Browning BAR

[2Loud4You]

My uncle has a line on a Belgian made BAR that a former co-worker has owned for 30+ years. My uncle hasn't seen it yet but the owner claims excellent condition. For the sake of argument let's call it good or very good. Any idea what these things typically go for and is there anything he should look out for?

Thanks in advance!

BTW, the guy is asking $500, he has to move it due to some health reasons.

[Andy Griffith]

Originally Posted by 2Loud4You

Any idea what these things typically go for and is there anything he should look out for?

Yes!!

Salt cured stocks for one thing...look it up in the blue book for the years and the date code to see if it falls into the category of guns made with salt cured stocks- if it is one of them that are affected, either run away, or take off the stock prior to purchase to ascertain the damage. There will be damage...I've been burned on this one before!

Is it a Mark I or a Mark II? If he's had it for 30 years, it should most definitely be a Mark I. The Mark I doesn't have the bolt release on the right side of the receiver, whereas the Mark II does.
Mags for the Mark I are getting a bit pricier and harder to find. Make certain that it has the original sights- likely has the little wheel on the side of the rear sight if it's an old one.

Also, it is most definitely possible to wear out a Browning BAR! I have a friend that wore his out in 1000 rounds of 7mm Mag over the course of 20 years! He had to scrap it. I know, who's ever going to shoot up 1000 rounds of magnum caliber rounds, right? Well, he did. In non-magnum rounds, I'd venture to say that it they couldn't be worn out, but magnums are a different story- have a gunsmith check it out or look it over for extreme wear, looseness or a lot of muzzle discoloration or erosion from shooting. If I remember correctly, Browning didn't blue the ends of the barrels of these rifles- so it's an easy check.

$500 isn't too bad if it's in great condition. If it's pitted, worn, or if there is significant blue or stock finish loss, it ceases to be a deal as these rifles are typically encountered when found used in 90% condition in my area. In other words, they haven't been hunted with much.

[2Loud4You]

I just got a little more info, I don't know the year range yet but it is or was a full auto rifle. It has S (safe) F (fire) A (auto) but I don't think it was ever registered with the BATFE.

[nicky4968]

If it's full auto and not registered, it's worth about five years in Leavenworth.

[2Loud4You]

Yeah, I figured an unregistered full auto is scary business but he's not sure. He needs to get more info from the owner.

[smith revolver cop]

Originally Posted by nicky4968

If it's full auto and not registered, it's worth about five years in Leavenworth.

If it's full auto and unregistered, STAY AWAY!!! If it's full auto and registered (transferable on a Form 4 or Form 3), it's worth $20K plus!!!

[Andy Griffith]

My question is, is it possible to check to see if it is registered without raising a red flag?

[perpster]

Originally Posted by Andy Griffith

Yes!!

Salt cured stocks for one thing...look it up in the blue book for the years and the date code to see if it falls into the category of guns made with salt cured stocks- if it is one of them that are affected, either run away, or take off the stock prior to purchase to ascertain the damage. There will be damage...I've been burned on this one before!

What years / serial #'s had salt cured stocks? How the heck did that happen anyway?

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by perpster

What years / serial #'s had salt cured stocks? How the heck did that happen anyway?

This applied to FN sporting rifles in the 1960's, maybe the '70's. It also affected Browning bolt actions and shotguns.

The BAR under discussion is the squad automatic weapon. It looks about like the US M1918A2, but has a pistol grip stock and an interchangeable barrel, similar to that on a Bren gun. Some barrels were finned.

T-Star

[Smithhound]

If you are not sure if it is not registered or not, assume not. Take the advice already given and forget about it. You've already told a few thousand people too many about it.
RD

[perpster]

Originally Posted by Texas Star

This applied to FN sporting rifles in the 1960's, maybe the '70's. It also affected Browning bolt actions and shotguns.

The BAR under discussion is the squad automatic weapon. It looks about like the US M1918A2, but has a pistol grip stock and an interchangeable barrel, similar to that on a Bren gun. Some barrels were finned.

T-Star

Thanks T-Star. I'm actually interested in a 1967 civilian sporter version made in Belgium. S/N 2xxx M7. Would that be a salt-stock victim to avoid? (Sorry 2Loud4You, not trying to hijack your thread).

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Regarding the salt stock, probably. My 1970 T-Bolt came with a salt stock. The worst part it only started peeling after I had owned it for 3 years and kept in a room that was air conditioned in the summer.

[2Loud4You]

Yeah, I tried to talk to my uncle about NOT buying it but he wants to "find out what it is" because he may want to flip it. Sometimes people see dollars and lose all sense.

[Gary]

I bought a .308 Mark II Safari that was built in 2001 for $350.00 last fall. It is in used but not abused condition with the normal amout of wear that a hunting rifle gets. I put a 3-9 Leupold Vari-X II on it. I have been able to get 1 - 1.5" groups out of it using 150 gr Remington Core- Lockt ammo. Browning makes a high quality rifle with a very high quality of fit and finish. One of the advantages of a gas operated gun is the low recoil. I like that.

[Andy Griffith]

Originally Posted by 2Loud4You

Yeah, I tried to talk to my uncle about NOT buying it but he wants to "find out what it is" because he may want to flip it. Sometimes people see dollars and loose all sense.

You do not know your uncle.
You know nooooothing! *In a Hogan's Heros impression*

[2Loud4You]

Originally Posted by Andy Griffith

You do not know your uncle.
You know nooooothing! *In a Hogan's Heros impression*

Trust me, I gave him my advice and now my hands are clean.