Salty Dog Browning Bolt Gun
I'll try this as a new post, I am new to this forum and am surprised how many new posts per day.
I have FN Browning Safari Grade; I picked it up 3 years ago SN: 8L 45xxx. Periodically I would try to search for information on it, date of mfg etc, with out success. Thanks to Contender Man, and the proof-house link I now know more.
I was aware of the salt wood issue and reasonably sure my piece was not so predisposed. The receiver, barrel, and floor-plate assembly, were and are in excellent shape.
There were however gnawing observations that caused some doubt. It wasn't until I recently started refinishing the stock that doubt began to give way; Butt plate screws, sling studs, and cross bolt a rusted mess. As a consequence I conducted a "Browning" + "salt wood" + "safari grade" search and happened upon this forum; found out the date of mfg is smack dab in the middle of the salt wood era. I am convinced that I have the dubious honor of owning a "salty-dog", or to be optimistic the proud owner of an FN-Browning barreled action with floor plate assembly.
Has anyone in this group had to replace there stock or does anyone know where I might find a replacement, unsalted of course?
A little more than a year ago I was at the rifle range shooting next to gentleman who had a restocked Model 70 Featherweight, he said he had it done by someone in Pennsylvania, $1,200. Who ever it was they did an outstanding job, and I did not get the fellows name. Is there good stock maker that someone could recommend?
Thanks,
I have FN Browning Safari Grade; I picked it up 3 years ago SN: 8L 45xxx. Periodically I would try to search for information on it, date of mfg etc, with out success. Thanks to Contender Man, and the proof-house link I now know more.
I was aware of the salt wood issue and reasonably sure my piece was not so predisposed. The receiver, barrel, and floor-plate assembly, were and are in excellent shape.
There were however gnawing observations that caused some doubt. It wasn't until I recently started refinishing the stock that doubt began to give way; Butt plate screws, sling studs, and cross bolt a rusted mess. As a consequence I conducted a "Browning" + "salt wood" + "safari grade" search and happened upon this forum; found out the date of mfg is smack dab in the middle of the salt wood era. I am convinced that I have the dubious honor of owning a "salty-dog", or to be optimistic the proud owner of an FN-Browning barreled action with floor plate assembly.
Has anyone in this group had to replace there stock or does anyone know where I might find a replacement, unsalted of course?
A little more than a year ago I was at the rifle range shooting next to gentleman who had a restocked Model 70 Featherweight, he said he had it done by someone in Pennsylvania, $1,200. Who ever it was they did an outstanding job, and I did not get the fellows name. Is there good stock maker that someone could recommend?
Thanks,
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Take the rifle apart,i.e. separate the receiver and barrel from the stock. Check the condition of the unseen metal parts underneath the wood of the stock. If these areas are in the same condition as the "butt plate screws" and "cross bolt", restocking at this late date, with the metal being extremely pitted isn't going to do you any good. Take out the striker and hang the rifle on the wall as a decorator.
If the metal under the wood is not pitted, don't worry about it. Keep on using the rifle.
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