Just won this beauty off of GB. Only problem is that I can't find a whole lot of info about these rifles. These were built on an FN commercial Mauser action, and I believe these were referred to by FN/Browning as their "High Power" line of rifles (not to be confused with the 'Hi Power' pistol). I called Browning and they told me that based on the SN (54143 L69) it is a Medallion grade made in 1969, the letter 'L' identifying it as a Medallion grade, and 69 identifying the year of manufacture. There were three grades of these rifles, Safari, Medallion, and Olympian.
Here is where I am getting confused and having difficulty positively identifying the rifle. Based on the images I'm finding on line, and based on the express sights, it looks like a Safari grade to me. I believe the Medallion also has more ornate engraving, and more of it throughout the rifle.
Additionally, based on info I'm finding on the Proofhouse website, the 'L' designation stood for 'Safari' grade from 1959 when the rifles were introduced, until 1967. In 1968 the 'L' designation was used to identify 'Olympian' grade rifles, and a year later in '69 it was used to identify 'Medallion' grade rifles. As you can imagine, this is confusing, as I have a rifle that was made in '69, with an 'L' identifier, which identifies it as a 'Medallion' grade for that time frame, but on appearance it's clearly a 'Safari' grade. I haven't had luck finding other sources that will confirm or refute this info.
Anyone on here with knowledge about these rifles that can help me? Any sources you can point me to?
Here is where I am getting confused and having difficulty positively identifying the rifle. Based on the images I'm finding on line, and based on the express sights, it looks like a Safari grade to me. I believe the Medallion also has more ornate engraving, and more of it throughout the rifle.
Additionally, based on info I'm finding on the Proofhouse website, the 'L' designation stood for 'Safari' grade from 1959 when the rifles were introduced, until 1967. In 1968 the 'L' designation was used to identify 'Olympian' grade rifles, and a year later in '69 it was used to identify 'Medallion' grade rifles. As you can imagine, this is confusing, as I have a rifle that was made in '69, with an 'L' identifier, which identifies it as a 'Medallion' grade for that time frame, but on appearance it's clearly a 'Safari' grade. I haven't had luck finding other sources that will confirm or refute this info.
Anyone on here with knowledge about these rifles that can help me? Any sources you can point me to?
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