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I'm on the verge of buying myself yet one more retirement present. On my short list is the Browning SA .22 rifle. It will be for shooting, not a safe queen. I want a nice one, but not too nice to shoot. In general, I prefer the FN versions for the tradition and the nice, light-colored wood, but the newer Japanese versions look very nice and can be had for less than $600 on the www. Nice FNs seem to go for $700-$1000, depending on rarity and condition. For now, my plan is to mount a compact red dot sight to maintain the nice lines and handling.
What I would like to know is:

Which version is more likely to be a good shooter?
Is there any substantial mechanical difference between the two versions that I should be aware of or concerned about?
Is there anything In particular that I need to watch out for, with either version?

Thanks.

I love em'. If it were me, I'd just get a new one and shoot the crap out of it. Unless you find an older one in great shape that you can get into for a price you're comfortable with. I will say that, for me, putting an optical sight on this gun ruins the compactness and uniqueness of it. They're just such a joy to carry and use in the field, because of their stream lines and light weight. There is absolutely no fat on this rifle, and being able to wrap your hand around that slim receiver while carrying it across a field looking for wabbits...well, it's just one of those things that .22 aficionados really appreciate. Good for you for deciding to get yourself something nice for your retirement.

Well, it's not like it's going to be the first retirement present I've bought for myself; more like the 9th. I retired in July of 2010, and decided to lay in some nice toys for my golden years. Not all of them "stuck", but a New Bearcat in stainless, a CZ 453 American, a 1963-vintage Ithaca 37, and a 5 1/2" Ruger Bisley .357 in stainless have so far. So far this year I've picked up a like-new .45 TC Hawken, a Ruger Hawkeye Predator in .308, and just the other day, a Knight Ultra-Lite .50 ML.
God willing, I figure I've got anywhere from 10 to 20 good years left, and want to fiddle with as many toys as possible. The ones that stick will go to my sons when I give it up or go under.
You're probably right about getting a new one, but there's just something about those FN Brownings.......

I get my first SS check tomorrow!! Whoo Hoo!!!

I've got three Belgians and one Japanese. Can't say that there is any difference in accuracy but there are a few parts that are different even in the Belgium made ones. They range from early 60's to 1975. You can't go wrong but I have a soft spot for the Belgium made ones. If you look around, you may find a good used one in the 400 dollar range for a long rifle - short only are a different story.