Browning SA-22 - New Or Used For Same Price?

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Would you opt for a 'new' Browning SA-22 for $699.99 (I think MSRP is $799.99) or would you be more prone to an 'older' (I don't know how much older as I only gave it a cursory look) version for $695?

The used one seems to be in pretty good shape; i.e., primarily a couple of dings on the stock. The grooves are in good shape. It comes apart readily.

I haven't seen any 'new' ones in stock locally and am assuming that someone might be able to order one.

I'm thinking about trying to get one ahead of the 11% tax increase on firearms.

[pinger]

I have two more recent SA-22s that I bought new and one from the late 70's that was worn looking back then. The older one gets taken out to shoot a lot and don't worry much about it. One newer one is the bull barrel model and gets shot a lot but I take care when I set it down, put it in a nice case, etc. The other newer one is maple wood and I probably won't shoot it because it's just pretty.

I guess my feeling is that a new gun with a nice wood stock, I worry more about keeping it new looking. With a used gun, I would shoot it with less worry.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

I already put the thing on layaway. I'll go back and pay it off, along with starting the DROS, when this month's check comes in.

I did find out it is Belgian-made from the early 70's.

When I get the serial number, I'll check on that.

The FFL and I spoke briefly about the 11% excise tax, with him stating that they're gonna need people to still buy guns to keep the doors open. As I told him, I wish him luck. Had I waited until after July 1, the tax, which is ostensibly claimed not to be directed at the consumer, would have added $76.56 to the purchase price, an amount which used to buy (or almost buy) a decent .22 rifle on its own.

[bergmen]

I already put the thing on layaway. I'll go back and pay it off, along with starting the DROS, when this month's check comes in.

I did find out it is Belgian-made from the early 70's.

When I get the serial number, I'll check on that.

The FFL and I spoke briefly about the 11% excise tax, with him stating that they're gonna need people to still buy guns to keep the doors open. As I told him, I wish him luck. Had I waited until after July 1, the tax, which is ostensibly claimed not to be directed at the consumer, would have added $76.56 to the purchase price, an amount which used to buy (or almost buy) a decent .22 rifle on its own.

You are going to love this rifle, the "best there is". If it doesn't come with an owners manual you can get one from the Browning website free. There are a couple of things that are important when you disassemble for take-down.

Have fun!

Dan

[TrappedinCalifornia]

You are going to love this rifle, the "best there is". If it doesn't come with an owners manual you can get one from the Browning website free. There are a couple of things that are important when you disassemble for take-down.

Have fun!

Dan

I intend to when I finally get it. A couple of weeks and the check should be here so I can feel free to do the DROS.

BTW: It looks like, according to my understanding of the serial number, that it was made in 1964, not the early 70s. It looks like it wasn't rode too hard or put away wet. Just kinda 'broke in.'

[Thefeeder]

I intend to when I finally get it. A couple of weeks and the check should be here so I can feel free to do the DROS.

BTW: It looks like, according to my understanding of the serial number, that it was made in 1964, not the early 70s. It looks like it wasn't rode too hard or put away wet. Just kinda 'broke in.'

You made the right choice, Belgium SA 22's are the top shelf......the older the better

[TrappedinCalifornia]

You made the right choice, Belgium SA 22's are the top shelf......the older the better

I went with the 10/22 Takedown, what, last year, instead of the SA-22. But, I couldn't resist. I'm tempted to look for a second one as I'll be able to sneak in another DROS before July 1st. I'm just not sure I want to spend the money on another one. I just have trouble getting past: "Two is one and one is none... And three is even better."

[Sugarfoot47]

I bought a Belgian model made in 1957 about 6 years ago and have never regretted it. Near mint condition with the wheel sight. These rifles shoot as good as they look. You'll love it.

[jyo]

I bought a Belgian model made in 1957 about 6 years ago and have never regretted it. Near mint condition with the wheel sight. These rifles shoot as good as they look. You'll love it.

I had a perfect Japanese made SA-22, but also had a very nice used Belgium made "Wheelsight" SA-22 walk into a gun store I was managing and bought it, selling the Japan rifle to a shooting buddy who still has it and loves it---both outstanding rifles.

[Oneaudiopro]

I had a Miruko (sp) Japanese one that was a total piece of garbage. The Belgian made ones are as good as they get. Good choice!

[TrappedinCalifornia]

I found another one and this one was made in the early 70's. It's in good shape and I managed to slip it in under what the FFL considers to be the DROS deadline of today.

Now, I'm gonna have two to take up and test/play with.