Browning BL-22 thoughts

[bikemutt]

I'm considering add a BL-22 to my lever gun collection as I get a great deal of pleasure from lever rifles.

Owning both a Citori shotgun and a BLR in .308 has convinced me that Browning can make a high quality firearm. While these two were not inexpensive, I consider the value to be quite in line with the quality received.

Anyway, before I go wondering off down the wrong path, I figured I would ask what others who own, or owned one, thinks of the rifle?

Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

I had a chance to clean an older one for a friend a few weeks ago.
And I was Very Impressed with it.

Despite all the internet rumors, the trigger pull was very good & crisp, and the action slicker then owl dodo.

If I didn't already have a gun cabinet full of old Winchester .22's, I would buy one in a heart- beat.

The only down-side I could see was a very complicated total disassembly to get the bolt out if you ever need to go that far into it.
The ejector & flat coil spring are easily lost or reassembled wrong, unless you pay close attention to where they fell out from when you took the bolt out.

rc

 

[Starter52]

Buy it.

The BL-22 is one of the most enjoyable .22 rifles made. I own two; a Grade 1 and Grade 2. It's a quality gun in every way. One of my all-time favorites.

 

[VA27]

What Starter said. It's a keeper.

 

[SlowFuse]

I also have a grade II, its about 35 years old. Its one of the better shooting stock 22s I have. Really enjoyable to shoot.

 

[az_imuth]

They are beautiful rifles...a little smaller than most of the other lever 22's out there, but oozing with quality. I've only had my grade 2 for a short while and have already taken a real liking to it. Shop around a bit because quite a few of them come with nicely figured stocks.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

My brother bought one 30 years ago. It is as good as any Winchester 9422 or 9422mag in my opinion. Lever throw is very short too.

 

[chez323]

I'm going to be the odd man out here on this gun. First of all the fit and finish is excellent but it's just to dang small for my taste. It does not shoulder comfortably for me, something my Marlin 39a does. That said, if it fits you buy it if not.....

 

[Gtscotty]

I've wanted a BL22 for years, in my head it would be the perfect .22 to suppress, accurate, light and quick with no action noise. Most folks that have them seem to love them... I'll join the club eventually.

 

[Fishbed77]

Owning both a Citori shotgun and a BLR in .308 has convinced me that Browning can make a high quality firearm.

Does Browning actually make any firearms? Most I've seen are by FN (which owns the Browning name) or Miroku.

 

[jlucke69]

I own Winchester, Marlin, Rossi, Henry and Browning levers. I settled on Browning for my boys based on quality and availability. For me, I like Marlin, but love the short throw of the Browning. Plus, aesthetically, Browning just look nicer. Functionally, both are excellent.

 

[bikemutt]

Does Browning actually make any firearms? Most I've seen are by FN (which owns the Browning name) or Miroku.

Here is your answer, straight from the horse's mouth: http://www.browning.com/customerservice/qna/detail.asp?id=90

Skilfully managing finished goods or component suppliers is not an easy task, Boeing tried it with the 787 Dreamliner, it's been a nightmare for them.

Browning's history shows the technique is in their DNA, it's how they roll.

 

[Bush Pilot]

I've had one since the mid-70s and it's my favorite .22. I've lost count of the ground squirrels, grouse and pop cans this little rifle has taken out of commission. Buy it, they're a well made fun gun to shoot.

 

[mooner]

Browning is FN.

 

[Fishbed77]

Here is your answer, straight from the horse's mouth: http://www.browning.com/customerserv...tail.asp?id=90

Just what I thought - Browning doesn't really manufacture firearms, they design and market them. Actual manufacture is subcontracted or licensed out. The BL-22 specifically is made by Miroku in Japan.

Nothing wrong with that - most every Browning-branded firearms I've come across has been a quality piece.

 

[RainDodger]

I've had one for many years and love it. I don't shoot it much only because I shoot mostly center fire stuff now, but I'll never get rid of it. Fit and finish is excellent and the action is very nice. Mine has had significant custom work done to it, but even before that, it was a very nice rifle.

 

[Furncliff]

Don't let the fact that the latest BL22's are made in Japan put you off, these are well made and beautifully finished rifles. They are accurate and have a smooth short stoke on the lever. Because they are a bit smaller and lighter they make excellent rifles for those of smaller stature.

 

[bikemutt]

Just what I thought - Browning doesn't really manufacture firearms, they design and market them. Actual manufacture is subcontracted or licensed out. The BL-22 specifically is made by Miroku in Japan.

Nothing wrong with that - most every Browning-branded firearms I've come across has been a quality piece.

I found it a bit ironic as I packed my bags this evening for 3 days of pheasant hunting in South Dakota: Does Browning make hunting boots? Well no, but: I've owned these since 2001 and have put many, many miles on them, over hill and dale, in rain, through swamps, snow, ice, you name it, these boots have carried me.

All they get in return is a hose off in the spring, and a fresh silicone blast come fall.

They may not make 'em, but they sure know how to get 'em made

 

[IBEWBULL]

I too like levers and own a 99 Savage in .300 several marlins in 30-30,35 45-70 and .22 LR
I really like the 39 Marlin carbine.
I had a Browning .. lever and couldn't stand looking at the Japan on it so it is gone.
I was looking at a Henry LNIB for $229 but resisted due to funding at the time. It was really nice and worked like silk.
What ever trips your trigger though.

 

[lastofthebreed]

BL-22

Great rifles, there is a grade II on the GON forum for sale. Pretty good price it seems.

 

[bikemutt]

Great rifles, there is a grade II on the GON forum for sale. Pretty good price it seems.

Thanks for the tip, I've sent a message to the seller.

 

[bikemutt]

BL-22 came home yesterday

Well guys, found a BL-22 I couldn't do without

This is one of the early ones, second year of production I believe, 1970. Anyway, the seller said it was new in box and 98%, it is flawless from what I can determine.

Now I just have to convince myself that shooting it is the right thing to do. OK, I just talked myself into it

 

[redneck2]

I had a Grade II. Very nice looking and very, very well made. Trigger pull kinda sucked. Still easy to hit stuff.

My S-I-L loved it, so I gave it to him.

 

[qwert65]

Very nice, I love mine

 

[Esoxchaser]

Our BL-22 is my favorite handy rifle. From critter control to plinking, mine is hardly ever any further away than my truck.