Browning BAR 22 Rifle

[Darrell]

I went shootin' tonight, took a variety of handguns along. I got to check out a Browning BAR 22 rifle for sale in the used rack afterwards. Darn, it sure was pretty! They're asking $400 for it. Reading around tonight, I gather they're well regarded semi autos, made from '77 to '85. Anybody have experience with them?

[D5CAV]

If it is in excellent condition, $400 is a very good price. I believe they were made by Miroku in Japan for Browning. Check if it has an alloy or steel receiver. They were made in both configurations. I'd buy it at that price if good condition and steel receiver.

I've never shot one. I have the old SA22 Belgian takedown. I'd buy another if I could find one for $400. I see them these days for stupid prices.

[Denis]

I have the old SA22 Belgian takedown. I'd buy another if I could find one for $400. I see them these days for stupid prices.

I have a few of those Auto-22s - they are common here and not expensive. Lots of fun!

Sorry, I have never seen the .22 BAR. I have handled, but not shot, the modern Browing BAR semi-auto hunting rifle. Very nicely made.

[Darrell]

Here's a pic for ya then:

BAR22.jpg

The gun for sale at the range looks very much like this--it also had a scope on it, a 4x SightMark or some such. Ain't it purty?

[Denis]

Here's a pic for ya then ...
The gun for sale at the range looks very much like this--it also had a scope on it, a 4x SightMark or some such. Ain't it purty?

Oooh. That is handsome! By the looks of the scope in the photo, the rifle is late 70's or early 80s vintage? The finish, both wood and metal, on that one looks very similar to my .22 BLR, which I think was made by Miroku (as it is identical in every respect except the trademarks to my friend's Miroku-badged one, down to the imprints of the castings). I wonder if Miroku made the .22 BAR too?

I would be running down to the range with cash in hand...! My favourite semi-auto .22 rifles are the Brno 511 / 581 models, because of the detachable magazines (so much easier to make-safe a hunting rifle with those than loading/unloading a tube magazine...), but I really like my Auto-22s as well (especially the light weight), and that .22 BAR would be a nice comparison piece.

[Whirlibird]

$400?

Smack em with the money on the way out the door.
Excellent little rifles, highly ignored, but high end.