Browning 22 auto rifle

select-fire

November 28, 2002 05:22

I have a Browning Belgium 22 auto gallery special (shorts only) that is in need of a reblue. I was with my dad when he bought it for $35 with the barrel mount and scope. Will Browning reblue this gun or should I have a gunsmith do it? What will be the cost? I want to restore it back to new so I can pass it on like it was passed to me. Thanks

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  select-fire

  November 28, 2002 05:22

  I bought a Browning 22 auto rifle today. It has the rear wheel sight and was made in Belgium. The serial number is found at the hole where the magazine tube goes in the rear of the stock. It is T71232. There isn't a serial number anywhere on the receiver. I believe it was made in 1960. The receiver is grooved for tip-off ring mounts. I didn't know that the older 22 autos had this feature. Do any of you own, or have you seen a Browning 22 auto made prior to 1961 with a grooved receiver? When did they quit drilling and tapping for a scope base and switched to grooves? Thanks for any information.

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  Rusticwater

  November 29, 2002 08:57

  You can call Browning at 800-782-4440 and ask them. Their website also has a link on parts and service for obsolete firearms:
  
  http://browning.com/services/obsolete/obsolete.htm

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  nmyers

  November 29, 2002 10:22

  If you really want to restore it to "as new", there's only one choice: Doug Turnbull Restoration, Inc. You can write to him at turnbullrest@mindspring.com.
  
  Of course, it won't be cheap.
  
  You get what you pay for, sometimes less.
  
  Neal

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  select-fire

  November 30, 2002 04:29

  I will check out both places ..regardless of the cost it was dads gun and sometimes I got to shoot "the Browning" when I was young. I got the gun when he died and will put it back to factory as close as possible so I can pass it on. It is around 45 years old and the wood is 95%. Thanks for the help.

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  faldum

  November 30, 2002 10:43

  You might want to consider leaving it as it is.
  Refinishing will erase all tangible evidence of the good times
  the Browning has provided to two generations.
  Each little nick and ding could probably tell its own
  story.
  Instead of passing on a legacy that has been cared for and cherished,
  you may end up with a sterile shadow of what once was good.
  Good luck either way.
  Faldum

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  Mballistic

  November 30, 2002 12:24

  Art's Gun & Sport Shop is THE prmier Browning docHe is also a board menmber of the Browning Collectors Association.
  1-636-944-3630

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  searcher5

  December 04, 2002 18:54

  I think that faldum has it right .I stand to inherit a browning o/u lightning from my father. I would not erase a scratch, blemish or blueing wear mark. He put them all there.
  
  If it ain't broke-it ain't ours!!!

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  select-fire

  December 05, 2002 02:39

  I emailed Doug Turnbull and he doesn't do the Browning 22's. Browning will do it for $100.00 plus $40 hour for any polishing. Will take 3-6 weeks. The gun will go to Browning at the start of the year. Thanks for the help.

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  Henry0Reilly

  December 05, 2002 08:36

  I agree 100% with faldum and searcher, if the gun has been reasonably well cared for refinishing it would ruin the sentimental value.

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  select-fire

  December 05, 2002 12:33

  I have plenty of sentimental memories of this gun and my dad hunting together. I also have his Belgium A-5 round knob vent rib 20 guage. S&W k-22 Masterpiece in which I was with him in 1962 that is 99% in the blue box. It was my fault the 22 got very minor rust on the receiver. The blueing was 25% gone anyway, so off to Browning it goes.

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  bbq05

  December 05, 2002 15:02

  No way...Browning. Go to Art's in Hillsboro, MO.
  
  America...Bless God.

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