Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Browning take down SA 22 ?s

I'm looking at used one in what I'd consider the mid range of VG condition. It's a made in Belgium, grade one, LR, that shows reasonable wear for it's age. It has open sights and a grooved receiver. The owner says it works as it should. IMO there's no major flaws.

The stock's wear and the fit, finish & checkering are good quality and look original but it has a lighter color finish. Someone said the lighter color was not unusual for the Belgium mfg. models. Anyone familiar with these know if that's right?

Will it have to be sighted in again if you take the barrel off for cleaning?

What's a reasonable price?

Thanks.

I've never had to shoot one in again after taking it down. It might be different if you had a scope mounted on it, but to me, a scope would mess up the wonderful ergonomics of the rifle. It's such a joy to carry and shoot in the field like it is.

If it was made between '66 and '71 look out for salt wood. I believe some of the Semi-auto .22s were affected but I think it was mainly in the higher grades.

Thanks, this one looks ok. The owner took the forearm off and unscrewed the butt plate screws, there's no sign of rust.

Blue Book from a couple of years ago if it is any help shows for a Grade 1 made by FN:

90% $300
95% $375
98% $475

They make great little squirrel rifles.

Thanks, I'm no expert but I'd say it's at least 90%.

Some of the Belgian Brownings do have pretty light colored stocks...not too unusual.

From what I've seen at gun shows $350-450 for 90%. Somewhat more for an early wheel sight gun. From a private party you should have a better chance of getting one for less.

The open sights should remain on target unless you bump it. Scopes on grooved receivers shouldn't be a big issue unless you don't get the barrel reattached tightly; they can loosen up over time but can be adjusted. Scopes on grooved receivers "may" not be quite as accurate as those that are tapped on the barrel, but I've not felt handicapped too much. Also...watch out for bulged/ringed barrels.

Good luck. No finer 22 Semi that I know of.

Wow....the Belgians in this neck of the woods run $650-850

That's why mine is from Japan.

Bob