I ran across a rifle in a pawn shop that someone had just lost for non-payment, I asked what they wanted for it and they didn't have a figure, they said they had never had anything like it and didn't know what to charge for it.Here is a little info on it.

On the right side of the barrel it is marked 30-06 just bellow the rear flip up sight, just ahead of the action on the right side of the barrel is "Made In Belgium"

Serial #No.. SL XX919

On the left side of the barrel it is marked "Browning Arms Co."

It has a hinged floor plate and the serial #No on the bottom of the bolt handle reads the same as on the action.

The scope is a Bulvar 8A 2.5-8 with no adjustments on the scope itself, the adjustments are on the base front and rear adjustments are made from the left side.

The rifle is in pristine condition.. Any help as to the value or history of the rifle would be greatly apreciated...

Than you.

This is a Browning Safari grade made in Belgium by FN on an FN Mauser action. They were a higher grade rifle than most of their competition in their day (last of them made about 1975 or so), priced about like a Sako or a Weatherby at the time.

Some of them had what is known as "salt wood" stocks (cured in salt). The residual salt causes corrosion on the metal of the gun. You can check for this by taking the barreled action out of the stock, or by simply withdrawing one of the buttplate screws to inspect for rust or corrosion. Some were so bad that even exposed metal showed corrosion, while others could be "fixed" by simply sealing the interior exposed wood. Most of them did not suffer from salt wood.

Just as they were priced like Sakos and Weatherbys back then, they still go for about the price of a contemporary Sako Deluxe or Weatherby Mark V in the same relative condition. There are a few calibers that bring big premiums, but obviously, .30-06 is not one of them.

quote:

Originally posted by SMACK!!!!:
I ran across a rifle in a pawn shop

They are a quality rifle worth acquiring. As others have stated inspect for salt damage. If in good shape I'd give about $800.00 for it. The scope/rings/mount are retro cool, but not much when compared to a Redfield of the same era. The only thing I really don't like about these rifles is the bolt release. Browning left a big hole in the side for dirt to find its way into the action.

Smack-

Just to add to the correct info of the others.

I'm betting that if you look at the serial # a bit more closely, you will see that the first two digits are a "5L" and not the "SL" you indicated in your post.

This would tell you that it was made in 1965 and is from the pre-salt wood era, so you should be safe there.

As to value, condition and originality are key. If it was cut and a pad added, well then value drops.

For a 30-06, I would say that around $800 is max dollar for a near mint original. I have seen near mint original 30-06s go as low as $500. 30-06's are the least valued in this rifle, as Stonecreek said.

I have a couple and always on the look-out for nice ones. If the shop is interested in shipping it let me know and I might give them a ring.

Best,

Bob

Blackbart: At $800, I would personally jump all over a mint, original Safari, even in .30-06. In fact, I seriously doubt you could buy one for that these days. But differences of opinion are what make the market work, so I have no criticism of your dollar estimate!

I took a closer look at it today and it has had a recoil pad installed.

I'd have offered them $500 on the spot. They know what they have in it and I'd bet it's not more than $250.

If you get it for $500 you got yourself one great deal.