FN Browning SA-22 Grade I .22 LR Belgian Takedown Semi-Automatic Rifle (1965)
This 1965 FN-made Browning SA-22 Grade I is a collectible Belgian takedown rifle chambered in .22 LR. Hand-fitted steel parts, deep salt-blue finish, and factory scroll engraving make it a standout example of pre-1976 Browning craftsmanship. Its lightweight profile, bottom-ejecting action, and ambidextrous design add practical appeal to the rifle’s classic lines.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling Condition: Excellent – Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor superficial scratches and small blemishes are present on the metal and walnut surfaces; none affect operation or appearance beyond normal handling marks.
What’s Included
- Factory Browning Automatic .22 Rifle instruction booklet
- Original safety/caution card
The SA-22 was Browning’s first semi-automatic rifle, and this Grade I example carries the desirable “Made in Belgium” proof on the barrel, confirming FN production in Herstal. Serial number prefix 5T dates the rifle to 1965, placing it firmly in the high-quality Belgian era before production moved to Japan in 1976.
The takedown system lets the user separate the 19.25-inch barrel from the receiver without tools, making transport and cleaning straightforward. When re-assembled, the forged steel receiver locks up solidly, maintaining the rifle’s legendary accuracy.
This bottom-ejecting blowback action feeds from a 10-round tubular magazine housed in the buttstock and loaded through a finger lever port. The design keeps fired cases and gases clear of both right- and left-handed shooters.
Grade I scroll engraving adorns both sides of the receiver, framed by a zig-zag border. The gloss-varnished walnut stock and forend feature hand-cut 18-line-per-inch checkering that provides a secure grip while showcasing classic styling.
Iron sights consist of a dovetailed steel front blade and an adjustable folding rear leaf, giving the shooter precise sight alignment without compromising the rifle’s sleek profile.