Browning Miroku SA22 SA-22 Grade III Engraved .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle, 1979
SOLD FOR: $2500
LSB#: 220425RB002
Make: Browning, Made by Miroku in Japan
Model: 22 Semi-Auto Rifle, Grade III
Serial Number: 01077RN346
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Takedown Semi-Automatic Rifle w/ Mag Tube
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “CALIBER 22 LONG RIFLE / BROWNING PATENTS”. The sides of the receiver contain Grade III engraving. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 19 3/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up U-notch leaf with a white triangle aim guide that is fine adjustable for elevation. There are two drilled and tapped holes near the rear sight for mounting an optic rail (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece skip-line checkered walnut with a flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated blued steel buttplate. There is a hole in the buttstock where the mag tube inserts and a loading port on the right side. There is a bit of faint discoloration in the checkering on the left side of the grip. Otherwise, only light handling marks are present. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows no significant wear nor damage. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Satin Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no significant wear nor damage. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lock-up is tight. We did not fire this rifle. It has a cross-bolt safety at the front of the trigger guard. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in its original serial matching box.
Our Assessment: Few autoloading rimfire rifles have endured the test of time and the marketplace like the Browning SA-22. The SA-22 is one of the first semi-auto rimfire rifles ever made, and one of the most desirable. One of John M. Browning’s final designs, his genius shines through in every feature. The Browning SA-22 is an iconic plinker, dating from 1914. It has been copied by Remington and Norinco, but neither come close to the real thing. This one was manufactured by Miroku in 1979 and shows no notable wear, in about Excellent condition. It features gorgeous Grade III engraving. Please see our photos and good luck!