Medalist or Challengr - help solve a mystery???

[EYERISH838]

[font=Times New Roman]Any Help, Please:
I have been searching for information that will help me identify a pistol – so far no success. I apologize for the length of this letter but I wanted to include as much information as possible. I am not sure if I have a Browning Medalist or a Challenger? The gun's serial number shows that is a Challenger (ser. # 323xx U3S) but I cannot find any pictures or descriptions that come close the gun. I have laid this pistol next to a Medalist and would defy someone to pick the Medalist and or the Challenger when asked. When compared with the Medalist, the gun has the exact wording on frame that the Medalist has and also has the same barrel length (6.75”) and identical vent. rib and rear sight(s). It also has the three different counter weights and the metal insert that fits into the machined dove tail section that is below the barrel and used to affix one of the three counter weights. Also has the black wooden box for holding .22 shells, the metal pin that inserts into right side of grip to deflect spent shells and the 3 blade “screwdriver.” It also has the front stock/forearm that matches the color & grain of the wraparound, thumb rest grips as found on the pistol. Also, I believe important to this question, the pistol has the “dry-fire mechanism” that supposedly came only with the Medalist. Additionally, the pistol has, on right side, "made Belgium .22 LR." On the left side has "Browning Arms Company.” There is nothing with the pistol, even in the smallest degree, which is different from a Medalist – they seem a perfect match. The only thing that the gun does not have is the black presentation case that came with the Medalist but this case may have been lost over the years, as I am at (least) the third owner. I have tried to place the pistol and its accessories into a known Medalist case and all the parts fit perfectly.
I know that the Medalist's serial number had the letter "T" in it and the Challenger's serial number had the letter “U” in it. I was told by a gun dealer who has owned and sold a number of Browning Medalist that in 1963, and ONLY 1963, there were a FEW Medalists built with "U" coded S/N-#'s. He states these were distributed only in Europe (most likely brought to US by returning Military Personnel, as his was.) Furthermore, these few guns will be roll stamped "Fabrique National" on the slide and will have the "dry fire" option/mechanism on the pistol. He continues that he brought one of European Medalists back in 1964. His S/N was 370xx U3S and mine, as stated, is 323## U3S - about 4700 models produced from the serial number to his, although he said he purchased his in 1963 and returned to the US in 1964. This seems a large number of pistols to produce if they were either Medalists or Challengers??? These are the only two examples I have found with that letter "S" at the end. He stated that no one could tell him what that letter “S” meant. Mine does not have the roll stamped "Fabrique National" but, as stated, has the dry-fire mechanism. I've tried Browning of North America (unable to help) and Browning International (unable to get the e-mail delivered & no other help with Brn. International. I also tried Fabrique National and used the F/N e-mail address for correspondence but the e-mail was unable to be delivered & no other info. Offered. I tried ALL web sites I could find with no help.
Why make two different guns look so similar and advertise them as two separate models? I cannot believe that Browning would make two guns that are virtually identical, except for the presentation case, and promote and sell these as two separate pistols at separate prices. The only thing I can determine is a previous owner went to quite a bit of work and expense to make this gun appear as a Medalist. I was sure that the pistol was a Medalist because of its appearance and personal input from shooters that own Medalists. The only difference I see is in the serial number on the pistol's grip. As stated, it is 323##U3S. I know the letter “U” indicates a Challenger model and the letter following the “U”, i.e., the number 3, indicates this pistol was manufactured in 1963. I am not sure if the last letter/digit, the “S” has any significance with my question; however, I believe it has significance to these “Challenger” models??
Any help with this question will be greatly appreciated and I would like to thank you with any input you may be able to provide. You can reach me via e-mail me at Wildernez@aol.com.. Again, thank you!!!

Sincerely,

W.M.