After inheriting my late father's 1968 Browning Safari Grade in 308 Norma Magnum over two years ago, I finally took the rifle out of the stock today; and made a few observations:
1. Most importantly, although this gun was made during the "salt wood" era, thankfully I do not see the slightest hint of any salt wood on any of the metal, particularly where it touches the wood (as the pictures will attest). I have not done a silver nitrate test; but I would think that if salt wood were going to be an issue, it would have surfaced after 54 years (so far, so good). It is my understanding that the Olympian and Medallion Grade rifles were more affected by the salt wood issue, but that is probably somewhat of a guess.
2. I did not realize that the front cross bolt in the stock was merely cosmetic. Apparently those are just metal buttons that attach to the surface, and not an actual bolt going from one side to the other. Similarly, the crossbolt in the rear is much less substantial than what I was expecting.
3. I did not realize that the screw under the fore grip was actually for a front barrel lug, but that makes sense to me now. I suppose that was something that Browning did for the magnum calibers, as my 243 and 30-06 do not have it.
4. At some point, my father (or perhaps the original owner) had glass-bedded the action. It still looks in good shape to me, but would be interested in hearing any other opinions.
Like working on most rifles, today was an opportunity to learn a bit more about my gun; and I'm sharing it here not only for propriety's sake, but also in the hopes that this info may benefit someone else in the future. My apologies in advance if this is too many pictures. Cheers!
1. Most importantly, although this gun was made during the "salt wood" era, thankfully I do not see the slightest hint of any salt wood on any of the metal, particularly where it touches the wood (as the pictures will attest). I have not done a silver nitrate test; but I would think that if salt wood were going to be an issue, it would have surfaced after 54 years (so far, so good). It is my understanding that the Olympian and Medallion Grade rifles were more affected by the salt wood issue, but that is probably somewhat of a guess.
2. I did not realize that the front cross bolt in the stock was merely cosmetic. Apparently those are just metal buttons that attach to the surface, and not an actual bolt going from one side to the other. Similarly, the crossbolt in the rear is much less substantial than what I was expecting.
3. I did not realize that the screw under the fore grip was actually for a front barrel lug, but that makes sense to me now. I suppose that was something that Browning did for the magnum calibers, as my 243 and 30-06 do not have it.
4. At some point, my father (or perhaps the original owner) had glass-bedded the action. It still looks in good shape to me, but would be interested in hearing any other opinions.
Like working on most rifles, today was an opportunity to learn a bit more about my gun; and I'm sharing it here not only for propriety's sake, but also in the hopes that this info may benefit someone else in the future. My apologies in advance if this is too many pictures. Cheers!
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