Could someone give me the scoop an Browning Saltwood guns. I gather there is some sort of problem with the stock? I saw one at cabelas the other day that was a saltwood gun, and I've seen others that specifically claim not to be. So what's the deal with them?

Len Hawkins

Hello,
Can't give you the exact description other than to say that the stocks of a given vintage Browning firearms had a nasty habit of causing terrible rust and corrosion occur on the metal parts due to salt solution found in the wood stocks. Not always visible to the eye for it was often only seen or found under in the barrel channel, action recesses of the stock, etc. Nasty rust/pitting situation. Sure others can give you more details on the situation, but it caused a lot of problems for Browning several years ago. I would assume Browning made good on the problems????

It was a process using salt to dry the wood used by Browning about 1969. Unfortunately the salt in the wood caused the metal particularly below the wood line to rust badly. Browning replaced many stocks and in mild early detected cases would seal the wood to halt the process. If you gun was made 69-70-71, remove it from the stock and if a salt gun you will quickly know. A gun described as a salt gun will probably have new wood or sealed wood with pitting visible below the wood line.

The "Death" of many a good Browning from the mid 60s-early 70s!!

That's what it is...

JW