I've been surfing the web looking for "classic" safari rifles, and I noticed that a lot of the old Safari Grade FN Browning's have a blurb stating "No Salt Wood."

I'm not aware of what went on that caused the advertisers to post this. Are some of the old FNs rusting away because of salt impregnated wood? If so, where did the salt come from?

And, bottom line, how big of a problem is this if you were to buy one the had salt?

GAHUNTER,

This may be of some help:

Salt Wood

Regards,

Terry

It indeed is a problem and it will rust the steel out wherever the wood is in contact with steel. At a recent gun show I saw a "new in the box" Safari that was virtually ruined by the salt leeching from the wood and aggressively rusting out the barreled action.

In order to stain sap wood, and use cheaper material, Browning soaked thw walnut in salt water. Herters old reloading book showed a pool full of walnut logs.
Once it got out the door it started to rust the metal.
Good luck!

Wow. What a shame to have fine old guns ruined by something like this.

Thanks guys. Curiosity satisfied.

T. Carr, thanks for posting that. I have heard a number of accounts on how it happened and coming from Mr. Schwing, it is certainly the most acceptable.