Mark,

I have a read a fair bit about the FN Brownings and at one time (still are by some) were considered the creme de la creme of commercial hunting rifles. How much of this was due to good marketing at the time of release I don't know. It may have been a slow year for new rifles.

The salt cured stock problem is well documented and should be investigated. However, not all FN Brownings had salt cured stocks and not all those stocks will corrode the rifle. IIRC salt cured wood also occurs on other rifles. Bit like buying a used car, the tyres are cheap but still have good tread. It's your call.

As you may know I'm a 250-3000 fan and if you have a mickey mouse rifle consider me green with envy.

Good luck in Vic.

John