Browning .22 lever

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Ringer

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Does anyone stock these (other than online)? The BL-22 Grade II looks like a nice rifle and is just a bit more ($50-$75) than a Marlin 39A with a shorter barrel. I can't find one anywhere to handle. I'm guessing they are just not as popular as Marlins and Winchesters, and I don't think I have ever seen them mentioned here either.

I won't buy one without handling it but anyone here have anything to offer on these?

Thanks

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My cousin has one. It is a beautiful rifle. The lever throw is much shorter than with a Marlin or Winchester. If you're not used to it it won't feel natural. My cousin's is very smooth and accurate (open sights). It is a fun plinker.
 
Best 22 I ever shot

GIT IT, they have a very short lever throw, ditto on being the best plinker I have ever shot- always spent my $$ on shotguns and scopes that sit around and never get used properly. Excellent choice
 
My Grade II is close to 30 yrs old now. It's a fine little rifle - very handy, reliable, quite accurate. I have a 39A that I'm also fond of, but I do like the short bbl and lever throw of the Browning. The Marlin has the edge in cleaning b/c it breaks down so easily, but I can't say that it's a big problem in the Browning, esp. with the Bore Snakes these days. Mine's never given me any functioning problems, but I'm not the kind of person who likes to see how long their guns can go between cleanings (and I don't think much of those who do), so I can't tell you anything abt how it runs when filthy. I shoot .22 LR almost exclusively, and I've probably not shot more than a 50 rd box of .22 shorts thru it (eons ago), but I don't remember any cycling problems with the shorts.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

Finally found one of these to handle. Nice looking and handy feeling little rifle. Found it on clearance at Gander Mountain for $349 with their current $50 off clearance firearms special. That makes it about $25 cheaper than the Marlin from what I have seen. Plan on picking it up later this week.
 
I had a Grade 1 back in the mid 1980's. That is the one rifle I regret trading off. From sandbags at 100 yds I could get a 5 shot group that I could cover with a nickel. No I am not BSing you about this. Young and dumb I traded to what I thought was a better weapon.
 
Browning .22 Lever Rifle

I have had one for about 35 years. It just may be the most accuarate .22 rifle I have. I have a CZ, Remington, and Ruger. The Browning always shoots round groups, and very small for the low power scope I use. I have shot it in .22 silhouette matches, and scored better with it than I did with the target rifle that I shot in the other matches, thinking that I should do better with the target rifle. Only thing I don't like about it is the size, which is smaller than Marlin or Winchester. Great rifle though, and it will be my son's first rifle soon. :)
 
The Browning is probably the best levergun .22 out there. As mentioned, much shorter throw (quicker follow up shots), and very accurate and well-made. Worth the extra $$ over the (very good) Marlin 39A.
 
When I was shopping for a .22lr lever rifle, I chose the BL-22 over the Marlin and the Winchester for one reason:

This rifle is very handy while still having enough weight to ensure accurate shooting off-hand.

And after I bought mine, I discovered how very easy and fast it is to get a good sight picture with the stock iron sights (I'm a 57 yr old bifocal wearer). The only change I made was to put a dot of bright orange paint on the front sight bead.

Can you say "squirrel getter"?

Let us know what you decide, and how you like it.
 
I've never shot one, but it looks a whole lot like my Mountie (if it was checkered and had a gloss finish) so I bet it's real nice.

:cool:

John
 
I shot one last weekend -- it will be my next rifle purchase. They're that good.

The lever throw is 33 degrees, which is amazingly short for a lever-action.

*sigh* So many guns, so little money.

Wes
 
I love my BL-22. It was the first gun I ever owned, I have had it for around 10 years now and have fired more rounds out of it with no problems than any gun I have ever owned. I'm kind of a lever gun freak though so thats just me.
 
Since the thread has been revived I will add that I did pick up the BL-22 a couple weeks ago. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but it feels like a handy little rifle with the shorter barrel and lever throw.
 
Ringer said:
Since the thread has been revived I will add that I did pick up the BL-22 a couple weeks ago. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but it feels like a handy little rifle with the shorter barrel and lever throw.
Click to expand...

Ringer - have you tried out your BL-22 yet?

I handled one today for the first time and wow, I think I'm in love. Not the cheapest .22 in the world but it feels like a keeper, just beautiful.

If it's accurate and reliable like everybody says, then it's that much sweeter!

I want a nice .22 for all-around use and maybe trying out some silhouette matches. Since silhouette is shot standing, the lever isn't really a big deal to cycle I guess is it?
 
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