Browning 22 Semi-Auto rifle
| Semi-auto .22 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Sporting rifle |
| Place of origin |
.svg.png){kind=small} Belgium |
| Production history | |
| Designer | John Browning |
| Manufacturer | FN Herstal |
| Produced | 1914-present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 5.2 pounds (2.4 kg) |
| Length | 37 inches (94 cm) |
| Barrel length | 19.25 inches (489 mm) |
|
| |
| Cartridge | .22 Long Rifle, .22 Short |
| Action | Semiautomatic |
| Feed system | Integral tube magazine (11x.22 LR; 16x.22 Short) |
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.[1] It was first exported by FN for the American market in 1956. A close copy made by the Chinese company Norinco was formerly imported into the US by Interarms as the Model ATD. Remington manufactured a lighter weight version under license from 1919-1935 as the Remington Model 24 and then replaced it with the Model 241 Remington 241 in 1935. Except for the barrel locking mechanism the Remington Model 241 is very similar to the Browning SA-22.
The SA-22 was the first production semiautomatic .22 rifle,[2] and is regarded as a classic firearm.[2][3] It has been offered in several "grades" of engraving and gold inlay, and is a widely collected gun, especially those manufactured in Belgium.[4]
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", at which it succeeds, but also allows the sizzling hot empty case to eject down one's forward-arm shirt sleeve, which is memorable, to say the least. The lack of a side-mounted ejection port also leaves a large "canvas" for engraving.[2] 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.[2]