Browning SA-22 Grade I Takedown .22 LR 19.25” Semi-Auto Rimfire Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,242.00
LSB#: LSB260130JH005
Make: Browning, Made in Belgium
Model: SA-22 Grade I
Serial Number: T97131
Year of Manufacture: 1956 – 1967 / C&R
Caliber: 22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Rimfire, Bottom Eject, Tubular magazine fed located in buttstock.
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 sight dovetailed to the barrel. The detached scope is a Browning 4x.
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. There is faint handling wear. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
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 handling wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. There is light thinning on the receiver. There are scratches throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine 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: This rifle comes with a Browning hard case, paperwork, and scope.
Our Assessment: The Browning SA-22 is one of the most iconic rimfire rifles ever produced, designed by John Moses Browning and introduced in the early twentieth century. Manufactured in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale, these rifles are known for their smooth operation, bottom ejection, and elegant takedown design, making them highly regarded among collectors and shooters alike. The Grade I variant reflects the standard sporting configuration with finely finished walnut and classic lines. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, the cartridge introduced in 1887, the platform offers low recoil and excellent accuracy in a lightweight and portable design.
This example, produced between 1956 and 1967, retains about 98 percent of its original blue finish with light handling wear, scattered scratches, and minor thinning visible across the receiver and barrel. The checkered walnut stock set shows only faint handling wear with minor scratches and compression marks but remains free of cracks, rating in Fine condition overall. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and operational safety. Overall, this rifle presents as a high condition Belgian made Browning SA-22 Grade I with classic styling and strong mechanical condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P