The Accurate Reloading Forums
Browning FN or Ruger RS?
23 October 2007, 01:20
BEGNOBrowning FN or Ruger RS?
I am looking at a used Browning FN Safari in .458 WM or a used Ruger RS Africa in .458 WM.
Keeping cost of rifle to $1,000.00 or less.
I had a Browning years ago but didn't keep it long enough to evaluate. I really like the tang safety on the Ruger.
Comments please.
BUTCH
C'est Tout Bon
(It is all good)
23 October 2007, 01:59
jeffeossothe ruger, if an m77, is a push feed, claw extractor ... the browning is a mauser... if that makes any difference to you, then it does... if not, then great.
I would go with the browning, because it would be VERY light
23 October 2007, 02:34
adrookBrowning, if FN long claw extractor and without salt wood. Been a long time since I've seen for less than $1K though.
Cheers,
Andy
23 October 2007, 02:39
MTMI've got a .458 FN Browning, very nice rifle. No comparison in my book. That said I could be a touch biased.

23 October 2007, 02:44
dean119I have a well used FN Browning 458 and like it a lot. Handles like a deer rifle and its very reliable and accurate. Only thing I didnt like is the cheesy (IMHO)alloy bottom metal. I replaced it with blue steel.
23 October 2007, 04:36
xm15e2m4Most of the Brownings I've had handled better and were more accurate than the Rugers. Better triggers also.
I follow Rule #62.
23 October 2007, 05:02
buckeyeshooterI have the Ruger and love it, I would not trade it for 2 Brownings!
23 October 2007, 22:57
BuliwyfThe FN Brownings chambered in .458 WM that I have seen have been in the $2000 range. If you like the tang safety go Ruger.
24 October 2007, 02:22
OldcoyoteI bought a brand-new CRF Ruger RSM in May of 2006 for $1,550. This would also allow for a .458 Lott if you prefer.
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24 October 2007, 22:46
BEGNOThanks for the help guys. I had a Browning FN
long extractor gun located at $1,000 when I posted. It is easy to find a Ruger RS in the $800 range. Since it is harder to find a reasonably priced Browning and I liked the handling comments, I ordered it. The Browning was manufactured in 1971 just at the end of the Salt era and the pictures of it show it to be in excellent condition. It is going straight to my Gunsmith for inspection to confirm condition and absence of salt and I have a 3 day right to return. Thanks again for helping me see the issues clearly.
BUTCH
C'est Tout Bon
(It is all good)
24 October 2007, 23:13
jetdrvrYou are gonna like the Browning. Friend of mine loaned me a .375 to take on a Buff hunt, but since I'm a leftie, I shot it quire a bit and then bought a Model 70 LH. I really liked the Browning. Good trigger, points nice, and fed dependably. Nice rifle.
26 October 2007, 20:04
AtkinsonYour tang safty Ruger is the older discontinued model..The barrel is too heavy and the sights arn't right and need changing out..The tang safty on a big bore can get your thumb from time to time unless you modify it..I Love the newer Safari Grade Rugers, they are about perfect IMO...
Based on that I would grab that old Browning FN, and its priced right if it has the long extractor..It will always be worth more than you paid for it. The Browning is a fine rifle.
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
07 November 2007, 01:48
BEGNOUpdate:
Examined the rifle and I am pleased. Pleasantly surprised that the rifle had a factory rosewood tip(put on less than 20% of those manufactured),
had been professionally glassbedded and professional ported. It has a long extractor and is a no-salt gun. The forum was right, it handles like a deer rifle. Negative: shortened to 13" LOP, but gunsmith will replace old style pad with a limbsaver and lengthen to my specifications. The wood is so nice that we decided to strip off the old finish (cracking and brittle)and refinish with a hand rubbed oil/satin finish.
Thanks again for the advice.
BUTCH
C'est Tout Bon
(It is all good)
07 November 2007, 02:38
BuglemintodayI just recently bought the browning FN, to share a spot in the safe, I plan on getting a Ruger in .416 Rigby sometime in the next few months...
I think another big thing between the two is that the Browning may weigh a tad bit less
"Let me start off with two words: Made in America"