Browning SA-22 vs Cooper Model 57M Jackson: Which 22 Rifle Shoots Better?

Introduction

Two 22 rifles, two completely different philosophies. On one side, the Browning SA-22, a semi-automatic design that has been in production for over a century. On the other, the Cooper Model 57M Jackson, a bolt-action built with one goal in mind: accuracy. Both were put through their paces at the range to see which one shoots better.

The Browning SA-22: A Century-Old Design

The Browning SA-22 stands out in the world of 22 autoloading rifles. It has an unusual look and a relatively unusual function. Designed by John Moses Browning in 1912, it was one of the first autoloading rifles to use the energy from the cartridge not only to propel the bullet but also to cycle the action and reload. FN in Belgium began manufacturing it in 1914, initially chambered for the 22 short, and later for the 22 long rifle.

The design has a distinctive profile: a large buttstock that tapers down to a slim all-steel action, with a significant forend. It might look unusual at first, but the longer you use it, the more elegant it becomes. One of its most notable features is bottom ejection. The bolt has a small knob extension that you pull back to load the first round, and spent casings drop out the bottom rather than the side. That keeps hot empties from flying toward shooting partners.

Loading is different as well. Browning took inspiration from the Spencer rifle of the Civil War era, which loaded from the butt. The SA-22 holds about 10 rounds in a tubular magazine inside the buttstock. You can drop rounds into a slot in the butt, or pull the tube out the back and load them bullet-first. Most 22s use a tubular magazine underneath the barrel, so this is a refreshing change.

The Cooper Model 57M Jackson: A Special Build

The Cooper Model 57M Jackson is a bolt-action squirrel rifle famous for being super accurate. It’s a typical 22 long rifle in many ways, with a five-shot magazine that will be familiar to most rimfire shooters. The bolt action has dual extractors and locks at the rear.

What sets this one apart is the engraving by Jesse Calfman. You don’t see that very often on a 22. The engraving extends to the bottom metal and the magazine, making it a special rifle. The question is whether it shoots as special as it’s built.

The trigger is light, which helps with precision work. When you take your time and concentrate, this rifle is capable of dropping rounds into a very tight group.

Range Results: Putting Both Rifles to the Test

At the range, the Browning SA-22 produced a nice four-shot group with one flyer. The flyer was not too far out of the group, and the tightest group was impressive for a semi-automatic.

The Cooper 57M Jackson, on the other hand, lived up to its reputation. With standard factory CCI hunting ammunition, it produced an exceptionally tight group. The light trigger and precise bolt action made it easy to concentrate and place shots accurately. With competition match ammunition, the results would likely be even more impressive.

Which Rifle Should You Choose?

The choice comes down to what you value most. The Browning SA-22 offers a piece of history, an elegant design, and the convenience of semi-automatic operation. It’s a rifle that has been in continuous use for over a hundred years, and it’s still going strong. If you’re looking for a completely different looking 22 autoloader, the SA-22 is a sweetheart.

The Cooper Model 57M Jackson is built for accuracy above all else. It’s a special rifle with engraving and a light trigger, and it shoots as special as it’s built. For squirrel hunting or any precision 22 work, this is the rifle that will drop them in.

Conclusion

Both rifles have their strengths. The Browning SA-22 is a classic semi-automatic with a unique design and a century of history behind it. The Cooper Model 57M Jackson is a modern bolt-action built for pinpoint accuracy, with the engraving to match its performance. If accuracy is your priority, the Cooper is the clear winner. If you want a distinctive, elegant autoloader with a storied past, the Browning SA-22 is hard to beat.