BROWNING BL-22

Posted May 19, 2023

When it comes to firearms, one of the most iconic and respected rifles currently on the market is the Browning BL-22. This lever-action rifle, manufactured by Browning Arms, has been a popular model with shooters of all levels since its introduction in 1968.

The Browning BL-22 is a venerable rifle that has been in production for over 50 years with remarkably few changes. It is a classic lever-action rifle available in .22 LR and .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum rimfire). This rifle is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate rifle for small game hunting, plinking at the range, and general target practice.

The Browning BL-22 sports a full-length tubular magazine which carries 10 rounds of either .22 LR or 9 rounds of .22 WMR. It has a straight-grip checkered hardwood stock with a Schnabel forend and cut-checkered K-shape pistol grip. The metal is blued steel with a polished finish, and the trigger is adjustable for over-travel. The factory sights on the Browning BL-22 include a front ramp with post and an adjustable open rear. It is also available with a Williams adjustable peep sight as an option.

The Browning BL-22’s light weight of around 5 pounds makes it a pleasure to carry out in the field, and its short overall length of only 35.5 inches makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces as well. This also makes it an ideal choice for beginner shooters who may lack the arm strength to handle the heavier, full-sized rifles on the market. Additionally, the ergonomics of the Browning BL-22 help it quickly gain favor with newcomers to the shooting sports. The rifle shoulders easily and points well, and the semi-pistol grip stock fits perfectly in the shooter’s hand.

When it comes to performance, the Browning BL-22 is an accurate and reliable rifle. Its stacked tube magazine ensures reliable feeding of rounds, and its superior balance ensures that it does not experience excessive recoil. Additionally, the trigger on the Browning BL-22 is crisp and consistent, which allows for superb accuracy. The rifle is easy to maintain and is machined from durable and dependable steel and wood, so it should last a lifetime with proper care.

With its legendary popularity and unique features, the Browning BL-22 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable lever-action .22 rifle. It has a classic look and feel that appeal to seasoned veterans and novices alike, and its light weight and short length make it easy to handle in the field. Furthermore, its accuracy, reliability, and ease of maintenance make it a top choice for shooters of all levels. If you are looking for an accurate and dependable .22 rifle, you can do no better than the Browning BL-22.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Accurate, reliable and easy to clean.

Lightweight yet well-made, offering strength and durability.

Offers a wide variety of calibers, from .22 LR to .22 Magnum.

Features a smooth and crisp trigger pull.

Comes in a variety of options, including Grade I, Grade II and Deluxe models.

Features an automatic last-shot bolt hold open

Cons:

Quite expensive compared to other .22 rifles.

Not suitable for target shooting, as the relatively short barrel doesn’t provide accuracy over long distances.

Can be prone to failure due to its many moving parts.

Who Should Buy

The BROWNING BL-22 rifle is a great choice for novice and experienced shooters alike who are looking for a low-maintenance and reliable rifle. Its design and construction are perfect for amateur target shooters, small game hunters, and plinkers. The recoil and muzzle blast are gentle, making it ideal for beginner shooters.

However, this rifle has a limited range and capacity for more powerful ammunition, so those looking for a more powerful rifle should look elsewhere. Additionally, because the BL-22 is a lever-action rifle, certain recoil-sensitive shooters may find it to be a bit too difficult to handle due to the need to repeatedly cycle the action.

Comparisons

Product	Mag Capacity	Weight (lbs)	Barrel Length
BROWNING BL-22	10	4.25	20”
Marlin 70	10	5.5	20”
Savage Model 24	2 (12GA & .22)	7	24”
Henry Golden Boy	16	7	20”
Remington 870	4+1	7.25	28”

Features / Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR

• Capacity: 15 rounds

• Overall Length: 38"

• Barrel Length: 20"

• Weight: 5 lbs

• Stock: Grade I walnut

• Finish: Satin nickel

• Trigger: Single-stage, adjustable from 3 to 5 lbs.

• Safety: Manual thumb safety

• Sight: Ramp front and adj. rear

Popular Accessories

Scope Mount

Rifle Sling

Suppressor

Magazine Extensions

Cleaning Kit

Flash Hider

Recoil Pad

Trigger Lock

Muzzle Brake

Soft Gun Case

Accuracy

The BROWNING BL-22 is highly accurate and reliable. Its ported barrel helps to reduce muzzle rise during shooting, and its adjustable open sights enable precise targeting. It has excellent out-of-the-box accuracy with its tight machining tolerances. The BL-22 has a short-throw lever that allows for quick cycling, further improving its accuracy by helping shooters maintain a steady hold. Furthermore, the receiver is grooved for the easy addition of optics, and the adjustable trigger pull provides further customization for optimal accuracy.