Make: Fabrique Nationale, Browning patent

Model: Trombone

Serial Number: 6611

Year of Manufacture: 1923 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle

Action Type: Pump action, tubular magazine

Barrel Length: 22"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and an empty dovetail slot remains.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is two piece wood with a straight comb, smooth semi-pistol grip, 15-rib forend, and a serrated metal buttplate. The buttplate is refinished and shows light handling wear. The buttplate also does not fit flush with the wood. The stock itself has some play with the receiver. The only notable blemishes with the wood are several cracks running from the rear of the receiver. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The furniture rates in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is mostly sharp with light fouling. There is light pitting throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its nonoriginal metal finish with scattered pitting beneath. There are only faint surface scratches on the current finish. The screw heads show light tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This 2nd-year FN Browning Trombone was manufactured in 1923 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic firearm. Designed by John M. Browning and produced by Fabrique Nationale Herstal, the Trombone was introduced in 1922 and quickly became one of the finest European pump-action rimfire rifles ever produced. Its exceptionally smooth slide action, robust construction, and quality Belgian craftsmanship earned it an outstanding reputation among sportsmen, while early pre-war examples remain desirable to collectors for their historical significance and connection to Browning's sporting rifle designs.

Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges, this tube-fed pump-action rifle was designed for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5.5 out of 10, showing moderate to heavy wear with diminished rifling but remaining serviceable. The action functions correctly.

Approximately 94% of the non-original blued finish remains, with scattered pitting visible beneath the refinish. The furniture has also been refinished and rates in Good condition, with several cracks extending rearward from the receiver. Despite the restoration work and stock damage, this remains an early FN Browning Trombone with solid historical appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!