Need Help with Belgium Browning Safari 458

wildcat34 · September 4, 2013, 09:45 AM

I need some help with this some information on this rifle. This rifle was originally purchased by my grandfather on December 31, 1962. I have the original paperwork from his purchase. He passed away several years ago and my father and I have decided to sell the gun because it is just too much rifle for either of us and we feel it should go to someone that can appreciate it more than either of us. My grandfather used this rifle on his African safari in 1964 to shoot a bull elephant, a bull eland, and a cape water buffalo. This is a Belgium Browning Safari grade 458. The serial number on the gun is L4066. I am trying to find out any and all information about this rifle. I have tried to do some research myself but there is not a lot of information out there. I am also trying to at least get an estimated range of value. Any and all help would be appreciated.

Jimro · September 4, 2013, 10:37 AM

The Browning Safari line were rebranded FN commercial M98 Mausers.

That being said, they were very good rifles, your Grandfather bought his 4 years before the first "salt cured" stock touched steel, so yours should bring a premium price.

The auction site gunsinternational show listings starting at 1,600 and going up from there, with most 458 Win Mags over 2k. I think that's a bit optimistic, but they were very nice rifles.

Jimro

csmsss · September 4, 2013, 01:56 PM

Beautiful rifle. I don't think $1,600 would be at all unreasonable, considering that's a magnum Mauser action (they go for a largish premium over standard length Mauser actions).

black mamba · September 4, 2013, 03:02 PM

I don't think Browning used magnum length (3.6") actions for their magnum offerings. The 458 Win Mag is a 3.35" cartridge, same as a 30-06.

PetahW · September 4, 2013, 06:26 PM

.

The receiver is an FN Supreme standard (length).

Since Browning never made their own rifles after JMB's patents were sold to Winchester, Remington & FN (etc), "Browning Arms Co" (the home offices were in Morgan, UT) had those boltguns made by FN (the in-house factory), with some of the smaller ones on Sako actions.

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September 4, 2013, 10:37 AM	#2
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	The Browning Safari line were rebranded FN commercial M98 Mausers. That being said, they were very good rifles, your Grandfather bought his 4 years before the first "salt cured" stock touched steel, so yours should bring a premium price. The auction site gunsinternational show listings starting at 1,600 and going up from there, with most 458 Win Mags over 2k. I think that's a bit optimistic, but they were very nice rifles. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

September 4, 2013, 01:56 PM	#3
csmsss Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Orange, TX Posts: 3,078	Beautiful rifle. I don't think $1,600 would be at all unreasonable, considering that's a magnum Mauser action (they go for a largish premium over standard length Mauser actions).

September 4, 2013, 03:02 PM	#4
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	I don't think Browning used magnum length (3.6") actions for their magnum offerings. The 458 Win Mag is a 3.35" cartridge, same as a 30-06.

September 4, 2013, 06:26 PM	#5
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	. The receiver is an FN Supreme standard (length). Since Browning never made their own rifles after JMB's patents were sold to Winchester, Remington & FN (etc), "Browning Arms Co" (the home offices were in Morgan, UT) had those boltguns made by FN (the in-house factory), with some of the smaller ones on Sako actions. .