Valuation Guides Machine Guns Browning 1917

Published: May 26, 2025 | Updated: February 17, 2026

How Much is My Browning 1917 Worth?

The Browning 1917 is a water-cooled heavy machine gun used extensively by U.S. forces during WWI and WWII. Known for its reliability, it remains a staple among historical collectors.

Curious about how much your Browning 1917 heavy machine gun is worth? Whether you’re looking to sell or simply understand current pricing, we’ll help you assess the market value of your firearm.

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About the Browning 1917

Originally designed by John Browning, the M1917 was the U.S. military’s primary belt-fed water-cooled machine gun for decades. With its distinctive jacketed barrel and rock-solid construction, it remains a highly valued collector’s item. Transferable examples exist as both original C&R guns and modern sideplate builds.

Origin

United States

Manufacturer

Colt, Westinghouse, Remington, and various wartime contractors

Caliber

.30-06 Springfield

Rate of Fire

450–600 rounds/min

Mount Type

Tripod mount

Notable Uses

World War I, World War II, Korea

Browning 1917 Machine Gun Values & Variants

Transferable Browning 1917 heavy machine guns are highly sought after by NFA collectors and enthusiasts. Value is influenced by originality, condition, variant type and any unique historical markings. Most examples on the market range from $18,000 to $32,000, depending on configuration and provenance.

Common Variants & Value Ranges

  • Browning 1917 Sideplate Build

    Estimated Value: $18,000 – $23,000

  • Browning 1917 C&R

    Estimated Value: $28,000 – $32,000

Market values reviewed by Chris Wing, Lead Firearms Valuation Specialist

Factors That Influence Browning 1917 Values

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Originality:

Transferable Browning 1917s with original receivers, parts, and factory markings typically command higher prices due to their authenticity and appeal to collectors.

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Condition:

Clean, well-maintained Browning 1917 machine guns in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition will sell for significantly more than worn or modified examples.

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Historical Markings / Provenance:

If there are markings or provenance that link your Browning 1917 to a specific military unit, wartime service, or historical event - collector interest and market value can greatly increase.

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Restoration:

Whether your Browning 1917 has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.

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Transfer Status:

Transferrable Browning 1917s will hold a considerably higher value than their pre-86 or post-86 counterparts.

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Receiver Type & Build Origin:

Browning 1917s built on original receivers are worth more than sideplate builds, rewelds or REWATS.

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Our mission is to make the process of selling your firearm as easy and convenient as possible.

Selling a firearm can be time-consuming and legally complex, especially for machine guns. At webuyguns.com, we streamline the process by purchasing directly from you, saving you time and ensuring a legally compliant, hassle-free transaction. With decades of experience, we provide fair market evaluations and encourage you to compare our offers locally to see the value we bring.

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Frequently asked questions

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our customer support team.

How much is a transferable Browning 1917 worth in 2026?
In the current 2026 market, transferable Browning 1917 values generally range from $18,000 to $32,000 depending on configuration, condition, originality and included mounts or accessories.
What most affects the value of a Browning 1917?
Configuration, originality and completeness drive pricing differences. Matching parts, correct configuration, strong mechanical condition and included tripod or mount components can increase value when period-correct and well supported.
Do you buy Browning 1917 machine guns?
Yes. WeBuyGuns.com buys transferable machine guns nationwide. Share photos of markings and configuration plus any paperwork details and we can provide a current value range and a purchase offer with clear next steps.
Can I sell a Browning 1917 I inherited?
Yes, if it is legally transferable. Eligibility depends on registration history and paperwork, not just the model. We can help you understand what you have and outline the compliant path to sell.
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