Browning SA22 SA-22 Grade III .22 LR Semi-Automatic Rifle & Box MFD 1977
SOLD FOR: $4025
LSB#: 210610DL23
Make: The receiver was made and engraved in Japan, finall assembly was performed by Miroku in Japan, for Browning
Model: SA-22 (Semi-Auto .22), Grade III Engraved, 34062
Serial Number: 01116RR346
Year of Manufacture: 1977 (RR Date Code)
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 JAPAN”, the right is marked “CALIBER .22 LONG RIFLE / BROWNING PATENTS”. The bottom-right of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The receiver has Grade III. The left side of the frame is stamped “J.PIROTTE” (JEannine Pirotte, a Fabrique Nationale engraver).
Barrel Length: 19 ¼”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed onto the barrel. The rear is a folding “U”-notch leaf with white aiming reference dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the barrel is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic mount (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with, straight comb and a serrated blued steel buttplate. Both pieces are skip-line checkered and beautifully high-gloss varnished. Dings are limited to the takedown button, belly, front of the wrist, tip of the forearm and scattered on the sides. Better than 95% finish is retained and despite some handling wear and storage marking, the wood is very attractive. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The plate has about 98% finish. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Gray
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 99% of its metal finish. Wear is truly limited to the wood and we are hard pressed to find any imperfections with the metal. We would guess less than a box has gone through this rifle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent 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: The factory original box with a few broken corners and many scuffs/losses is included. This box confirms all features and is numbered correctly.
Our Assessment: “Few autoloading rimfire rifles have endured the test of time and the marketplace like the Browning SA-22. The SA-22 is one of the first semi-auto rimfire rifles ever made, and one of the most desirable. One of John M. Browning’s final designs, his genius shines through in every feature. The slim, forged steel receiver and slender barrel takes down into two compact units without tools.”
The Browning SA-22 is an iconic plinker, dating from 1914. It has been copied by Remington and Norinco, but neither come close to the real thing. Miroku has made these rifles under Browning’s patent since 1974.
This example is from 1977 and it a transitional model. Its receiver was made in Belgium by FN and its Grade III hand engraving in its gray receiver finish was performed by FN’s engraver Jeannine Pirotte. The receiver was then sent to Japan for final assembly. This is a great example of one of the coolest .22s ever made, still about Mint!
Please see our photos and good luck!