Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning

Model: High-Power, Medallion Grade

Serial Number: 7X42437

Year of Manufacture: 1967

Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action Hinge-Floorplate Internal Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights / Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic mount (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece deluxe walnut with fancy-border skip-line checkering, rosewood nose and grip caps, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, ventilated brown rubber Browning recoil pad, and sling studs front and rear. The stock has a few minor marks. There are a couple of minor bubbles in the finish along the edge of the cheekpiece. There is some stubborn residue which appears to be from bedding compound at some edges. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad shows minor wear. We suspect that this stock is a factory replacement, see Our Assessment. Overall, the stock is in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: We believe the rifle was factory refinished due to saltwood (see Our Assessment). Bolt and receiver serials are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent very minor erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8-9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear and there are a few minor handling marks. There is some minor pitting under the finish on each side of the receiver below the stock-line. The barrel has only a few spots of minor erosion under the finish below the stock-line. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-plus condition as factory refinished.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Essentially a commercial Mauser sporting rifle, Browning's High Power was produced in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale in three different grades. The standard grade was the Safari while the Medallion grade featured higher grade stocks with rosewood caps and some engraving on the receiver and barrel. Unfortunately, these higher grade stocks suffered from the same saltwood problem which plagued Superposed shotguns of the era. When Browning became aware of this, they were also offered to be returned to have the stocks replaced under warranty.

This Medallion Grade appears to be one of these rifles, retaining good detail in the engraving and clear markings, but showing a little sign of saltwood erosion under the stock-line, mostly on the receiver. The new finish looks great and the stock is quite well fit to the rifle, though it appears some bedding compound was necessary inside the stock for a proper fit. This is a beautiful rifle, equally suited to adding to a collection or taking on your next hunt. Please see our photos and good luck!