Browning Medalist
Browning Arms Company · Pistol · Discontinued · 1962
Also known as: FN Browning Medalist, Browning Medalist .22
Overview
The Browning Medalist is a .22 Long Rifle semi-automatic target pistol introduced in 1962 and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Herstal, Belgium for the Browning Arms Company. The premier model in Browning's blowback rimfire line, it was a competition-grade match pistol featuring a heavy ventilated-rib barrel, adjustable target sights, a dry-fire practice mechanism, and removable barrel weights for tuning balance. Its anatomically shaped, hand-filling target grips and refined single-action trigger made it a favored bullseye and precision target arm during its production run.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1304 g (46.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 297 mm (11.69") |
| Barrel Length | 171 mm (6.73") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 130 J (96 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Ventilated Rib, Adjustable Rear Sight, Barrel Weights, Dry Fire Mechanism, Anatomical Target Grips
Production
Production years: 1962-1974
Manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium for Browning Arms; precise production totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Bruce Browning
Discontinued: 1974
Notes
The Medalist was the top tier of a three-model Browning blowback rimfire family that also included the Challenger and the Nomad. Cased examples shipped with a fitted locking case, three barrel weights, a cleaning tool and manual. Belgian FN production ran from 1962 until the mid-1970s; left-hand and International (gold-line) variants were also offered.
Background
Developed by Bruce Browning, son of legendary designer John Moses Browning, the Medalist refined the family's blowback .22 design into a dedicated match pistol intended to compete with the High Standard Supermatic, Smith & Wesson Model 41 and Colt Woodsman on the bullseye firing line.