Trying to identify a Browning bolt action rifle

[Big John]

I ran across Browning “Safari” rifle, I believe it was made by FN. There’s no model designation on the gun. A Friend has a very similar rifle inherited from his Father. That serial # stamped just ahead of the action on the right-hand side of the barrel is 2L12***. On the one I saw it’s L**

The “2L12*** us chambered in .264 Winchester Magnum.

The “L**” is chambered in .30-06.

Any idea how to date this “L**”?

 

[hittman]

https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm.html

Date Your Firearm​

How old is your Browning firearm? The sections below will help guide you through reading the serial number of your firearm to find out the year it was manufactured.​

 

[Big John]

Thanks. I'm guessing this is pre-1973. The "L" doesn't pop in any of the ranges.

 

[kmoore]

I have a FN action made in the 50s. My grandfather was a gunsmith that built the rifle from the action and gave to dad in 58 according to dad. The FN action has a serial number on the underside of the action. You need to remove action from stock to read it. That number may led to a date close to the Browning leaving the factory.

 

[BarryinIN]

Browning called these simply the Browning High Power Rifle. They were made in three grades, Safari, Medallion, and Olympian going low to high end.

The “2L” in the serial number tells the year made and the model. “2” means 1972, and the “L” is for the model- High Power Rifle.

It should have a commercial FN action.

Nice looking rifles, IMO.