Browning SA-22 Grade 6 Takedown .22 LR 19.25” Semi-Auto Rimfire, MFD 1994
SOLD FOR: $1,900.00
LSB#: LSB251108WM068
Make: Browning, Made in Japan
Model: SA-22
Serial Number: 16166NW646
Year of Manufacture: 1994
Caliber: 22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Rimfire, Bottom Eject, Tubular magazine fed located in buttstock.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .22 LONG RIFLE / BROWNING PATENTS”. The right side of the receiver is marked “02238YX212”.
Barrel Length: 19.25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel, the rear sight is a flip up “U” notch leaf dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the barrel is drilled and tapped for sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered and polished walnut with serrated buttplate, semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and checkered forend. There is a small lever at the bottom front of the receiver to takedown the rifle. The LOP measures 13.75″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows little to no wear. There are a couple of faint scratches. The checkering is sharp, and the stocks fit the frame with no play. There is a light chip on the forend checkering. There are no cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Gold inlay
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no handling wear. There are light scratches on the barrel and receiver. The bluing is still deep and dark. The factory engraving on the receiver and trigger guard is still well defined, and vivid. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Browning’s SA-22 has long stood as one of John M. Browning’s most elegant small-bore designs, and the Grade VI variant represents the high art of Miroku’s engraving and metal finishing capabilities. Introduced as an elevated trim level with scrollwork, animal vignettes, and tasteful gold inlay, the Grade VI combines the mechanical refinement of the takedown SA-22 with presentation-grade exterior detail. This 1994 example shows exceptionally light signs of use, retaining nearly all of its deep blue finish and showcasing sharp, vivid engraving on both the receiver and trigger guard—still crisp, clean, and beautifully executed.
Chambered in .22 Long Rifle and built around the SA-22’s hallmark bottom-eject, buttstock-fed tubular magazine system, the rifle remains trim, well-balanced, and smooth to operate. The bore is bright with strong rifling, further supporting the impression of minimal use. The high-gloss walnut stock presents beautifully with sharp checkering, a single small chip in the forend pattern, and no structural flaws. Grade VI rifles are prized both for their shootability and for their role as collectible expressions of Browning artistry. This example would stand out equally well in a working rimfire lineup or as a refined addition to a Browning-focused collection. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! -N.P