Browning SA-22 Grade 1 .22 LR 18.5″ Takedown Semi-Auto Rimfire Rifle, 2007
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB260708JR007
Make: Browning; Miroku, Japan.
Model: SA-22 Grade 1
Serial Number: 20551MR212
Year of Manufacture: 2007 (MR Date Code) / Modern
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Direct Blowback, Bottom Eject, Semi-Automatic, fed by Tubular Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH / MADE IN JAPAN/MIROKU”. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .22 LONG RIFLE / BROWNING PATENTS”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, which also includes the “MR” date code. The right and left sides of the receiver are factory laser engraved with Grade 1 engraving. The bottom of the trigger guard is marked with the Browning Buck Mark.
Barrel Length: 18.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding adjustable U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the barrel is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X II 3-9x scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. The scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to the barrel by a one-piece base, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, gloss finished, checkered walnut stock set, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, serrated steel buttplate, and a checkered forend. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light handling wear, with only a couple of minor compression marks in the buttstock, and minor superficial imperfections throughout. The gloss finish is intact, and the checkering is well defined. The stocks fit tightly to the frame with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows operational marks on the bolt. Otherwise, the bluing is deep, dark, and intact throughout. The markings and engravings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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: This rifle comes with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Browning SA-22 is one of the most elegant and enduring semi-automatic rimfire designs, tracing its lineage to John Browning’s early 20th-century takedown rifle. This Miroku-made Grade 1 example combines the classic bottom-ejecting blowback action with an 18.5″ barrel, tubular magazine, takedown construction, factory engraving, and gloss-finished walnut furniture. The added Leupold Vari-X II 3-9x scope gives the rifle a useful hunting and recreational setup while preserving the graceful lines and distinctive operating system that have made the SA-22 a long-running Browning favorite.
This rifle is in Fine to Excellent condition overall, retaining about 98% of its original blue finish with only light operational marks on the bolt. The checkered walnut stocks remain in Fine to Excellent condition with only a couple of minor compression marks and superficial imperfections, while the gloss finish and checkering remain well preserved. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the action and safety function correctly. The included Leupold Vari-X II 3-9x scope has clear glass and remains in Excellent condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.