Make: Fabrique Nationale, Browning patent
Model: Trombone
Serial Number: 39692
Year of Manufacture: 1932 / 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 is an adjustable elevation v-notch dovetailed into the barrel. There is a pair of 1" scope rings screwed into the top of the receiver. No optic is included.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is two piece wood with a straight comb, smooth semi-pistol grip, 15-rib forend, and a smooth metal buttplate. The buttpad has patina, oxidation, and moderate handling wear. The furniture shows scattered pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. The LOP measures 13.75" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
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 80% of its original metal finish. The finish shows edge wear, freckling, some scratches, and thinning. The screw heads show light tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very 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 FN Browning Trombone was manufactured in 1932 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic firearm. Designed by John M. Browning and produced by Fabrique Nationale Herstal, the Trombone is one of the finest and longest-lived European pump-action rimfire rifle designs. It quickly gained an international reputation for its exceptionally smooth slide action, quality Belgian craftsmanship, and outstanding accuracy. Early pre-war examples such as this are especially desirable to collectors, representing the formative years of one of Browning's most successful sporting rifle designs.
Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges, the Trombone's tube-fed pump-action design offers outstanding versatility for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10, indicating excellent internal condition with strong rifling. The action functions correctly. A pair of 1 inch scope rings has been screwed directly to the top of the receiver, providing a period means of mounting an optic but representing a non-factory modification.
The furniture rates in Very Good condition with honest handling wear consistent with careful use. This rifle retains approximately 80% of its original metal finish, exhibiting thinning and edge wear while maintaining an attractive overall appearance. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition and represents an appealing pre-war FN Browning Trombone that combines classic John M. Browning design with FN Herstal's renowned manufacturing quality. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
