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Browning Trombone action FL22C

5K views 18 replies 6 participants last post by  gdmoody 
#1 ·
This was my rifle when I was a kid and I have just recently gotten it back.

Back then i didn't care anything more than my Grandfather gave it to me. Now I am kind of interested in learning more about it.

Can anyone help?

It has a number of markings but I am assuming the FL22C is the model. On the top of it it appears to have the number 4060 (serial number?)

What info do you need to help me figure out its history?
 

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#2 ·
I think what you have is a FN Trombone. They imported about 3200 of them in the 1960's. I not sure but i think they started making them around the early 20's to about 1974. They are kind of rare here in the states. Hopefully someone with more knowledge of them can give you more info. Nice rifle, by the way.
 
#3 ·
Welcome to the forum Glen. Think you could post some clearer pictures of the rifle along with all of the markings?
 
#4 ·
I will take a trip out to where it is again tomorrow and see if I can't find a way to take some clearer pictures for you. Anything in particular that would help you?

Oh... as an ad-on I would swear I thought I remembered paperwork from back when I was a kid saying it was registered in 1928.. but it sure isn't with it now and I could be wrong.
 
#5 ·
Oh... as an ad-on I would swear I thought I remembered paperwork from back when I was a kid saying it was registered in 1928.. but it sure isn't with it now and I could be wrong.
That could very well be. Like i posted they started producing them in, i think around 1922. Your grandfather could have acquired it and brought it from overseas. Or bought it from someone who did.
 
#6 ·
The reason I ask for better pics is that it appears to have the rear sight removed and the front sight looks wrong, at least when compared to the one in my safe. Also, my Trombone shows different markings. Just looking to compare.

Here is a picture of the stamps from the same area as you posted.

Material property Revolver Metal
 
#8 ·
Okay, are you sure there aren't some other numbers, maybe ahead of the trigger guard assembly. Here's a picture of mine. Also, if you notice on mine the rear of the trigger guard where it meets the stock is round. Is yours the same or square?

Gun Revolver Shotgun Trigger
 
#10 ·
i'm just guessing here but it could be that the 3200 that were imported here in the 60's were made slightly different than the ones that were not imported. I think Glen yours was made in Belgium and than brought here by someone. And Firpo, yours was made in Belgium and imported. That's just my guess is why the markings are so different.
 
#11 ·
Glen, I wish I could be more help but what I do know is your rifle is the earlier design. They changed to a rounded lower tang from the square tang that yours has because the squared tang was causing the stocks to crack. With a serial number of 4060 I'd be thinking yours is a pretty darn early model.
 
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#13 ·
If you're wanting the value you'll need to post more and better pictures of the entire rifle, both up close and overall pics. Good luck
 
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#14 ·
Glen, there is another Forum called Rimfirecentral.com. All they do is discuss rimfires. Each manufacturer has a sub forum. If you join just go to the Browning sub forum. Lots of knowledgeable trombone owners on there.
 
#17 ·
Glen, your trombone was indeed from the 1920's. I'd put that one from probably the 2nd year of production - 1923. The 22C is a marking for the chamber, which in this case is for shorts only. The more common 22L can handle shorts, longs, and long rifle. There are a couple additions with the sights and scope grooves that were not original to the gun, but it is a nice 22 and a nice family memento that is approaching 100 years old soon.
 
#18 ·
Glen, your trombone was indeed from the 1920's. I'd put that one from probably the 2nd year of production - 1923. The 22C is a marking for the chamber, which in this case is for shorts only. The more common 22L can handle shorts, longs, and long rifle. There are a couple additions with the sights and scope grooves that were not original to the gun, but it is a nice 22 and a nice family memento that is approaching 100 years old soon.
Glen, your trombone was indeed from the 1920's. I'd put that one from probably the 2nd year of production - 1923. The 22C is a marking for the chamber, which in this case is for shorts only. The more common 22L can handle shorts, longs, and long rifle. There are a couple additions with the sights and scope grooves that were not original to the gun, but it is a nice 22 and a nice family memento that is approaching 100 years old soon.
I have a Trombone with serial number 18xx. I believed it was made in 1922. It has the square tang and a straight stock. I am pretty sure it was replied at some time before I got it. I do know the gun was brought back from France during WWII. It is my pride and joy. Oh, it is not for sale.
 
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