Browning BL-22, what do you know about them?

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canoeguy

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I saw a neat .22 lever rifle the other day, a Browning BL-22. Handled it, very light and compact, high gloss metal and wood, seems like a high quality piece.

Anyone here own one? How do they shoot? The serial number on this one is 07067NW2xx, any idea when it was made? Potential value? It does have "Made in Japan" on it.

Thanks,

Canoeguy
 
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I own one. They shoot great. The triggers ain't all that great. The scope mount grooves are too skimpy. The buttstock comb is too high for me to use the iron sights comfortably, and I don't like the rear folding sight. The rifle is a pain to take apart too.

The BLR-22 really is a good little rifle, it's just that I really like a couple other brand .22 lever-guns better.
 
They are everything Stevie said. I've had one for about 20 years. Lots of fun to shoot. The cool factor is very high. As accurate a gun that light can be. I never seem to use it for anything but plinking. When I seriously want to hit something with a .22, I opt for my 39A or 10/22.
 
Short throw lever action. Just a flick of the lever and you're ready. Similar in size to a Marlin Mountie. I see them $300-400 range, sometimes more.
 
Well, I think I'm going to make a move on this one. If it shoots as good as it looks, I'll be happy.

The price is in line with what you guys are saying, I saw two at a gun show last weekend, one was priced at $799, the other $999, and they look no different than the one I handled today. I guess the gun show guys were being "Optimistic"...
 
A Belgian made one would likely be priced substantialy higher than a Japanese made version. No real functional difference between the two. Belgian made guns may have better wood.
 
I have a BL22 Deluxe that I bought new 30 years ago. Mine has brought in hundreds of squirrels and rabbits for the frying pan. I have a 4X Bushnell scope on and find it very accurate. Shoots shorts and long rifles without a hitch. The main feature is the short lever throw, just a flick of the wrist and the next round is ready to go allowing very fast follow up shots without removing the butt from your shoulder.

174973619.jpg
 
I worked at Browning's Gunsmithing Facility in Arnold, MO, there is no such thing as a Belgian BL-22. They are very well made .22's and shoot well, the lever throw is the shortest of any lever action .22. The no longer made Redfield 3/4" 4X scope makes an excellent set up, the 3/4" scope is in proper proportion and looks just right, pity they're no longer made.
 
A BL-22 was my first "new" firearm purchase, and one of the few ever come to think of it. I usually buy used firearms. I paid $115 for it in 1976 and my only regret is I didn't spring the extra $10 for the Deluxe version.
 
The rifle is a pain to take apart too.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

You will probably die from old age, before you get it put back together. Ask me how I know.
 
JohnK said:
The rifle is a pain to take apart too.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

You will probably die from old age, before you get it put back together. Ask me how I know.
Click to expand...


I will admit that the design of the BL-22 is somewhat less than straightforward when it comes to disassembly and assembly, but armed with a set of disassembly and assembly instructions (NOT an exploded diagram, mind) the BL-22 is way more easier to work on than a Remington Nylon 66, IMO. The Gun Digest Rimfire Rifle Assembly and Disassembly book by J B Wood provides an excellent photo-illustrated how-to for takedown of a BL-22 and dozens of other 22 rifles.

I've owned two BL-22s (since sold one) and they are accurate and exceptionally reliable. I cannot recall a single FTF or FTE in either rifle, and they have certainly digested 1000s of rounds of various flavors of 22LR ammo between them. The short throw makes the rifle, IMO. You can keep your thumb on the stock wrist and flick the lever with your fingers all the while keeping the sights on the target.

My only complaint with the BL-22? The action is SO fast, the rifle empties itself almost as soon as I get the mag tube loaded!

Noah
 
Noah Zark said:
My only complaint with the BL-22? The action is SO fast, the rifle empties itself almost as soon as I get the mag tube loaded!

Noah
Click to expand...

Noah, you must have one of the updated ones . . . I have to actually pull the trigger on mine to empty it.
 
Sir,
Is there any chance you remember how to get the BL-22 back together. I had heard for years that it was trouble, but had no idea how much. I reluctantly tore it down for a thorough cleaning. Before I could see how things were arranged, well sounds like you know how this story ends. It appears as if everything is reassembled correctly but something is off. Not sure if you can help, but I appreciate the advise if you can.
Many Thanks, Jason A. Saunders
 
BL22 Assembly

I am sure you already found the fix to your rifle, but in case you didn't, let me know. I have a BL22 and I may be able to help you.
It can be difficult to assemble and there are several parts that can just fall out before you know it.
 
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