Fabrique Nationale FN Browning Model SA-22 SA22 Grade I, Blue 19 ¼” Semi-Automatic Takedown Rifle, MFD 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,116.00
LSB#: 160503SH16
Make: Fabrique Nationale, In Belgium, for Browning
Model: SA-22 (Semi-Auto .22), Grade I
Serial Number: T19690
Year of Manufacture: 1957 (Browning’s Customer Service Hotline)
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. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the left is marked “22 LONG RIFLE”, the underside has “E / L / G” in oval, topped with a crown, “L / .22L”, crown over “R”, “*” over “D” and lion over “P.V.”, the right side is marked “BROWNING PATENTS”. The top of the forend is marked “U / N”. The top aft portion of the receiver has the Perron proof, the flanks are Grade I scroll and border engraved. The underside of the bolt body has “*” over “T”, lion over “P.V.” and the Perron. The front of the receiver is marked “T / 19690”, the front of the trigger guard plate is marked “T / 9690”. The butt plate is marked “19690”, the inlet of the stock’s butt is marked “T” and a heavily struck square. The rear sight’s elevation wheel is marked 1 through 4.
Barrel Length: 19 ¼”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade, which is integral to a base that is dovetailed onto the barrel. The rear sight is an original (and highly desirable) flat top, square notched leaf and ‘wheel’ elevator; the wheel is marked from 1 to 4, the leaf is connected to a dovetailed mount. The top of the receiver is milled for the addition of claw-type scope rings or optic mounts (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are beautiful walnut with a semi-gloss varnished finish. The forend has some scattered scuffs and shallow dings, there are notable marks on the rear flanks as photographed. The butt stock has a squared semi-pistol grip with flank checkering, showing light to moderate depth handling marks and some shallow scrapes on the belly. There are no cracks or chip losses and the wood grain on both stocks is beautiful. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the blued serrated steel butt plate; the plate has some scattered scuff marks, rating in Fine Plus condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some thinning on the muzzle and extremely light scuffs on the barrel. The top and left side of the receiver have thin scratch marks through the finish and scattered small marks as photographed. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: There is nothing better than a .22 semi-automatic rifle for casual target shooting. This Browning .22 Caliber Semi-Auto Takedown rifle is lightweight and features an eleven round internal magazine which is loaded through a port on the right side of the buttstock. It is a nice looking gun and easy to shoot. The semi-automatic action ejects the empty brass straight down, out of the shooter’s line of sight. This beauty comes from 1957 and features a ‘wheel’ rear sight which is sought after by collectors and hobbyists alike. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. In our Opinion there are no major damages to this rifle and it certainly is a looker. Please see our pictures and good luck.
