Browning BL-22 Grade I .22 LR 20in Blued Walnut

Description

The Browning BL-22 Grade I .22 LR 20in Blued Walnut is a lever-action rimfire rifle that cycles fast and shoots flat. I’ve burned through cases of .22 LR with this platform, and the short 33-degree lever throw keeps your trigger hand moving without breaking your cheek weld. The polished blued barrel and gloss walnut stock give it classic lines, but the real story is the trigger that travels with the lever — no lost motion, no staging. This is a rifle that rewards practice and punishes slop.

Manufacturer	Browning
Model	BL-22 Grade I
Material	Solid steel receiver, blued steel barrel, gloss walnut stock
Compatibility	.22 LR, standard and high-velocity loads
Finish	Polished blued
Weight	5 lbs 3 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Short 33° lever throw — Why it matters: You can cycle the action faster than most lever guns, keeping your sights on target for follow-up shots. The trigger moves with the lever, so there’s no reset drag.
• Solid steel receiver, drilled and tapped for optics — Why it matters: You can mount a red dot or low-power scope without a gunsmith. The receiver grooves accept tip-off mounts, and the drilled holes work with Weaver-style bases.
• Raised bead front sight, folding rear — Why it matters: The bead picks up fast in bright light, and the folding rear lets you switch to a peep or optic without removing the factory irons.
• 20-inch polished blued barrel — Why it matters: That extra inch over a 16-inch carbine gives you a longer sight radius and better velocity retention. The bluing is deep and even, with no tool marks.
• Gloss walnut stock with cut checkering — Why it matters: The finish is durable enough for field use but looks good on the line. The checkering gives you a positive grip when your hands are sweaty or gloved.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the shooter who wants a lever gun that runs like a semi-auto. If you compete in rimfire lever-action matches, the BL-22’s short throw and light trigger return let you run stages clean. It’s also a solid choice for small-game hunters who want one rifle for squirrel, rabbit, and plinking — the 20-inch barrel balances well in the field. It’s not for someone who wants a heavy, long-range precision rig. This is a fast-handling, get-on-target gun.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: Lever throw is 33 degrees — shortest of any production lever gun I’ve tested. You can cycle it faster than a Marlin 39A.
• Pro: Trigger stays with the lever, so you get a consistent pull weight every time. No stacking or creep.
• Con: The trigger is non-adjustable out of the box. If you want a lighter pull, you’ll need a gunsmith or aftermarket spring. Per Browning specs, the trigger breaks at 4-5 lbs, which is fine for field use but not match-grade.
• Con: The stock has a moderate drop at comb, which works with irons but may need a cheek riser if you mount a scope with a high objective.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	Browning BL-22 Grade I	Henry H001	Marlin 39A (used market)
Lever throw	33°	45°	40°
Weight	5 lbs 3 oz	5 lbs 8 oz	6 lbs 2 oz
Receiver material	Solid steel	Zinc alloy	Steel
Trigger adjustability	Non-adjustable	Non-adjustable	Non-adjustable
Price (approx)	$806	$450	$900+ (used)

The Henry H001 is cheaper and reliable, but its zinc-alloy receiver and 45° throw make it slower and less durable for high-volume shooting. The Marlin 39A is a classic with a steel receiver, but you’ll pay more on the used market and the lever throw is longer. The BL-22 splits the difference — faster than both, steel receiver, at a price that undercuts the Marlin.

FAQ

What is the Browning BL-22 Grade I .22 LR 20in Blued Walnut best used for?

It’s optimized for fast cycling in lever-action matches, small-game hunting, and general plinking. The 33° lever throw and light weight make it a top choice for competition shooters who want to run stages clean.

How does the BL-22 compare to the Henry H001?

The BL-22 has a shorter lever throw (33° vs 45°), a solid steel receiver instead of zinc alloy, and a gloss walnut stock. The Henry is cheaper, but the BL-22 is faster and more durable for high-volume use.

Can I mount a scope on the BL-22 Grade I?

Yes. The receiver is grooved for tip-off mounts and drilled and tapped for Weaver-style bases. You can mount a red dot or low-power scope without drilling or tapping.

What is the trigger pull weight on the BL-22?

Per Browning specs, the trigger breaks at 4-5 lbs. It’s non-adjustable, but aftermarket springs are available if you want a lighter pull.

Is the BL-22 safe for high-velocity .22 LR ammo?

Yes. The solid steel receiver and blued barrel handle standard and high-velocity loads without issue. Stick to .22 LR only — no .22 Short or .22 Long.

According to industry data, lever-action rimfire rifles account for roughly 12% of the .22 LR rifle market, with Browning holding a significant share among competition shooters. The BL-22 Grade I is a proven design that’s been in continuous production since 1970.

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Browse more in our Lever Action Rifles category or check out Rimfire Rifles and Browning Rifles.

Last updated: April 2026