Browning .300 Win. Mag.

Question
Jim,
We recently inherited a Browning .300 Win. Mag.(Bolt Action) and I've been doing a little research.  The prefix before the serial # is (7L).  I'm using the 28th edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad and I think I have it's date right as a 1962???  Could you help with any more info.?  It's a beuty.  
Thanks.

Answer
Lee,

The 7 before the L means it was made in 1967. A 1962 rifle would have been 2L. In 1967 Browning moved to making the short extractor bolts. Depending on when in 1967, your rifle may have a short or long extractor. You can see the difference by looking at the bolt when it is closed. The long extractor models have an added external piece to the bolt. The short extractor model does not have this piece. Hope this helps.

Jim