Browning SA-22 Grade I .22 LR Takedown Semi-Auto Rifle (1974, Japan) — 19 in Barrel, Walnut Stock, Blued, Factory Scroll Engraved
Manufactured in 1974, this Miroku-made Browning SA-22 Grade I is a first-year Japanese production example with the classic takedown design, bottom ejection, and buttstock tubular magazine. It features a 19-inch steel barrel, blued steel receiver with factory machine-cut scroll engraving, and gloss-finished walnut furniture with cut checkering. A barrel-mounted cantilever scope base that bridges back over the receiver is installed. Barrel markings include Made in Japan and Browning Arms Company Morgan, Utah & Montreal P.Q.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are markings from previous handling and use. The bore is bright and clean.
What’s Included
- Barrel-mounted cantilever scope base/rail for SA-22 (installed)
This Grade I SA-22 was manufactured in 1974, the first year of Japanese production, and was built by Miroku. The barrel is marked Made in Japan along with Browning Arms Company Morgan, Utah & Montreal P.Q. The T47 year code on the serial confirms 1974 production.
The rifle uses Browning’s takedown system with a knurled adjustment ring for quick breakdown and reassembly. It is a semi-automatic blowback design with bottom ejection and a buttstock tubular magazine loaded through the right-side port. Capacity is 10+1 in .22 LR.
The 19-inch steel barrel pairs with a blued steel receiver. A ramped front blade sight is fitted, and the barrel carries a cantilever scope base that bridges over the receiver.
Walnut furniture includes a gloss-finished stock and matching forend with cut checkering. The stock retains a metal buttplate and a 13.75-inch length of pull for a traditional feel and fit.
Factory machine-cut scroll engraving with a zig-zag border decorates both sides of the receiver, adding a classic Browning touch to this Grade I configuration.