Browning .22 Belgium

quixote

March 11, 2003 05:40

I bought a Browning .22 (for $250) from a friend that was cleaning out his dad's attic and I am not sure what it is worth. It is in mint condition, and I know I got a deal but I know very little about the gun. There is no serial number on the receiver and so using the Browning web site to date the gun is impossible. I see some on the web that suggest there were different grades...this particular gun has nice wood but I think the engraving is probably standard. It has the old dial rear sight and mount grooves on top of the receiver for a scope. For fun I took it to the local gun shop to see what they would give me for it...$300. This a stark contrast from what I see in the asking prices on the web. I love the gun and will keep it regardless but I thought maybe someone could help me figure out just what I have.

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  Rusticwater

  March 11, 2003 05:59

  quixote,
  
  Welcome to the forum. You'll have to provide some more details about the gun, such as the type of action (T-Bolt?) and any identifying marks on the barrel/receiver such as model, etc.
  
  Close to God, far away from everyone else.

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  WIN 1894

  March 11, 2003 11:58

  If its the Browning Auto 22 check the buttplate area as some had the
  serial number around the magazine tube housing and some had the serial
  number under the barrel. Is it a 22LR or 22short. More info will help.

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  quixote

  March 11, 2003 15:56

  Thanks for the responses. There is a four digit number on the buttplate above the top screw. It is a 22LR and it has the takedown bottom eject action. I took the forearm off and on the front of the receiver is a "T" and then a three digit number, however, according to the browning web site the serial numbers began with 1000. Any more info is appreciated.
  
  Thanks for your help!!

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  mark christian

  March 11, 2003 18:00

  If I can remember correctly FN discontinued the rear wheel type sight in around 1960. That should narrow down your manufacture dates.
  
  Mark T. Christian

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  StraightArrow

  March 16, 2003 09:44

  Quixote:
  You are a very fortunate man. This Browning 22 auto you purchased, if as good as you say it is, is worth as high as twice what you paid for it. If it has prarie dogs and squirrels engraved on the sides of the action, then you have a Grade II, worth $200-$300 more than the Grade I. Look in the end of the buttstock and you will see the round washer which holds the magazine tube in the gun. You should see something like T65 at the top and possibly three digits at the bottom of the washer. If so, then the gun is Pre-'65. Also, look on the side of the barrel to see if it says Made in Belgium. If so, you have very desireable rifle. Enjoy the little Browning. I bought mine in 1960 and still have it.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I bought a Browning .22 (for $250) from a friend that was cleaning out his dad's attic and I am not sure what it is worth. It is in mint condition, and I know I got a deal but I know very little about the gun. There is no serial number on the receiver and so using the Browning web site to date the gun is impossible. I see some on the web that suggest there were different grades...this particular gun has nice wood but I think the engraving is probably standard. It has the old dial rear sight and mount grooves on top of the receiver for a scope. For fun I took it to the local gun shop to see what they would give me for it...$300. This a stark contrast from what I see in the asking prices on the web. I love the gun and will keep it regardless but I thought maybe someone could help me figure out just what I have.
  [/quote]

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