Need help identifying Browning Safari Action

[cprher]

I'm in the process of buying a Browning Safari in .375 H&H made in 1970. At first glance it looks like any other FN Mauser, except this one is a push feed with a Sako style extractor. I recognize it is not an M98, but I wanted a .375 H&H in near new condition and at a really good price. All my other heavy guns are either Arg., FN or Mark X Mausers. But this one seemed worth the risk. Here are the pics of the action:





The seller states the action has no markings on it whatsoever except a Belgium proof mark which is also on the barrel. And the barrel is marked below the rear sight "Made in Belgium". According to online research I've done the gun is FN built, but I know that during the late-60's to mid-70's period Browning was using Sako actions on almost all their other light and medium weight rifles, so why not the heavy calibers as well? However, not even the Blue Book addresses this question.

Keith
410-693-9265 cell

 

[Jim Watson]

I can't tell you why or just when, but I have seen the type. Once.

The receiver is generally Mauser shaped. The picture looks like it even has the raceway for an external extractor. The bolt stop is what FN built to streamline Browning-Mausers from early on. The bolt sleeve and trigger assembly safety are typical for FN Mausers of the period.

Apparently they just simplified the bolt with a Sako type hook extractor instead of the Mauser claw they had been making for decades. Hardly seems worth the trouble to change over, but they did for a while at least. Maybe it was peculiar to the belted magnums. the one I saw in the 1970s was a .458, of all things.

 

[bannockburn]

According to Frank deHaas, author of "Bolt Action Rifles", Browning used the Sako L-579 action for .243, .308, and other similar length cartridges. The L-461 action was used for .222 type cartridges. The FN built No. 5 Magnum action was for .30-06 length, or longer, rounds. Basically it involved opening up the receiver and lengthening the magazine box to accept the longer H&H cartridges, along with changes to the bolt head and extractor to deal with the belted magnum case.

FN receivers were serialed numbered on the right side of the receiver ring and under the bolt handle stem. They would also have the Belgium proof stamp on the receiver ring, MADE IN BELGIUM stamped on the lower section of the receiver (where you might also find some FN inspectors marks), and possibly a small FN within a circle on the right side of the receiver ring.