SOLD Belgian Browning T-bolt 1966

[varminthunter1]

Belgian Browning T bolt, 22lr, mag fed, bluing shows only the lightest of handling, no cosmetic issues, Beautiful walnut stock, with only the slightest handling marks.
1 magazine included, will ship in hard case.
$900 shipped

 

[Rickhem]

Gorgeous rifle.
My buddy had one growing up, always liked that bolt design, and the Browning fit and finish.

 

[varminthunter1]

Bump

 

[stevef]

Is that rust on the right side? These were known for having saltwood stocks at that vintage, best way to tell is to remove the butt plate screws and see if they are rusty.

 

[MontanaQShooter]

Rust ?

 

[mrbill2]

I have one of those rifles,in left hand bolt.
In my younger days, killed lots ground hogs with that little rifle.

 

[varminthunter1]

Is that rust on the right side? These were known for having saltwood stocks at that vintage, best way to tell is to remove the butt plate screws and see if they are rusty.

Later today I plan on checking under the stock screws, and see if there is any rust.
I'll post some pictures.
Thanks. Jeff

 

[FNSafari]

Yes Rust. From about 1965-66 to the early 70s, Browning used a fast wood curing method they bought from Morton Salt...stocks were stacked and the stack was covered with salt to pull the moisture out...quicker than air and kiln drying. Problem was with the bottom of the stack wood that sat in brine. They soaked up the salt and when they were used to assemble rifles and shotguns they caused the metal to rust. It cost Browing a fortune to call them back. The callback is over. If you have one you are stuck with it. Saltwood guns are priced accordingly.

Drop dead method to test is to take a sliver of wood from beneath the butt plate and put a drop of silver nitrate on it. It will turn white if there is salt. If that's not possible pull the butt plate screws out of the wood or pull the barreled action out of the wood and look for rust on the contact surfaces.

 

[varminthunter1]

I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled the barreled action away from the stock. Only a small area under the stock has the slightest discoloration. I'd rate the metal and finish at 95%. It's well bedded, and should be a great shooter. What was visible in the original pictures on the right hand side was a tiny amount of bedding compound on the barrel. It will clean up completely. I'm happy to address the small circled freckle under the stock, with some cold blue if the new owner likes.

 

[stevef]

Did you pull the buttplate screws? That is the best way to tell, if it is saltwood it would be better to keep it out of the stock and find replacement wood because that salt can sneak out anytime and ruin the metal, just my two cents worth and speaking from experience.

 

[varminthunter1]

Did you pull the buttplate screws? That is the best way to tell, if it is saltwood it would be better to keep it out of the stock and find replacement wood because that salt can sneak out anytime and ruin the metal, just my two cents worth and speaking from experience.

Pulled the buttplate today and found a little bit of corrosion on the screws. Not too bad.

 

[RoyinNC]

Pulled the buttplate today and found a little bit of corrosion on the screws. Not too bad.

Definitely not a salt wood gun!

 

[varminthunter1]

Definitely not a salt wood gun!

What would a salt wood gun look like? How badly corroded?

 

[RoyinNC]

What would a salt wood gun look like? How badly corroded?

Most had extensive rust and pitting all below the wood line. I have had a Safari and Grade 5 Superposed that were eaten up below the wood line.

 

[stevef]

I agree it’s not a salt wood stock, the screws are in excellent condition