Browning 22 Semi-Auto rifle
Encyclopedia
The Browning 22 Semi-Auto rifle, also known as the Semi Automatic 22 or SA-22, is a takedown rifle
produced by FN Herstal based on a John Browning
patent. The rifle is currently produced by Browning as the Semi-Auto 22. Production began in 1914 and continued through 1974 in Belgium
and production continued in 1976 in Japan
by Miroku. It was first exported by FN for the American market in 1956, but was manufactured in the US from 1919-1935 under license as the Remington Model 24
.
The SA-22 was the first production semiautomatic .22 rifle, and is regarded as a classic firearm. It has been offered in several "grades" of engraving and gold inlay, and is a widely collected gun, especially those manufactured in Belgium.
The Semi-auto .22 is a made from blued steel and walnut, and ejects spent cases downward. This feature was intended by the designer to keep the user's face "protected from gasses and flying particles while firing". The lack of a side-mounted ejection port also leaves a large "canvas" for engraving. Factory engraving was done by hand at FN Herstal, and is done by laser engraving
with hand finishing at Miroku. It has occasionally been sold with a factory fitted hard case, or with scope
mounting grooves on the receiver.
Over half a million SA-22 rifles have been sold since 1914.
Takedown gun
A takedown gun is a long gun designed to be taken apart significantly reducing its length, making it easier to store, pack, transport and conceal. A variety of barrel, stock, and receiver designs have been invented to facilitate takedown. For example, the hinged design of many break-action...
produced by FN Herstal based on a John Browning
John Browning
John Moses Browning , born in Ogden, Utah, was an American firearms designer who developed many varieties of military and civilian firearms, cartridges, and gun mechanisms, many of which are still in use around the world...
patent. The rifle is currently produced by Browning as the Semi-Auto 22. Production began in 1914 and continued through 1974 in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
and production continued in 1976 in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
by Miroku. It was first exported by FN for the American market in 1956, but was manufactured in the US from 1919-1935 under license as the Remington Model 24
Remington Model 24
Based on a John Browning design and manufactured from 1922-1935, the Remington model 24 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in either .22 Short or .22 long rifle. It is nearly identical to the Browning 22 Semi-Auto rifle which is still in production. It is a takedown design, meaning that the...
.
The SA-22 was the first production semiautomatic .22 rifle, and is regarded as a classic firearm. It has been offered in several "grades" of engraving and gold inlay, and is a widely collected gun, especially those manufactured in Belgium.
The Semi-auto .22 is a made from blued steel and walnut, and ejects spent cases downward. This feature was intended by the designer to keep the user's face "protected from gasses and flying particles while firing". The lack of a side-mounted ejection port also leaves a large "canvas" for engraving. Factory engraving was done by hand at FN Herstal, and is done by laser engraving
Laser engraving
Laser engraving, or laser marking, is the practice of using lasers to engrave or mark an object. The technique does not involve the use of inks, nor does it involve tool bits which contact the engraving surface and wear out...
with hand finishing at Miroku. It has occasionally been sold with a factory fitted hard case, or with scope
Telescopic sight
A telescopic sight, commonly called a scope, is a sighting device that is based on an optical refracting telescope. They are equipped with some form of graphic image pattern mounted in an optically appropriate position in their optical system to give an accurate aiming point...
mounting grooves on the receiver.
Over half a million SA-22 rifles have been sold since 1914.