Belgique/Browning .22lr

mattcrystal1 · October 4, 2012, 03:35 PM

Just wondering if anybody can tell me anything about this gun. When it was made, what those symbols mean etc. I also need a new firing pin for this gun if anybody could point me in the right direction for one of those too it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thanks for your time in advance.

Scorch · October 5, 2012, 10:57 AM

In the first picture:
Chambered for 22 Long Rifle
Breeching proof
Smokeless powder proof
Inspector's mark
Definitive proof

On the receiver:
Inspector's mark
Smokeless powder proof
Breeching proof

FN Browning patent pump rifle, commonly called a trombone rifle
Don't know about date of production, maybe someone else will chime in.

Good luck on finding a firing pin, that rifle has been out of production for over 70 years. It will need to go to a good gunsmith, someone who can make one for you.

mattcrystal1 · October 5, 2012, 11:01 AM

so what does definitive proof mean?

mattcrystal1 · October 5, 2012, 11:08 AM

also any idea what it would be worth? its in pretty good shape. thanks for your help by the way

Dfariswheel · October 5, 2012, 07:07 PM

"Definitive proof" means the rifle was proof tested and passed.

Like most Browning firearms, Browning offered the "Trombone Model in a number of "Grades".
These started out as plain rifles and went up to highly engraved presentation models.

The most common is the plain rifle known as the Grade 1 with an FN barrel address. A less common version are rifles with a Browning Arms Company address.
There were about 150,000 FN Grade 1's made, so they aren't rare.
There were about 3,200 with the BAC address.

The Tronbone was a John Browning design that he sold to FN. The rifle was made from 1922 to 1974, with a VERY few presentation models made in the 1980's.

Value depends on the condition and grade. Condition is the amount of original factory finish remaining and on the gun being in original configuration.
An FN address grade 1 is listed by the Blue Book as follows:

70%--$625
80%--$750
90%--$925
95%--$1,025.

Browning Arms Company address models are worth more:
70%--$850
80%--$1,050
90%--$1,295
95%--$1,425

For parts,Browning Arms says to contact:

Midwest Gunworks
1101 Mason Circle Drive South
Pevely MO, 63070
Phone: 636-475-7300
Fax: 636-475-7303

Or you may have to have a gunsmith manufacture a firing pin.

mattcrystal1 · October 5, 2012, 07:46 PM

I thought I may have to have one made up at a gunsmith. Probably the easiest way to get it done. Now how do I tell what grade my gun is lol. Those prices really peaked my interest. If I need to take more pictures of something just let me know and I can do that too. Thanks everybody for your time. I really appreciate it a lot. Matt

October 5, 2012, 10:57 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	In the first picture: Chambered for 22 Long Rifle Breeching proof Smokeless powder proof Inspector's mark Definitive proof On the receiver: Inspector's mark Smokeless powder proof Breeching proof FN Browning patent pump rifle, commonly called a trombone rifle Don't know about date of production, maybe someone else will chime in. Good luck on finding a firing pin, that rifle has been out of production for over 70 years. It will need to go to a good gunsmith, someone who can make one for you. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

October 5, 2012, 07:07 PM	#5
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	"Definitive proof" means the rifle was proof tested and passed. Like most Browning firearms, Browning offered the "Trombone Model in a number of "Grades". These started out as plain rifles and went up to highly engraved presentation models. The most common is the plain rifle known as the Grade 1 with an FN barrel address. A less common version are rifles with a Browning Arms Company address. There were about 150,000 FN Grade 1's made, so they aren't rare. There were about 3,200 with the BAC address. The Tronbone was a John Browning design that he sold to FN. The rifle was made from 1922 to 1974, with a VERY few presentation models made in the 1980's. Value depends on the condition and grade. Condition is the amount of original factory finish remaining and on the gun being in original configuration. An FN address grade 1 is listed by the Blue Book as follows: 70%--$625 80%--$750 90%--$925 95%--$1,025. Browning Arms Company address models are worth more: 70%--$850 80%--$1,050 90%--$1,295 95%--$1,425 For parts,Browning Arms says to contact: Midwest Gunworks 1101 Mason Circle Drive South Pevely MO, 63070 Phone: 636-475-7300 Fax: 636-475-7303 Or you may have to have a gunsmith manufacture a firing pin. Last edited by Dfariswheel; October 5, 2012 at 07:20 PM.

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October 5, 2012, 11:01 AM	#3
mattcrystal1 Junior Member Join Date: October 4, 2012 Location: kingston ontario Posts: 4	so what does definitive proof mean?

October 5, 2012, 11:08 AM	#4
mattcrystal1 Junior Member Join Date: October 4, 2012 Location: kingston ontario Posts: 4	also any idea what it would be worth? its in pretty good shape. thanks for your help by the way

October 5, 2012, 07:46 PM	#6
mattcrystal1 Junior Member Join Date: October 4, 2012 Location: kingston ontario Posts: 4	I thought I may have to have one made up at a gunsmith. Probably the easiest way to get it done. Now how do I tell what grade my gun is lol. Those prices really peaked my interest. If I need to take more pictures of something just let me know and I can do that too. Thanks everybody for your time. I really appreciate it a lot. Matt