Browning (FN) SA22 SA-22 .22 LR Belgium Grade I Takedown Semi-Automatic Rifle, Scope & Case 1973

SOLD FOR $1,026.00
LSB#: 
180614GD05

Make: Fabrique Nationale, in Belgium, for Browning

Model: SA-22 (Semi-Auto .22), Grade I

Serial Number: 15900T37

Year of Manufacture: 1973

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle.

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” and at the rear with a crowned oval with “PV” and Perron tower proof. The right is marked “CALIBER 22 LONG RIFLE / BROWNING PATENTS”. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the top-front. The bottom of the bolt has the same crowned oval proof as the barrel. The receiver has Grade I engraving. The left of the scope’s turret is marked “4X / A73467 / BROWNING”.

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 has been removed, but is included in the case along with fill screws for the scope’s mounting point. Installed on the factory mount holes is a rear-cantilevered scope base with rings holding a 4x Browning scope with crosshair reticle. The scope has no notable wear or damage, in Excellent condition, though the lenses could do with a good cleaning.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are gloss-finished walnut with checkering on the forend and grip, straight comb and a serrated blued steel buttplate. There is a very light, small compression along the toe-line with no other notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The plate has light thinning around the edges with a couple of light marks in the serrations, in about Fine condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. Apart from light operational wear on the bolt and trigger, there is no notable wear or damage. The screw heads are sharp, though the buttplate screws show marks in their finish from a screwdriver. The trigger pin head is unmarred. The markings are crisp with the exception of the proof on the barrel which is poorly struck. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle has a natural quick point of aim and has a very swift takedown procedure for storage and maintenance. 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: This rifle comes in a brown faux-letter hard-sided case with brass latches and hinges, fur-lined lid and blocks for holding the two portions of the rifle when taken down including the scope, with a compartment holding the removed rear sight and fill screws for the scope base and keys for the case. The case has only very light scattered wear, in about Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: The Browning SA-22 was introduced as a top-loader in 1914 and transitioned to its present design in 1956. FN made these rifles under Browning’s patent from 1956 until 1974 with a brief hiatus before Miroku began manufacturing them in 1976 in Japan. This example exhibits all the beauty of finish and wood that these rifles are known for with a Browning scope and a nice case for the rifle which will hold it while taken down with the scope installed. This is a great example of one of the coolest .22s ever made. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle can be transferred/sold in California.

Browning (FN) SA22 SA-22 .22 LR Belgium Grade I Takedown Semi-Automatic Rifle, Scope & Case 1973
Browning (FN) SA22 SA-22 .22 LR Belgium Grade I
Takedown Semi-Automatic Rifle, Scope & Case 1973