Old Browning/FN semi auto Mfg Date?

Ol' Flinter

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 98.1%
51   1   0
Location
Ottawa
I am helping a friend determine the mfg date of his old Browning semi auto 22 LR. It is loaded via a tube mag through the butt plate, has a round knob grip and there is no checkering on butt or fore stocks. It is obviously pre 1956, maybe even pre WW2. The serial number is 1624XX. I could not learn anything from the Blue Book of Gun Values charts.
Thanks
 
Last edited:
I just had a look at the Browning Collectors website (its free) and they say there are no dates of manufacture available for pre '56 guns.
The best reference for Browning 22's is Homer Tyler's book dated 1985 titled "Browning .22 Caliber Rifles". He says that over 200,000 were produced before 1956 but no dates of manufacture are given.
You have a nice collector's piece and the original box is icing on the cake for dedicated collectors.
 
From my research years ago dating my inherited Belgian SA22 (The serial number places that one as a 1957 model). Sadly can’t remember where I screen shotted the chart from though. My personal one dates to 1960 according to the chart. And can’t confirm it’s accuracy. But I know the rifle was purchased new by my grandfather for my mother as a gift when she was much to young to remember. So 1960 places her as 3-4 years old when hers was manufactured so seems about right I guess.


BROWNING SA-22
SERIAL CHART (T PREFIX FOR L.R.)
START-END
1956 1-12000
1957 12001-28000
1958 28001-44500
1959 44501-68500
1960 68501-90500
1961 90501-96309
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom