I know its a Browning and that it is a BAR, in 270 win. It is stamped "Made in Belgium" and "399208M75". I would like to know how old this rifle is and what it is worth. Thanks for your help.
Thaxter, This might help.. As to the worth without seeing it... "it's what the other guy will give; and what you'll take" Date Historic Information Serial Number Info 1968-75 In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture: M=BAR High Power Rifl This was then followed by the serial number beginning with 1000. Example: 69M1000 = A 1969 BAR High Power rifle with a serial number of 1000. M=BAR High Power Rifle 1976-1992 In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it followed until 1998. 1. BAR Type 137=BAR High Power Rifle 2. Date of Manufacture is a two digit code Z=1 Y=2 X=3 W=4 V=5 T=6 R=7 P=8 N=9 M=0 3. Serial Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year. Serial Number Example:137RT01001 This would be a BAR High Power Rifle, manufactured in 1976 with the serial number 01001. 1993-1997 In 1993 Browning introduced the BAR Mark II series. 1. BAR Mark II Type 107=BAR Mark II Safari 1D7=BAR Mark II Lightweight 2. Date of Manufacture is a two digit code Z=1 Y=2 X=3 W=4 V=5 T=6 R=7 P=8 N=9 M=0 3. Serial Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year. Serial Number Example:107NX01001 This would be a BAR Mark II Safari, manufactured in 1993 with the serial number 01001. 1998 In 1998 Browning redid the standardization of its serial number identifications to work with its new data base program, Oracle. 1. BAR Mark II Type 311=BAR Mark II 2. Date of Manufacture is a two digit code Z=1 Y=2 X=3 W=4 V=5 T=6 R=7 P=8 N=9 M=0 3. Serial Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year. Serial Number Example:311NN01001 This would be a BAR Mark II rifle, manufactured in 1999 with the serial number 01001. 436