Browning Challenger First Series .22 LR Pistol – Belgian 1968 Production, 6.75" Barrel, Gold Trigger
Made in Belgium in 1968, this First Series Browning Challenger pairs a 6.75-inch tapered barrel with a deep-polish blued finish, a gold-plated adjustable trigger, and fully adjustable target sights. Built by Fabrique Nationale during the 1962–1985 Challenger run, this model represents the bridge between Browning’s Nomad and Medalist lines and lays the groundwork for the later Buck Mark series. Its solid steel construction, wrap-around walnut grips, and Belgian proof marks give it collector appeal as well as practical accuracy on the range.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
This pistol retains its original polished blued finish but exhibits scattered scratches, small blemishes, and spots of surface rust. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Browning leather zippered pistol rug
- Browning “Operation and Care of Challenger .22 Automatic Pistol” manual
Fabrique Nationale machined the frame, slide, and receiver from carbon steel, then applied Browning’s hot-salt bluing to a mirror polish. Forward-slanting, full-height serrations give positive purchase when drawing the slide.
The 6.75-inch barrel offers a long sight radius, while the ramp-style Patridge front sight and screw-adjustable square-notch rear sight allow precise zeroing for target work. Browning’s adjustable gold-plated trigger lets the shooter tune pull weight and over-travel.
A single-action blowback system, thumb safety, and heel-style magazine release reflect the Challenger’s roots in mid-century target pistol design. Wrap-around checkered walnut grips provide a secure, comfortable hold without adding bulk.
This full-size .22 LR remains a collectible example of Browning’s First Series Challenger—an iconic link in the company’s rimfire lineage.