Browning Safari 7mm find

[woodcutter]

I just found a Browning Safari in 7mm in a local pawn shop. It's one of the Mauser type actions (FN I think?) and I really liked the look and feel - smooth bolt, weight about right for me, absolutely drop-dead gorgeous Claro walnut stock. The high gloss finish was peeling off the wood in a few places, so I'm kind of assuming it's one of the salt wood stocks I've read about. I didn't see any rust but then I didn't pull the stock off to see underneath. That said, if I did buy it, I'd want to dip and strip the stock and refinish it with a satin finish instead of the high gloss. So, here's my questions:
How are these known for accuracy, overall quality, etc? I know Browning shotguns, BAR's and such are pretty well regarded, just not real familiar with the Safari's.
I was really looking for a 30-06 at a lower price point, but this one is just under $800 and refinished it would be stunning. I see some listed for well over $1000, so unless there's something wrong with it I didn't notice, it's probably a decent deal. I've been reading up on the 7mm, and I don't think I'd mind the caliber instead of a 30-06. I'd use it for elk, mule deer, antelope - the basic Colorado game. Would love to go for moose sometime, too. I know a synthetic stock would be more practical, but for the little hunting I'd do, I'd just as soon have a nice classic walnut stock.As for the money - the shop takes layaway for 6 months so I could manage it sort of.
Anything y'all can tell me about these rifles that might help me decide, or keep looking? Thanks!

 

[SwampWolf]

As much as I like this rifle, you should be aware that no amount of "stripping and refinishing" will obviate the effect the salt wood has on metal. If the rifle you're looking at, in fact, has salt wood, a new stock might be in order.

 

[browningguy]

Just go in and ask if you can pull one of the screws in the butt plate, if it looks good then it's good to go. The finish is probably just peeling off though, it's fairly common in a 50-60 year old rifle with the high gloss finishes they used in those days. The Sako AIII I bought a few years ago was exactly the same, I finished in a less glossy finish and have been very pleased with how it holds up. You can't really see the bad areas in the pics but this is before and after:

 

[woodcutter]

Thanks all. Good tip on the butt plate screws - great way to check for corrosion without asking the guy at the shop to remove the whole stock to look underneath! Also i was thinking the finish might be peeling from salt but it wasn't blistered or anything, just peeling in sort of stringy spots. Anyway if it's still there when I get paid I'll check it further. The stock is, or will be, stunning - so i sure hope it's not a saltie - it would be a real shame to restock it. Any thoughts on 7mm vs another caliber? not real worried about recoil - I've shot 7.5mm Swiss, Brit .303 (jungle carbine - my first shooting with a high powered rifle when I was 15), and .308. I'd guess probably similar kick to 7.5 mm Swiss?
Any thoughts on 7mm for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, etc. vs other options?

 

[woodcutter]

Beautiful Sako BTW! I like the Mannlicher stock & nice with the satin. If I do end up with the Browning I'm thinking of using a rubbed tung oil finish that I've used on some other things including a solid cherry church altar. Doesn't darken or yellow, very water resistant, easy to apply - very nice. Made by Sutherland Welles and is actually a sealer but works fantastic as a finish with multiple thin coats wiped on/wiped off. Comes out satin but very much an oil finish with that kind of depth.

 

[browningguy]

Is it 7mm Magnum or 7x57 Mauser, there will be a world of difference in recoil. But either one will kill ay elk that ever walked. I shoot 173 gr. bullets in my 7x57 and although it's only running around 2550 FPS it absolutely will shoot through any animal in North America.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

If it is in fact Claro Walnut - then it is unlikely to be a "salt stock". If it were, 800 is too high but I'm betting you're OK.

As to the 7mm - mine is an -06 and being as light as these rascals are I should think a 7 would be one hell of a wake-up on firing, but then a fella can buy or load in all sorts of directions.

 

[Kp321]

Looks are not everything. A Safari is at least 40 years old and has unknown number of rounds through it with unknown care. 7 mags are not easy on throats. No matter how good the stock looks, if it don't shoot you won't be happy. If you know a smith with a borescope, have him take a look.