Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: quacksmoker on January 02, 2012, 03:18:21 PM

Title: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 02, 2012, 03:18:21 PM: I recently inherited this gun and I’m not quite sure what brand/model it is. The only numerical marking is on the underside of the bolt handle. Based on my preliminary research, I think it is a Browning, but there are no other markings on the gun besides the caliber (7mm Rem Mag). Any help would be appreciated.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0647.jpg&hash=c28078db43b46b5526f8ba60d627fc74b949ef2e)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0649.jpg&hash=4010a3b7a90323ec0db84a174ce31376c5a4d621)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0648.jpg&hash=5eaa5ba12ed5fe9fec1b390e5a66be56e8702cf1)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0650.jpg&hash=f70c6474073d324626d676e7011dc17bf6f5e07b)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0651.jpg&hash=0f0ea29a4248f2b25b77140f6cd8b375563fe099)
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 02, 2012, 03:35:34 PM: That looks a lot like an imported Firearms International built ona Finnish action. Although not a Browning, they are very similar castings. Many of them from the 70's are very well built and accurate. Pull it from the stock and look at the underside of the barrel and action forward of the lug for more markings. Most of the barrels were stamped FIA but many were rebarreled by smiths throughout the years.

-Steve
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: coyotewallace on January 02, 2012, 03:37:58 PM: Husqvarna
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 02, 2012, 03:40:15 PM: Quote from: coyotewallace on January 02, 2012, 03:37:58 PM
Husqvarna

Hmm... ??? Got me thinkin...
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 02, 2012, 04:03:14 PM: Pulled it from the stock and there are no other markings.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: elkslayer069 on January 02, 2012, 09:45:54 PM: Looks like my interarms mark X alexandria virginia imported from manchester england does it have any proof marks on it that i can compare to mine?
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: gotshot on January 02, 2012, 09:49:19 PM: Looks somewhat like my Husqvarna but mine is clearly marked.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: blackdog on January 02, 2012, 09:59:17 PM: Browning High Power see Jan 12 issue rifle magazine.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: KFhunter on January 02, 2012, 10:19:14 PM: I like it, I'd keep it for sure
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 02, 2012, 11:39:11 PM: I would expect the Husky to be clearly marked as it is a comercial rifle. The ones by InterArms or Firearms International from that era were not marked very well.

-Steve
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 02, 2012, 11:53:45 PM: Not sure on the flavor if it, but it is a good looking gun :tup:
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: elkslayer069 on January 03, 2012, 12:12:28 AM: hey quacksmoker take a close up of the proof mark next to the reciver on the barrel on the right side
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 03, 2012, 07:24:00 AM: Quote from: elkslayer069 on January 03, 2012, 12:12:28 AM
hey quacksmoker take a close up of the proof mark next to the reciver on the barrel on the right side

Here is a drawing of the proof mark.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 03, 2012, 07:25:25 AM: Quote from: blackdog on January 02, 2012, 09:59:17 PM
Browning High Power see Jan 12 issue rifle magazine.

That's what I thought, but the serial numbers dont match any browning production.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 03, 2012, 08:25:35 AM: After looking at more pictures, the stock looks like a Browning. It's the closest match of everything I have looked at. What leads me to this is the pattern before the recoil pad and the flowered medallion on the stock. What I don't understand it that there are no other marking to suggest it is a Browing. There is a 5 digit serial number under the bolt handle that is also ingraved in the stock under the bolt action.

It was suggested on another forum that it is a Mauser "Santa Barbra" action.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quadrafire on January 03, 2012, 08:31:52 AM: That looks like a Mauser action to me. I'll bet it is a custom gun that has been rechambered. It was likely a 8 x 57mm in a former life. :twocents:

Nice rifle, I like it :tup:
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 03, 2012, 09:07:51 AM: There is a good chance that this is a custom gun form the 60's or 70's. So are we thinking a Mauser action, rechambered in to a 7mm in a Browing stock?
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: Fowlweather25 on January 03, 2012, 09:20:14 AM: That is definitely a mauser action.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: 724wd on January 03, 2012, 01:55:29 PM: that's a commercial bolt shroud. never had a bolt safety. the other clue to it being non-military is the solid bottom to the cocking piece. military guns has a step in the cocking piece.

