Browning BAR Grade I Type I .30-06, Made in Belgium, 22 Inch Barrel, 1968 Production, Factory Engraved, Blued/Walnut
This early Belgian-made Browning BAR Grade I Type I in .30-06 stands out for its factory engraving, high-polish blued steel, and select walnut furniture. Verified by Liège proofmarks and a serial suffix of M8 indicating 1968 production, it features a 22-inch barrel marked "PATENT PENDING" and "CALIBER .30-06 ONLY," plus iron sights and a drilled-and-tapped receiver with a mounted scope base.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Scratches and blemishes are present in various areas. Finish loss is visible at high-touch points. Rust staining is present on the receiver.
What's Included
- Browning BAR Grade I Type I .30-06 rifle
- Installed scope mount
This Grade I Type I BAR is an early Belgian production example from 1968, noted by the M8 serial suffix. It carries Belgian Liège proofs including the Perron, crown-over-PV, and ELG-in-oval with star, along with a "Made in Belgium" marking that confirms origin and period-correct manufacture.
The rifle is chambered in .30-06 with a 22-inch steel barrel, and operates via a gas system with a rotating bolt. Barrel rollmarks include "PATENT PENDING" and "CALIBER .30-06 ONLY." It uses a detachable 4-round box magazine.
The polished blued steel receiver is factory drilled and tapped, and this example has a scope mount installed. Iron sights include a hooded ramp front sight and a barrel-mounted rear sight with screw-adjustable elevation. The charging handle is short and knurled.
Stocking is select walnut with a pistol-grip buttstock and a matching beavertail forend, both with cut checkering. Sling-swivel studs are installed, and the length of pull measures 13.5 inches, fitting a full-size configuration.
Factory engraving features scrollwork with a stag head motif on the right side of the receiver. The high-polish blue paired with figured walnut is consistent with early Belgian Type I BAR production.