but I've never seen a decent one for less than $1k and I frequent alot of gun auctions and gun shows.

Be very thorough in examining any of these guns for the possiblity of salt wood. The best thing is to remove the barreled action from the stock to check for rust below the wood line. If that isn't possible, just remove a screw from the butt plate to check for rust. Good luck finding one in your price range, and if you do see if you can find two. One for each of us .

I have a '64 Browning Safari in 458 Win Mag. Love the way the rifle handles and shoots. I believe Browning had the salt cured stocks starting in '65 or '66 from what I remember.

Salt wood started late 1967 and ran into the early 70's. Even then not all stocks in that period were salt wood, but Be very careful. I believe that The early Browning safari's were better all around than the pre-64 mod 70's. You will not find a good early Safari grade for $750. You maybe able to get a salt wood gun for that money. Daryl.