Browning A-Bolt Grade 1 .22 WMR 22″ Bolt Action Rimfire Rifle & Scope, 1995
SOLD FOR: $1,400.00
LSB#: LSB260429JR017
Make: Browning; Miroku, Japan
Model: A-Bolt Grade 1
Serial Number: 15016NV136
Year of Manufacture: 1995 (NV Date Code) / Modern
Caliber: .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)
Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
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 “A-BOLT 22 MAGNUM 22 WIN MAG CALIBER ONLY”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, which includes the “NV” date code.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Simmons Whitetail Wide Angle 6.5-20×50 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a two-piece base, and sits in 1″ rings. The scope comes with Butler Creek flip-up scope covers.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black plastic Browning buttplate, and a tipped forend. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with a few light scratches, dings and compressions scattered throughout. The stock’s gloss finish is intact, and the wood grain is attractive. The checkering is well defined. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 5rd factory magazine, in 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 light handling wear, with a few minor hairline scratches and minor dings on the barrel. The bluing is deep, dark, and intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine 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 and magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Browning’s A-Bolt rimfire rifles brought the styling, quality, and handling of the company’s centerfire A-Bolt line into a refined small bore platform, with Miroku manufacture adding strong appeal for those who appreciate Japanese Browning fit and finish. This 1995 Grade 1 example is chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, a useful step up from .22 LR that offers increased velocity and energy for small game hunting, varmint control, and longer range rimfire shooting. This rifle features a 22″ barrel, factory iron sights, detachable 5-round magazine, gloss checkered walnut stock, and a Simmons Whitetail Wide Angle 6.5-20×50 scope with clear glass and Butler Creek flip-up covers. The Miroku build quality, attractive walnut, excellent bore, included high-magnification optic, and practical .22 WMR chambering should appeal to rimfire hunters, collectors, and shooters looking for a polished rimfire rifle with traditional Browning character.
This rifle rates in Very Good to Fine overall condition, retaining about 98% of its original blued finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock rates in Very Good condition, showing light scratches, dings, and compressions while retaining attractive grain, intact gloss finish, well-defined checkering, tight fit, and no chips or cracks. The metal shows only light handling wear with a few minor hairline scratches and small dings on the barrel, while the bluing remains deep, dark, and intact overall. The Simmons scope rates in Excellent condition, the included 5-round factory magazine is Excellent, the markings are clear and legible, the screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable, and the action and safety function correctly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.