teach me about the browning sa-22

[dave_the_swede]

I find them interesting and terrifying at the same time, they are absolutely beautiful however I see them run the gambit in price from $400-$1500. From what I can understand that has more to do with the grade of the wood, is there a way to tell what grade the wood is without the box? I see these from time to time in pawnshops and such going for $500-$800 in my area and want to be able to spot the good ones in an environment like a pawn shop where many times the seller doesn't know the grade of wood or even care.

 

[Sistema1927]

You will also find that price fluctuates as to whether the gun is Belgian or Japanese made. I have an older Belgian model, but from what I have seen the Japanese Miroku units are every bit as good. I am not sure whether grade of wood has anything to do with it, my understanding is that the grades are distinguishable based on engraving/inlays. A Grade I is the basic model and the Grade VI has engraving and gold inlays. Browning also made a Maple stocked model, and this light wood would be very easy to pick out.

 

[GarySTL]

The ones with the gold inlays will generally have the better wood. Deeper grain, better color etc. Some may be "in the white" with the engravings. Not sure where they fall though.

If you have the serial # an call to Browning may help.

On their web site:

http://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/sa-22-rifles/current-production.html

 

[Rudolph31]

Not all are Brownings. Norinco made a clone; don’t pay a Browning price for one of those!

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/about-norinco-browning-sa-22-clone.821535/

 

[Speedo66]

You must live in an area with upscale pawn shops. The ones here carry pretty much low grade items, i.e., Mossberg shotguns, Marlin or Ruger .22's.

I've yet to see anything of interest.

 

[dave_the_swede]

Oh ok I misunderstood the whole grading thing, I would see them listed as something like "black walnut grade VI" and I assumed the grade was referring to the wood. See how little I understand them? That's is what makes me nervous about picking one up.

 

[cdb1]

My cousin had one when I was growing up in the 60’s. I thought it was the ultimate.22 rifle. I always thought the lines on them were graceful. So what did I do when it came time to finally buy a somewhat upscale semi-auto rimfire rifle? Bought a CZ 512. They aren’t as pretty but look meaner.

The weight of the SA-22 still surprises me every time I pick one up. I always expect them to be lighter.

 

[Shimitup]

I have a mid 70's Belgian one with barrel mounted scope and a Remington model 24 Browning clone made in about the last year of production in '35 or so. Love shooting them both. Careful shooting from the bench with shorts on, as you can see the brass ejects from the bottom.

 

[Riomouse911]

I love those guns! Handy, ambidextrous and very clean looking.

Someday, after a few other gaps are filled, I'll pick one up.

Hopefully You'll find the one you're looking for as well.

Stay safe!

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Not all are Brownings. Norinco made a clone; don’t pay a Browning price for one of those!

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/about-norinco-browning-sa-22-clone.821535/

On the other hand, if you can pick up a Norinco ATD in good shape cheap, go for it. About 6 years ago I bought the last one that Sarco had in stock and it's a fun little rifle.

 

[lemaymiami]

As a teenager I remember drooling over them in the local sporting goods store (don't think there was a dedicated gunshop in Huntsville Alabama back then...). Since I went in the service a bit more than fifty years ago we're talking mid sixties...

I'm the opposite of a collector, only owning what I absolutely need... but if I ever got bit by the collector bug - one of those in good condition would be almost my first purchase... Very clean serviceable design.

 

[Art Eatman]

They are definitely neat rifles for plinking and small-game hunting.

 

[Jackal]

Just bought a new one for the girlfriends dad (at wholesale pricing, the benefit of working for a small FFL). Dealer cost on new ones runs around $530, so its pretty normal to see new ones going for $600ish.

 

[DM~]

Here's mine,



DM

 

[cdb1]

That’s the only SA-22 I’ve seen with a Schnabel forend.

 

[mudstud]

I've always wanted a Browning SA-22. Never did own one. It was a rather glaring omission in my rimfire collection. Until yesterday. Happened to cruise thru a local shop, and they literally put one on the rack, while I was standing at the counter. It is an older one, made about 1959, in really nice condition (especially for its age). Has the rotary rear sight dial. Came with a period J.C. Higgins 4X scope. Needless to say, that one followed me home! Will get to shoot it in a few days, soon as it stops raining. Life is good!

 

[SwampWolf]

On the other hand, if you can pick up a Norinco ATD in good shape cheap, go for it.

Agreed. If all you want is a good shooter that is identical to the little Browning sans (much) nicer finish and collector value, the Norinco is a good buy. I'm not sure what they bring in the used gun market but most of us who bought one new paid less than a hundred bucks for it.

 

[SwampWolf]

That’s the only SA-22 I’ve seen with a Schnabel forend.

Same here; the Monte Carlo configured butt stock is also rare in my experience. Beautiful variant DM~.

 

[dave_the_swede]

Dang I see a few atd's on gunbroker they are asking $300-$400.