FN Browning Portugal BAR .30-06 SPRG. 22” Semi-Automatic Rifle, MFD 1983
SOLD FOR: $1,200
WOA#: WY240131PA003
Make: Browning, Made by FN Belgium & Assembled in Portugal
Model: BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) High Power Rifle
Serial Number: 137 PY 03340
Year of Manufacture: 1982
(https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/bar-high-power-rifle.html)
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi-Auto Rifle with 3 Round Hinged Box Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL-ASSEMBLED PORTUGAL” and at the receiver with a Belgian proof mark and an inspection mark. The right side of the barrel is marked “BAR CALIBER .30 .06 ONLY / BROWNING PATENTS”. The right side of the receiver is marked “137PY 03340”. The left side of the rear sight is marked “WILLIAMS”. The scope is marked “Nikon”, “U.S. PATENTED / BDC / BULLET DROP COMPENSATION / LONG RANGE / HUNTING RETICLE”. The scope rings are marked with Leupold logos.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped base screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is removed. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Nikon Buckmaster II ARIII 4-12×40”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, black synthetic Browning buttplate, and sling swivels front and rear. The checkering is crisp with sharp peaks. The LOP measures 13.75″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are a few handling marks but for the most part the stocks are pristine. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Black alloy trigger guard and floorplate.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is some faint scattered erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10. There is some minor fouling in the grooves and some corrosion on the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are minor scratches throughout the metal. There is some light operation wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a cross-bolt safety behind the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its attached scope as mentioned above and its attached Browning leather sling is Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The FN Browning BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) chambered in .30-06 Springfield is a semi-automatic rifle that combines the legendary design prowess of John M. Browning with the renowned effectiveness of one of the most versatile hunting cartridges. Not to be confused with the military BAR used in both World Wars, this sporting version, produced by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium, was introduced to the civilian market in the late 1960s. It was designed to offer hunters the rapid follow-up shot capability of a semi-automatic action while maintaining the accuracy and reliability needed for various game animals across different terrains.
The .30-06 Springfield chambering of the FN Browning BAR allows it to excel in hunting medium to large game, offering a balance of power, range, and manageable recoil. The rifle features a gas-operated action, which helps to mitigate recoil, making it more comfortable for shooters to handle. Its build quality is exemplary, with a finely finished stock, often made of high-grade walnut, and a durable, blued steel barrel that together create a rifle both beautiful and functional. The BAR’s magazine capacity and ease of loading and unloading enhance its appeal as a hunting rifle that combines traditional aesthetics with modern performance. Over the years, the FN Browning BAR in .30-06 has earned a reputation among hunters for its reliability, craftsmanship, and versatility, making it a cherished firearm for those who value the heritage of hunting with a rifle designed to last generations. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.
