Browning Semi Auto worth the bucks?

[benjamac]

I have a 10/22 in the collection and I love it. I use it to introduce new people to shooting, I love how affordable and low maintenance it is, and I enjoy the hell out of it.

Recently though, I have run up against the only complaint I have- Left-handers like my wife and friend won't shoot it because of the ejection port. It looks like there are a few cheap bolt-action options out there for southpaws, but I prefer a semi-auto and the bottom-ejecting Browning has caught my eye.

My only hesitation is the price- where it looks like I can get a Savage or CZ for around $200, it looks like MSRP on the Browning SA-22 is $699, and my LGS LOVES to charge MSRP (and more when they can).

Is it worth the cash? or should I just order another 10/22 and sink some cash into making it nice?

[joe47]

Where are you finding a CZ for $200?

[CMBrowning]

The BUCK stops here! Get the Browning

[benjamac]

Where are you finding a CZ for $200?

My fault- it was a standard, not a lefty, and it was listed at just under $300- thats like $200 in my brain.

[Red9]

Hmm im a lefty and love shooting my 10/22. Never had a issue with shells or anything shooting the rifle.
Are you running any optics? I have a scope on one, and red dot on another.
dino

[Remus]

I've fired a Miroku manufactured SA on several occasions. My shooting was plinking, I had no trouble hitting the cans or other targets out to about 25 yards.

Positives: Reasonably accurate, the gun is lightweight, and the gun shoulders well for both men and women. It is a take down model. Take down is a breeze, but the gun stock can be ruined by an ignoramus if they use the stock for additional torque. The gun jammed far less than a 10/22. These guns look great.

A few negatives: If shooting at a more rapid pace, the takedown screw becomes a bit loose (I assume via expansion). Its easy enough to adjust the screw, if you let the gun cool takedown can become quite difficult - probably why so many have ruined their stocks. Reloading is not fast, you have to pull the rod out of the stock then orient the shells in the proper alignment and feed individually, if you attempt to cram an extra round beyond the full capacity in there it takes a bit of fingernail, and jostling to remove. I've read some complain about spent casings being ejected down long sleeve shirts resulting in minor burns. To put on a scope it requires an extra $30+ for the mount, and as I recall may require the rear sight be removed.

If your spouse likes to shoot the 10/22 at a rapid pace, one mag after another, this may not be the best of guns for her - reloading is way slow in comparison and the screw will need to be readjusted. If she isn't mechanically inclined expect to hear, "why is it doing that - that is annoying" If she doesn't mind slowing down the fire rate - its a classic looking gun, pretty reliable, should fit her well, lightweight, and reasonably accurate.

[Furncliff]

Ask left handed Marlin 60 shooters about this issue before you drop the bucks on a Browning. Unless you want the Browning , a fantastic rifle.

[M1NM]

The Browning is a neat little gun. It's just that a little gun. You'll find it doesn't fit adults real well. I've got a NITB Chinese knock off I bought in the 80s for $39 - the grand kid gets it as soon as mom says he can have it (and his Ruger Bearcat, another gun too little for adults)

[kemrixmn]

The gun jammed far less than a 10/22. These guns look great.

[StuckInTheP.R.O.Ca]

Hmm im a lefty and love shooting my 10/22. Never had a issue with shells or anything shooting the rifle.
Are you running any optics? I have a scope on one, and red dot on another.
dino

Same here. Never had a problem with the 10/22 with or without optics. With the exception of a Thompson 1928 (Tommy gun), I have yet to have issues with any semi or select fire rifle.

[Mutant]

Amortize the cost difference over two lives.

[Wordupmybrotha]

Marlin model 60 and Marlin 795 both cost less than Ruger 10/22 and the cartridges eject at 90 degrees. They're both accurate shooters and what I like about them is that they both have last shot bolt hold open feature.

[blasterp7]

I have a 10/22 in the collection and I love it. I use it to introduce new people to shooting, I love how affordable and low maintenance it is, and I enjoy the hell out of it.

Recently though, I have run up against the only complaint I have- Left-handers like my wife and friend won't shoot it because of the ejection port. It looks like there are a few cheap bolt-action options out there for southpaws, but I prefer a semi-auto and the bottom-ejecting Browning has caught my eye.

My only hesitation is the price- where it looks like I can get a Savage or CZ for around $200, it looks like MSRP on the Browning SA-22 is $699, and my LGS LOVES to charge MSRP (and more when they can).

Is it worth the cash? or should I just order another 10/22 and sink some cash into making it nice?

Browning SA-22 is the finest and most sophisticated .22 ever built (but you should wear long sleeves), Just like you need to wear long pants with the Ferrari, (all that HP you know) You can always wear shorts in your KIA (Ruger 10/22)