Browning SA .22 Question

[Coyote3855]

I want to buy an older pre-Japan Browning SA .22 rifle, the takedown model that loads through the butt stock. From pictures on internet auction/classifieds, it looks like the depression in the stock under the buttplate where the magazine tube goes through is just unfinished wood. That seems unusual in what is otherwise a sleek and apparently well-finished firearm. Am I not seeing this correctly? Any thoughts or advice appreciated. I know the Belgian made rifles demand a premium.

 

[rcmodel]

On my early Japan one, the hole is finished & sealed.

Just not high-gloss finished like the outside of the stock.

BTW: There ain't a thing wrong with the Japanese made ones unless you are stuck on an older one.

rc

 

[Speedo66]

Didn't Norinco or another Chinese company also do a version of that .22? Not sure as to quality, though their 1911's seem to be highly thought of. They also did a Winchester 1897 exposed hammer shotgun clone, but again, no info on quality.

 

[rcmodel]

Didn't Norinco or another Chinese company also do a version of that .22?

Yes, but they are not even close to the quality of a Browning, whether it was made in Belgium or Japan.

Not even in the same ball park with a Browning.

rc

 

[waterhouse]

On my early Japan one, the hole is finished & sealed.

Mine as well.

BTW: There ain't a thing wrong with the Japanese made ones unless you are stuck on an older one.

I agree. I used to own both until someone offered me way too much for my older one. My Japan made one was actually more accurate.

 

[RainDodger]

I have an early 1970's Belgian SA-22. You are correct that the wood is unfinished where the magazine tube is accessed in the buttplate. This is where you pull the tube partially out for reloading.

You don't drop the cartridges in there though - you drop the cartridges into the access hole that's in the finished part of the stock up closer to the receiver.

 

[Coyote3855]

Thanks for the information. I've looked at the Chinese copies and am not interested: RC is correct as usual. The only problem I have with the newer made in Japan Browning rifles is the blindingly shiney stock finish. I don't know if all Japan Brownings have that finish, or if some Belgian rifles have the same.

 

[rule303]

The Belgian ones are also typical Browning glossy finish. I have a 1960 grade II, and it is a beautiful gun, The trigger is pretty stiff which makes it somewhat hard to shoot well, since the gun is so light. As others have said the Japanese built ones are just as well made as the Belgians.

 

[wriggly]

I have owned both, and the differences that I observed regarding the quality......engraving is much better on the Belgian guns, and the wood is considerably lighter in color on the Belgian guns as well. Other than those two points, the rest was about equal.