Browning .22 calibre long rifle

Question
Hi Jim,
I don't know anything about guns but here goes.  I was just given a Browning .22 calibre long rifle made in Belgium.  The barrel of the rifle comes off with the flip if a latch and a half twist.  The barrel is stamped with what I presume is the serial number " 4T7254 ".  I was told the rifle was originally purchased in the 1960's.  Also, bullets are loaded through a hole in the right hand side of the wooden stock. I would like to know the model as it is missing the magazine and I would like to purchase one.  Also, what is this thing worth?
Thanks,
Larry

Answer
Larry,

From your description you have a Browning .22 auto takedown made in 1964. They were made in Belgium by FN for Browning from 1956 until 1974 or so. After 1974-1975, Browning began having them produced in Japan. There were three different grades produced, Grade I, Grade II and Grade III's. The grades were determined by the amount of engraving. Grade I's have a blued receiver with engraving around the sides. Grade II's have prarie dog engraved scenes and have a grey receiver. Grade III's have a retriever with ducks engraved on the receiver and are also grey.

The takedowns, did not come with a magazine. The shells are extracted from the bottom where the silver slide is located. The 4T in the serial number tells you it is a 1964 rifle in the takedown configuration. Without having the rifle in hand to look at it is hard to determine an exact value. Grade I's are anywhere from $350-$800, Grade II's, $800-$1700 and Grade III's, $2500-$4200. The prices are wide ranging because there are a lot of things to consider when determining price. The major factors include, originality, condition and engraver (Grade II & III's) Hope this helps.