Browning sa 22

[brian.243]

Does anyone have one
I saw one at a local pawn shop and it's been there at least 3 years

Looks pretty fancy
Belgium made
Engraved with a gold coyote and squirrel or rabbit on one side
They want 900 think I could get it for 6 or 7

Are they any good

It's a take down
Kinda odd looking but it is beautiful

[bergmen]

These are very unique rifles, no one else has an action like the SA 22. I have had a modern one (Miroku built) for about 10 years or so

Pros:
1) Very light and compact, handles very well. It can easily break down into two parts and stowed in a soft break down case.
2) Exceptionally accurate.
3) Completely reliable, never had a FTF or FTE with this rifle.
4) It is an exquisite design, an original John Browning design.
5) Very easy to disassemble for cleaning.
6) Downward ejection so completely ambidextrous.

Cons:
1) Downward ejection so if you wear sandles, you can get hot casings on your feet.
2) No bolt hold open on the last shot so if you don't count your rounds, you will end up dry firing after the last shot. I have experienced no damage as a result (probably has a firing pin stop).
3) Loading is peculiar through a port in the stock but it is easy to point the rifle in a safe direction for loading (not really a "con").
4) It seems to be tailered for young shooters, LOP is a bit short and sight alignment for an adult is a bit difficult with a normal "cheek weld".

Overall, I really like this rifle. I considered all of the other offerings but was drawn to this model even though it was more than twice the price. I do not regret it one bit.

Dan

[Spyder]

I have an older one still in the box that I need to find a rear sight for and shoot once in a while. Very cool unique little rifle.

[brian.243]

Thank you

[Sugarfoot47]

I just picked one up in- state using my C&R / COE for 550.00 . Belgium model made in 1957 with the wheel site. You can field strip it down for cleaning using no tools and the breakdown feature makes cleaning the bore easy. These rifles have always been in the upper level price range as far as 22 long guns are concerned, and from what you're describing about its embellishments it is probably a higher grade model which starts elevating the price even more, especially since it is a Belgium model. The asking price may not be out of line if the overall condition is really nice.

[bergmen]

Does anyone have one
I saw one at a local pawn shop and it's been there at least 3 years

Looks pretty fancy
Belgium made
Engraved with a gold coyote and squirrel or rabbit on one side
They want 900 think I could get it for 6 or 7

Are they any good

It's a take down
Kinda odd looking but it is beautiful

That would be the grade VI. They go for $1639.99 new:

https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/sa-22-rifles/current-production/semi-auto-22-grade-vi-blued.html

Dan

[JagerDog]

WoC: DON'T try breaking it down by using the stock as leverage.

[bergmen]

WoC: DON'T try breaking it down by using the stock as leverage.

The manual is very clear on this. I have an old cotton sock in the break-down case to use to hold the receiver for break down (so I don't get finger prints all over it).

Dan

[mausercat]

These are great guns. My favorite 22lr rifle. They are accurate and I love the fact that they can be taken apart and put back together so easily. Great for travel. I own 6 of them. This includes a the Remington version (model 24) and the Norinco version. They are all great. I love that you do not need to point the rifle at yourself to load it, unlike other tube fed 22s. I know that you do not actually point it at yourself, but bringing the muzzle close to yourself always has bothered me.

[mrkurtz]

I always thought the ones with the coyote and squirrel were only of Japanese manufacture. Browning is of course a Belgian company, but are you sure it does not say made in Japan by Miroku for Browning? Guns completely manufactured in Belgium are always worth a lot more than those made in Japan

[brian.243]

Going to the pawn shop tomorrow to take a closer look with a few greenbacks in my pocket
We shall see
Thanks yall

[bergmen]

Going to the pawn shop tomorrow to take a closer look with a few greenbacks in my pocket
We shall see
Thanks yall

Excellent! Keep us posted (and include pictures if you get it).

Dan

[bergmen]

Here is a link to a very good article in GunDigest published on May 28, 2018:

https://gundigest.com/collecting/collectors-corner-the-browning-22-auto-rifle

In production for more than 100 years I didn't know it was the first .22 rimfire semi-auto rifle.

Dan

[Wordupmybrotha]

This rifle piques my interest as well. The two downsides I see are spent casings falling into shirt sleeves and the complicated disassembly.

[dfletcher]

This rifle piques my interest as well. The two downsides I see are spent casings falling into shirt sleeves and the complicated disassembly.

I had an empty bounce off the sandbag and right into my mouth - had a cold and had my mouth open to breathe. That sure ruined my group.

I found an original Redfield 3/4" scope 4X for mine. Takes down to fit in a T/C barrel case: https://www.lg-outdoors.com/Product/DetailsBySKU/51362/