Browning 7mm (Made in Belgium) Cant find Model No.

Question
Hi Jim:

My son just received a gun passed down from a friend of the family who has not used the gun in at least 30 years. So, I am trying to research the value of the gun before we hand over something that may be a bit too valuable for a 16-year old:-)  Most sites I have searched require a Model No.; but, I've tried to locate this on the gun to no avail.  Can you help?

Here is what I do know:
Browning Firearms Made in Belgium
Semi-Auto 7mm
Serial No: 33579 M8
It has a black metal receiver with simply scroll work incorporating a goat's head.

Gunsmith markings include (1) Crown with R beneath, (2) Star with a Z beneath, (3) figure with PV beneath a line (4) what looks like a grenade with E, LG, and a star in vertical procession.
Condition: Quite good with only a few nicks in the wood stock portion.

Any help you can provide to steer me in the right direction would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Camille

Answer
Camille,

I believe you have a Browning BAR Grade III made in 1968. You can contact the Browning historian at Browning.com (North America) and provide the serial number. He may have the date of sale, place of sale and grade of rifle in his records. I know it was made in 1968. As far as value.... it all depends on condition and originality and it is hard to estimate without seeing what you have. Contact Browning to verify the information above and then look at the Blue Book of Gun Values as a starting reference for value. Keeping in mind sometimes the prices there are a little low. If it is a Grade III BAR it is worth between $1400 - $1800 I suspect, but please double check. Hope this helps.

Jim