Browning FN Bolt Marking
I recently bought a gem of a Sweet Sixteen and notice peculiar (to me) markings on the bolt...like an crowned oval with three initials(?) I have an FN a-5 in 12 gauge but the bolt is smooth without any such stamping. Can anyone tell me the significance of the marks on the 16 gauge. Thanks. Best, Jim (timbroman@aol.com)
timbroman@aol.com
timbroman@aol.com
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I'll revise and elaborate on that proof mark design: under magnification it actually appears to be a right-facing stylized lion above the upper-case letters "P" & "V". Thanks, Jim
timbroman@aol.com0 -
The following is from "The Standard Directory of Proof Marks" by Gerhard Wirnsberger, page 122-123: "The proof pressure for the 16 and larger gauge loads must develop no less than 12,801 psi, while the smaller gauges must create at least 14,223 psi. Guns chambered for longer shells must be capable of withstanding higher pressures, ranging between 14,223-15,646 psi, all measured at the first location in the barrel. After a barrel has passed proof, it is marked with (right facing lion over PV). The same mark is also applied to the chamber where the weight of the barrel is also marked." The book is vague about the crowned oval containing ELG*, and associates it with the proofing of blackpowder arms. I have had a number of Browning A-5 shotguns come through my shop for various reasons, and the only thing I can tell you for certain is that the proof marks and their location vary greatly. This gun was in production for a long time and the markings were not stamped in a uniform location throughout the production life. 0 -
DerGebirgsjager and Capt Kirk - Thank you very much for all the help re the proof mark...you guys are tops.
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