Browning ~ SA-22 ~ .22 Short

Yet another brainchild of John M. Browning, the Browning SA-22 was the first semi-automatic rifle to be chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The rifle was first produced in Belgium by FN Herstal in 1914 and was later imported into the United States starting in 1956 by the Browning Arms Company. The rifle is still made today by Miroku in Japan, and has since 1974. The Remington Models 24 and 241 are also licensed users of the patent, but differ in the barrel attachment design. The SA-22 is unique for its downward-ejecting design, made so that debris and spent casings would not affect the shooter. Another unique aspect of the firearm is its tubular magazine which loads from the stock, where a loading port is located in the side and the follower tube is removed from the rear. The rifle is a takedown construction, though does require the removal of a screw holding the walnut forend to the barrel. The rifle barrel is drilled and tapped to accept a scope mount, but also has iron sights installed from the factory. A rear sight is elevation-adjustable and flips down, while the front sight is attached by dovetail and has a single silver bead attached to the post. This particular rifle is a Belgian-made unit made in 1968 and chambered only for .22 Short, fitting 15 cartridges in the tubular magazine. The FN-made rifles feature hand-engravings, as opposed to Miroku pieces which are laser-engraved. The rifle is in good operating condition, though the original bluing is wearing throughout the rifle and the oil-rubbed finish could also use a touch-up; the walnut furniture on this rifle could use an additional coating to protect the wood. The original checkering is visible, but really is not very noticeable in the hand. There are some places where wood has chipped away, but there is no significant structural damage to the furniture. The barrel is in very good condition, with no corrosion/rust or pitting. This rifle is in great shooting condition and is a great antique .22 rifle to add to the collection and/or work on as a restoration project! This SA-22 does not include a box or case.