From the Browning Owners site, where I had posed the same Serial number question:
Answer:
" Your Safari Grade was actually made in late 1961. Browning had not yet went to the year code with the Safari i.e. until sometime between your number L 11420 and serial number 2 L 11856 (.308 small ring). Serial number L 11557 is the last serial number I show for 1961 made Safari Grades (so far).
Side note: The Medallion and Olympian Grades all had the year code prefix in 1961 as 1 X and you couldn't tell the model you had, Medallion or Olympian, by the serial number because both had X as the prefix. Browning/FN changed that in 1962. Hope this helps. "
www.BrowningCollector.com
I had believed that the rifle was an early model, but wanted some indication other than jus what I had believed.
And BTW - Man ! Does this thing shoot !
This isn't a safe queen - It will get used !
Thanks to all for any help !
PaulyP
...... Don't do anything dumb !!!