Browning SA-22 Grade I
Browning Arms Company · Rifle · In Production · 1914
Also known as: Browning 22 Semi-Auto, Browning Semi-Auto 22, FN Browning Model 1914, Remington Model 24 (licensed variant)
Overview
The Browning SA-22 Grade I is a takedown semi-automatic rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, based on a John Moses Browning patent and first produced in 1914. Recognized as the first mass-produced semi-automatic rifle in .22 rimfire, it feeds from a tubular magazine housed in the buttstock, ejects spent cases through the bottom of the receiver, and breaks down into two compact units without tools. Its slim forged-steel receiver, blued finish, and hand-checkered walnut stock have kept it in continuous production for over a century.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2353 g (83.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Barrel Length | 492 mm (19.37") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Polished Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 10-Round Tubular Magazine (.22 LR)
- Safety mechanisms: Cross-Bolt Safety
- Features: Takedown Two-Piece Construction, Bottom Ejection, Tubular Buttstock Magazine, Hand-Checkered Walnut Stock, Drilled And Tapped For Scope
Production
Estimated total produced: 500,000 · Production years: 1914-present
Over half a million rifles produced since 1914 across Belgian (FN) and Japanese (Miroku) manufacture.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: John Moses Browning
Notes
Originally manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium (1914-1973); production moved to Miroku in Japan from 1974 onward. Marketed in the United States by the Browning Arms Company.
Background
The SA-22's underside ejection and tubular magazine made it an icon of shooting galleries and backyard plinking, and its clean lines inspired the licensed Remington Model 24 and Model 241 rifles.