same bottom metal as the browning. My guess is FN action. tons of these were imported by different manufactures. hard to pinpoint who.

i assume there is no thumbcut on the left hand side. can you take a pic of that side of the action? NO markings there? FN was pretty proud of their stuff and there's usually a circled FN over there.

no matter what, that's a great gun!
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 03, 2012, 07:26:10 PM: Here are some more pictures of the gun. There is a crown on the bolt handle. I removed the bolt action from the stock and there are no other markings anywhere. Not under the safety or in the magazine. A few more pictures.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0657.jpg&hash=f2ab41ec7fd8add7a170e8320e9300d03bf1cc4c)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0656.jpg&hash=1463acd1443c120040eed5f87c065d622c4ac6eb)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0658.jpg&hash=2121a21678867a73256a61edc6e315a7d60a6f84)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh250%2Fjbem777%2FDSC_0664.jpg&hash=d4710ee7bb6bf558e987a2395868de231eb663ab)
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: lokidog on January 03, 2012, 07:30:04 PM: At least they put what caliber it was on it. :tup: Nice looking gun. The design on the nut on the left side of the stock might be distinctive to a manufacturer?
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: 724wd on January 03, 2012, 08:22:55 PM: wow! someone polished the crap out of that! :yike: i'd bet there were markings at one point. and i've only seen that bolt release on brownings.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: marty on January 03, 2012, 08:29:01 PM: Browning safari! My dad has one in a .300 mag awsome gun heavy as all get out.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 03, 2012, 09:40:40 PM: Quote from: marty on January 03, 2012, 08:29:01 PM
Browning safari! My dad has one in a .300 mag awsome gun heavy as all get out.

That was my original thought, but this gun never had sights on it and all the Safari's i've seen had them. Also, the serial number doest list with any Browning serial numbers i've come across.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: 724wd on January 04, 2012, 07:36:52 AM: you'd never know my Safari had sights on it, either. original barrel with the holes deftly filled. :tup:

as to the serial number, well, can't say for certain it's browning, but that bolt release is a tell.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 04, 2012, 12:13:57 PM: Quote from: 724wd on January 04, 2012, 07:36:52 AM
you'd never know my Safari had sights on it, either. original barrel with the holes deftly filled. :tup:

as to the serial number, well, can't say for certain it's browning, but that bolt release is a tell.

This appears to be the consensus, Browning Safari, Grade II. During the early 60's, the Browning serial number system went a bit haywire, and this is likely why I can't find the SN listed anywhere. It do not believe it has the saltwood stock. With a few minor exceptions, the wood appears to be in pretty good condition.

Would refinishing the stock negatively affect the value. What is the general value of the gun?
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: krism83 on January 04, 2012, 12:34:25 PM: Quote from: quadrafire on January 03, 2012, 08:31:52 AM
That looks like a Mauser action to me. I'll bet it is a custom gun that has been rechambered. It was likely a 8 x 57mm in a former life. :twocents:

Nice rifle, I like it :tup:

That is what I was thinking, My old man has an old Mauser 8mm rechambered to 7mm Rem Mag...Fun to shoot, loud as all get out, and heavy to pack through the woods all day.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 05, 2012, 10:08:22 AM: Called Browning and talked to their "Old Rifle Expert." He said the gun is a Browning European Mauser imported from 1950-1958. He said very few were imported. They have no record of their SN's. These models preceeded the Olympic, Medallion, and Safari grades.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quadrafire on January 05, 2012, 12:46:25 PM: Quote from: quacksmoker on January 05, 2012, 10:08:22 AM
Called Browning and talked to their "Old Rifle Expert." He said the gun is a Browning European Mauser imported from 1950-1958. He said very few were imported. They have no record of their SN's. These models preceeded the Olympic, Medallion, and Safari grades.
Interesting. Thanks for the update

was he an Old, Rifle Expert, or an Old Rifle, Expert? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: krism83 on January 05, 2012, 01:38:10 PM: Perhaps he was an old, old rifle, expert...that has to many commas in it I think.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: quacksmoker on January 05, 2012, 03:16:39 PM: I would consider him an older, old rifle expert.
Title: Re: Gun Identification
Post by: lokidog on January 05, 2012, 08:15:31 PM: Whatever, old is old, sounds like you have a nice gun. Although, being rare, might have a hard time to find a value for it.