Belgian Browning Model SA-22 SA22 Grade III L.A. Campo Engraved, Blue & ‘French Gray’ Semi-Automatic Takedown Rifle, MFD 1968
SOLD!
LSB#: 160212JC01
Make: Browning
Model: SA-22 (Semi-Auto .22), Grade III L.A. Campo Engraved
Serial Number: 8T 84408
Year of Manufacture: 1968
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle.
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the left has a series of Belgian proof marks, the right is marked “BROWNING’S PATENT”, the bottom is marked with the serial number. The rear of the forend is marked “3 / X”, the bottom of the bolt has three Belgian proof marks. The frame has rich Grade III engravings of with dog and bird hunting scenes, deep relief scroll engraving and is signed “LA CAMPO”.
Barrel Length: 19 ¼”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, integral to a base that is dovetailed onto the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notched leaf that is on a flip-up base and is micro-adjustable for elevation. The rear top of the barrel has two drilled, tapped and screw-filled holes for the addition of a scope mount (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock s are fancy gloss-finished walnut with skip-line checkering. The forend’s top left side has a series of light to moderate depth compressions and some infrequent instances of compression to the checkers. The butt stock shows light scratches and handling marks as photographed. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the blued, serrated shotgun-style butt plate. The plate has minor marks rating in Fine condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with ‘French Gray’ Frame & Trigger Guard and gold-colored trigger.
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is highly defined. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some very infrequent handling marks; there is a moderate depth bruise on the barrel, just fore of the rear sight, which corresponds with some of the damages on the forend, please see our pictures. The bolt body has some wear from normal operation. The screw heads have sharp slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus condition and would rate higher but for the areas of compression on the barrel and forend.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle has a natural quick point of aim and has a very swift takedown procedure for storage. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is one very attractive Browning SA-22 with Grade III L.A. Campo engraving and fancy walnut stocks. The rifle would rate in Excellent condition but for a few compression marks on the forend and top of the barrel. The rifle points swiftly and has a very simple method of operation, meaning endless fun at the range or out hunting small game. Please see our pictures of this beautiful rifle, which had a production run from 1914 to 1974, and see why it is such an enduring design.
