Browning bolt action rifle

Question
Jim,
I was recently given a Browning bolt action in 30/06.  The stock is cracked thru, and needs to be replaced.  I was told it was at least 30 years old.  The serial number is 65435 L73.  The barrel is marked only with the manufacture's name and "made in Belgium".  Can you give me a little history on this rifle?

Answer
Frank,

Your rifle was made in 1973 as evident by the 73 after the "L" in the serial number. Assuming it is a Safari Grade (no engraving on receiver or barrel) it will be a little easier to find a replacement stock for the Safari over the Medallion or Olympian Grade. However, it will not be easy. You will see stocks come up for sale on E-bay from time to time, but you need to be very careful as they may contain salt wood.

Browning used salt to cure their stocks from late 1966 thru 1970 and the salt was pulled into the wood by the moisture in the stock blank. Most people will tell you that salt wood stocks are only from 1967-1969. They are wrong. I have personally tested 1966 shotguns that contain salt and 1974 rifles that contained salt.

Currently, I do not know of any one who might have a replacement stock other than watching E-bay. If it is not too badly broken, it can be fixed by a competent wood man. I know Art Isaacson in Missouri does stock repair. Hope this helps.

Jim