Make: FN Herstal Browning

Model: Trombone

Serial Number: 143751 (The upper and lower receiver are marked "751")

Year of Manufacture: 1972 / ATF Classification: C&R

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

Action Type: Pump "trombone" action, tubular magazine

Barrel Length: 22"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation v-notch dovetailed into the barrel. The receiver is grooved for an optic, though none is present.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood furniture has a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, 15-groove forend, and a smooth metal buttplate. There is crazing in the finish, as well as infrequent pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. The LOP measures 14" from the face of the trigger to the rear of the butt. Most notable is a scuff located on the right side of the stock and another scuff below it in the belly. There are no cracks present, but there is some crazing in the finish at the heel. Overall the furniture is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is very strong, showing a few surface scratches and infrequent blemishes. There is light operational wear on the magazine tube. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine 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 is a very high condition example of Browning's iconic pump action rimfire, retaining approximately 97% of its original finish. The metal surfaces are clean and even with minimal handling wear, and the rifle retains matching serialized parts, an important point of originality for collectors. The 22" barrel gives the rifle a classic sporting profile and an excellent sight radius, and the overall presentation reflects the quality machining and finish associated with FN Herstal produced Browning rimfires of this era.

Mechanically, the rifle is excellent. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10 with bright steel and sharp rifling, indicating very light use. The action functions correctly and delivers the smooth, refined pump stroke that earned the Trombone its reputation as one of the finest slide action rimfire rifles ever produced. Handling is lively yet controlled, and the rifle balances naturally in the hands.

Historically, the Browning Trombone holds a special place in rimfire history as a premium European made pump action rifle, produced by FN Herstal during a long and successful production run. These rifles were known for superior fit and finish compared to many domestic counterparts and were marketed as high end sporting arms. A high condition example with matching numbers and a strong bore, such as this one, stands as a highly desirable and collectible representation of Browning and FN Herstal craftsmanship.