Date of manufacture of Browning SA 22 - The Firearms Forum

hondolane42 · 06-28-2012, 06:00 PM

I am trying to find out when my Browning SA 22 was made. It says Made in Belgium on the barrel, it has a wheel rear sight and a serial number of 8177 on the butt plate and T8177 on the face of the receiver. I have looked at the Browning serial number page on their web page but it is confusing at least to me. Can someone give me any information on this problem. Thanks very much!

Hammerslagger · 06-29-2012, 12:04 AM

I infer that you are talking about a Browning "Take Down" 22 RF semi-auto rifle; and think that you might have your numbers reversed, The "T" prefix should be on the washer that surrounds the magazine tube within the butt-plate. The number on the face of the receiver of these rifles, often does not match and is not the rifle's USA serial number; which was not actually required on a .22 RF until 1968. However, in your case the serial numbers appear to basically match.

If the foregoing is correct, your rifle was likely imported (made) in 1956 or early 1957 as 8177 is a rather low number for a popular rifle made between 1956 an 1960. In 1961 the method of applying serial numbers changed. That is likely why you find the Browning website confusing. The "T" tells you it is .22 LR caliber. An "A" would be .22 Short until 1961. If you contact FN's (Browing & Winchester) historian named Mr. Jensen (I think) he can likely tell you the date that it was shipped and who to, if it is a higher grade rifle for engraving. I do not know if any Grade I info is available, but not published.

Hope this helps.

Brass Tacks · 06-29-2012, 09:08 AM

Would this be the object of the inquiry? This was given me as a birthday present in 63 or 64. It was purchased at Westridge Sporting Goods in Casper, Wyoming. I have the price tag ($79.95) and owners booklet in the black envelope but sadly no box.

Mine has a serial number (2T48XXX) on the bottom of the barrel just ahead of the hand guard. It's small and easy to miss.

06-28-2012, 06:00 PM	#1
hondolane42 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 2	Date of manufacture of Browning SA 22 I am trying to find out when my Browning SA 22 was made. It says Made in Belgium on the barrel, it has a wheel rear sight and a serial number of 8177 on the butt plate and T8177 on the face of the receiver. I have looked at the Browning serial number page on their web page but it is confusing at least to me. Can someone give me any information on this problem. Thanks very much! --> Last edited by hondolane42; 06-28-2012 at 09:05 PM..

06-29-2012, 12:04 AM	#2
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Date of manufacture of Browning SA 22 I infer that you are talking about a Browning "Take Down" 22 RF semi-auto rifle; and think that you might have your numbers reversed, The "T" prefix should be on the washer that surrounds the magazine tube within the butt-plate. The number on the face of the receiver of these rifles, often does not match and is not the rifle's USA serial number; which was not actually required on a .22 RF until 1968. However, in your case the serial numbers appear to basically match. If the foregoing is correct, your rifle was likely imported (made) in 1956 or early 1957 as 8177 is a rather low number for a popular rifle made between 1956 an 1960. In 1961 the method of applying serial numbers changed. That is likely why you find the Browning website confusing. The "T" tells you it is .22 LR caliber. An "A" would be .22 Short until 1961. If you contact FN's (Browing & Winchester) historian named Mr. Jensen (I think) he can likely tell you the date that it was shipped and who to, if it is a higher grade rifle for engraving. I do not know if any Grade I info is available, but not published. Hope this helps. Last edited by Hammerslagger; 06-29-2012 at 12:12 AM.. Reason: typos

06-29-2012, 09:08 AM	#3
Brass Tacks Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 553	Re: Date of manufacture of Browning SA 22 Would this be the object of the inquiry? This was given me as a birthday present in 63 or 64. It was purchased at Westridge Sporting Goods in Casper, Wyoming. I have the price tag ($79.95) and owners booklet in the black envelope but sadly no box. Mine has a serial number (2T48XXX) on the bottom of the barrel just ahead of the hand guard. It's small and easy to miss. __________________ The Second Amendment, America's Original Homeland Security I don't know how I got over the hill without ever getting to the top. Last edited by Brass Tacks; 06-29-2012 at 09:11 AM..