Browning FN Olympian in 308 Norma Magnum

[jlmwrite]

I've just found a 1967 Browning FN Olympian model in 308 Norma Mag. It appears to be at least 90%-95% (a few minor dings on the cheekpiece). Seller claims that it wasn't a salt gun; a cursory inspection doesn't show any dark spots nor do I see evidence of rust, but then again I haven't taken it down for a closer look yet (nor done the silver nitrate test). Given that its a '67, I am worried about the possibility of it being stocked with salt wood. Also, the 308 Norma Mag -- despite its technical advantages -- is a damned rare caliber (read: expensive to shoot at greater than $3/round) , and I plan on taking this rifle one at least several hunts despite its high value for a working class guy.

With that said, it is otherwise immaculate! I can't remember feeling this emotional about a gun in years (never good when buying). I feel the asking price, which is just north of $10,000, is probably about right but I'm having MAJOR pre-buyer's jitters about dropping that sort of coin on the most expensive rifle I will probably ever own. There are very few of these around to make a price comparison, and I don't have access to any of the subscription services to verify if it's actually good price.

What I'm asking if there's anyone out there that could tell me if the caliber makes this more or less valuable, and also if anyone would like to hazard a guess on what this is actually worth before I commit.

 

[SwampWolf]

Off the cuff but because I've looked at a few Olympian models over the years, even in excellent condition I think $10,000.00 is way too high. I don't think the cartridge chambering makes much difference in price. Collectors might pay more for a .308 Norma chambering due to its relative scarcity; some might pay less for the same reason. I'd sure love to have one.

 

[HB]

Unless it has been owned by a famous person and has the collector following to prove it, I can’t imagine ever paying $10k for a gun. And even then I would have to be making about $250k with no kids.

HB

 

[.308 Norma]

I guess it kind of depends on weather or not it's worth it to you jimwrite.
To me, $10,000 is a lot for a 308 Norma Mag. It's about 3 times what I paid for mine, and mine was my retirement gift to myself - something I'd dreamed of owning since I was 16 years old, but with kids and a mortgage couldn't afford. I paid for my Montana Rifle Company 308 Norma Magnum with my first two Social Security checks
.

I am worried about the possibility of it being stocked with salt wood.

I'd never heard the term "salt wood" before. My 308 Norma Mag has a synthetic stock.

Also, the 308 Norma Mag -- despite its technical advantages

I'm also not aware of a 308 Norma Mag's "technical advantages." In spite of the fact I love my 308 Norma Magnum, it won't do anything a 300 Winchester Magnum won't do - which BTW, I've had two of.

is a damned rare caliber (read: expensive to shoot at greater than $3/round) , and I plan on taking this rifle one at least several hunts despite its high value for a working class guy.

It's kinda rare, I'm not sure about "damned" rare. And that "$3/round" thing is only true if you don't handload.
Of course there's always the argument that you've probably heard a thousand times (I know I have) that "unlike a 30-06, you can't find ammo for it in any backwoods country store." But who cares? There a lot of very good big game cartridges that you can't find in just "any backwoods country store." Besides, I'm 70 years old today, been successfully hunting big game since I was 14, and in all those years, I've never had to stop at a store and buy ammo on a hunting trip.

 

[HB]

Also what’s $3/shot if they gun costs $10k?

That’s like having a cigarette boat with no gas.

 

[LoonWulf]

Auction I'm seeing are starting around 8k and the one 308 Norma I found was 15.....nice looking rifles.

Honestly if you WANT it and can afford it I say go for it. The Norma's not hard to load for. There's one in 7x64 I'd be interested in, if I could afford it. If you dont reload already buy yourself a reloading set up and cost will be minimal.

I've also owned that much in paintball guns at one point so my view might be skewed.

 

[jlmwrite]

So .308 Norma, yes, $10K truly IS a lot for a gun, for anyone I should think. I'm not a rich collector, just an ordinary guy near retirement who appreciates nice guns. Hell, 15 years ago I would have laughed if someone tried to sell me any gun for that price! As with anything the question isn't whether or not something is too expensive, but is it too expensive for you. I admire my friend's collection of vintage Knight's Templar postcards, but I'd never pay $300 for one. Then again, the same guy admires my Harley but thinks I'm an idiot for buying an $800 seat, much less the $2000 I put into pipes and a Stage II upgrade.

