Hi All,
Just came across a Belgium made FN Safari grade rifle in 458wm, in ex. cond. Now the question has anyone had anything to do with this model, anything to look out for or check, comes with a Leupold 1.5 x 5,and a beautiful walnut stock, what are they worth they want US$1800,,,thanks for any replies..Les

Is it PUSH feed or CLAW extractor? Some of each were made. Also take the barreled action out of stock and look for corrosion. Browning cured some wood with SALT and those guns have problems. Serial numbers with prefixes such as 7L XXXX are earlier guns. Numbers first and then number with letter are later guns and have the problems. $1800 would be Okay if it's a claw extractor and no salt with the scope. Salt decreases by 50%. I had a 458 and have several other calibers. They are nice rifles.

Thanks for the quick reply dukxdog, I haven't handled it yet but will take your advice and check for corrosion and extractor, the serial number is B599xx so that be a late model I take it, thanks mate...

The salt wood rust problem began in 1966. No problems from 1959-1965. Not all 1966 and later production was affected by the salt wood.

If that "B" in the serial number was an "8" that would be a 1968 production.

Sounds like a good deal to me, and it will hold its value and increase as years go buy, whats not to like about that. A good Mauser in .458 is always a desirable rifle. If it were mine I would not take $1800 for it.

Thanks for the replies, sounds good so I'm onto the dealer today....

First, it's not a Browning & it's not a salt-wood - it's a FN; and, I agree with Ray - it's a good deal.

I have never seen an FN with Salt wood, only Browning and that was over a short period of time.

FN did not compete with Browning. However, the largest caliber I've ever seen from FN is a .375. I am not aware of FN buliding a .458.

There is no salt-wood problems with FN that I'm aware of.

A few factory FN Deluxe Sporters (not FN-made Browning Safaris) were chambered in 458Win. Not many. I saw one at one of the last Astro Hall shows several years ago.

this is not really difficult
browning contracted with FN to have FN make barreled, but not finished, actions

browning may or may not have used salt wood on a browning

FN did not use browning wood

Browning Olympian 458:

http://ww2.rockislandauction.com/41/p_standard/FYL62-E-F1-L.jpg

FN produced rifles in .458 Win., .375 H&H, and .404 Jefferys, but not many..I have owned all three at one time or another but the collectors wanted them more than I...Nice rifles and never any salt wood.

Salt wood was a Browning screw up, they soaked and cured the wood in salt water and although it was quick, and a production plus, it didn't go well with metal and rusted out many nice guns. Once they realized what was going on they quickly did away with that process and took the hit..It only lasted for a year or two..At least that is the way I got the story from some guys in the know.

I've got a Browning FN .458WM that is first year production. Serial# L3XX.

I'll gladly take $1800 US for it. You make the arrangements to import it from Canada.