Browning (FN) SA22 SA-22 22 Auto Grade II Engraved Blue & Coin Wheel Sight Takedown Semi-Auto Rifle

SOLD FOR: $4,625.00
LSB#: 180609MS10

Make: Fabrique Nationale, in Belgium, for Browning

Model: SA-22 (Semi-Auto .22), Grade II Engraved

Serial Number: T42508

Year of Manufacture: 1958 (Per Browning)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the left at the rear sight is marked “22 LONG RIFLE” and the right is marked “BROWNING PATENTS”. The front face of the receiver is marked “T42508” and the front face of the trigger assembly is marked “T 2508”. The bottom of the bolt is marked with a star over “T”, lion over “PV” and Perron tower proof. The rear plate for the magazine tube is marked “T44 / 164”. The receiver has Grade II pattern engraving with a gopher scene on the right, squirrel scene on the left and a duck scene on the top surrounded by floral engraving.

Barrel Length: 19 ¼”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, integral to a base that is dovetailed onto the barrel. The rear is a square notched leaf dovetailed to the rear of the barrel adjustable for elevation with a ratcheted wheel, known as a “wheel sight”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with checkering on the forend and grip, straight comb and a serrated blued steel buttplate. The stocks have many scattered light compressions and drag lines with thinning finish at the butt. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering has smoothed slightly with handling but is well defined. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The plate has thinning around the edges with light wear at the heel and toe and a few light marks in the serrations, in about Very Good condition. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Coin

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The barrel has some scattered light marks with a patch of wear on the bottom toward the front. The receiver has a few scattered light scratches, a couple of small spots of faint frosting and some light scuffing. The trigger pin head is unmarred. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle has a natural quick point of aim and has a very swift takedown procedure for storage and maintenance. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a Browning hard-sided case with brass latches and hinges, blue flock lined interior and blocks for holding the two portions of the rifle when taken down, with a compartment holding a three-piece cleaning rod with patch-jag and copper bristle brushes. The exterior of the case has only very light scattered wear, the interior has some wear in the flock from sharper portions of the gun and discoloration from age and oil, in about Very Good condition. Also included is a vintage manual.

Our Assessment: The Browning SA-22 was introduced as a top-loader in 1914 and transitioned to its present design in 1956. FN made these rifles under Browning’s patent from 1956 until 1974 with a brief hiatus before Miroku began manufacturing them in 1976 in Japan. This example is from 1958 and has Grade II engraving, a nice Browning carry case and the older-style wheel rear sight. This is a great example of one of the coolest .22s ever made. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible rifle can be transferred/sold in California.