FYI -- Salt wood was a huge black mark for Browning for virtually all rifles made from '67 until '69 and even up to '72. It had to do with Browning purchasing an enormous quantity of cut wood, and using the Morton Salt Company's new method of curing wood with salt rather than the slow kiln-dried method. Short story is the brine ended up dripping down into the stacks of wood, leaching into it permanently, and causing the wood to darken in spots and causing rust wherever the wood touched metal. Something to keep in mind anytime you are considering a vintage Browning rifle or shotgun.

HB, you're absolutely right about the price. Hell, feeding our .50 BMG can go as high as $5/round. If you're gonna get a big toy, be prepared for big expenses. But back to .308 Norma's comments -- the 308 Norma Mag really is damned rare. Forget the old "can't find it in Grandpa Joe's Country Store" thing. I also can't find it at Bass Pro, Cabela's, or any of the LGS in metro Denver. I can only find it on a couple of online dealers (today's count is 3 of them, and 1 of them has been out of stock for a while). And no, I haven't fallen down the rabbit hole of reloading yet. I'm scared. I KNOW what will happen; I'll go into my workshop and won't come out except to get another package of reloading supplies off the front porch. Must. Not. Start. Reloading...

LoonWulf, thanks for your input. I saw the one auction where the Olympian went for $15K as well, but now I'm wondering if that was an anomaly or if it is about right. I do remember seeing an Olympian in 7mm Mag somewhere a few years back and I'm sure it was $13K; it sat in a locked case for about 3 weeks and then it was gone.

 

[Jim Watson]

The price is only money, but the caliber is not for you.

 

[redneck2]

My LGS has a .308 Norma. Maybe $1,200 IIRC. I’m sure it’s not as nice as the Browning, but it’s $9,000 less.

 

[.308 Norma]

the 308 Norma Mag really is damned rare. Forget the old "can't find it in Grandpa Joe's Country Store" thing. I also can't find it at Bass Pro, Cabela's, or any of the LGS in metro Denver.

Must. Not. Start. Reloading...

So in your opinion the 308 Norma Mag "really is damned rare." Yet you're considering buying a $10,000 rifle chambered for it, and you "Must. Not. Start. Reloading..."
Okie Dokie. Good luck.
Thanks for the info about the "salt wood."

 

[someguy2800]

Tell your wife its $10,000, then talk them down $600 on the price and use it to buy 200 rounds of ammo. Enough for many years of hunting. Then when your dead the next guy will have plenty of brass to reload for it. If it gives you the warm and bubblies don't worry about the caliber, keep it in good shape and it will never be worth less than you bought it for.

 

[redneck2]

If I maybe won the lottery and had a couple extra million dollars, I MIGHT buy a $10,000 rifle. It would have to be REAL special. Like maybe an English double rifle. It would not be something to carry in the deer woods.

But hey, it’s your money. Whatever you have left of it.

 

[someguy2800]

Well some people spend $70,000 on bass boats and $20,000 on golf clubs, and those are worth half as much the day after you buy them. Buying a $10,000 classic firearm isn't much different than putting 10,000 in the bank. It will just continue to be worth more money. Except you get to shoot stuff with it.

 

[Steve S.]

Money volume is all relative; people with less money will tell you that $10k is a lot of money - people with more money will not look at $10k the same way. If your state of emotion does not subside, you will forever be haunted if you do not make the purchase. It boils down to which is worth more to you, the rifle or the $10k.

 

[LoonWulf]

Must. Start. Reloading...

FIxed it for you, your welcome

Money volume is all relative; people with less money will tell you that $10k is a lot of money - people with more money will not look at $10k the same way. If your state of emotion does not subside, you will forever be haunted if you do not make the purchase. It boils down to which is worth more to you, the rifle or the $10k.

THAT^

and as @someguy2800 said, they are just gonna go up in price, so not only will it haunt you, youll always remember when it was ONLY 10k


Again tho, Am teasing, not trying to push you to buy it.
Its not a small chunk of change and its something youll have to make sure its a monetary hurt your comfortable with.

We also gag on one large expenditure at times, and go id never spend that on a gun. But if we take the hobby as a whole, most of us have at least that much into it.