Browning FN Belgium Model SA-22 SA22 .22 LR 19 3/8″ Semi-Auto Rifle, 1973

SOLD FOR: $1125

LSB#: 211116TC04

Make: Browning, Made by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium

Model: 22 Semi-Auto Rifle, Grade 1 

Serial Number: 15602T37

Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/22-semi-auto-rifle.html)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: This is a semi-automatic rifle with a tubular magazine in the butt. It is a takedown model with a removable barrel.

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY, MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” and has a Belgian proof at the rear. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER 22 LONG RIFLE / BROWNING PATENTS”. The underside of the bolt has a Belgian proof. The sides of the receiver and the bottom of the trigger guard are scroll and border engraved. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 19 3/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up U-notch leaf with a white triangle aim guide that is adjustable for elevation. There is a drilled, tapped, and filled hole at either end of the rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated blued steel buttplate. There is slight play between the buttstock and receiver. There are scattered compressions and draglines that are most notable on the left side of the receiver. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear along the edges and a few patches of minor surface erosion. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some infrequently scattered light nicks and scratches. There is light erosion on the bolt. The operational wear is faint. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. It has a cross-bolt safety at the front of the trigger guard. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

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. This one has some light wear and a great bore. Please see our photos and good luck!