Description
The Browning BL-22 Grade II is a classic, short-throw lever-action rifle chambered in .22 LR (and .22 Short/Long). It features a 24-inch barrel, a satin nickel finish, a satin black walnut stock, and a tubular magazine holding up to 15 rounds of .22 Long Rifle. It’s a smooth, reliable, and beautifully crafted rimfire rifle built for generations of use.
Key Features
- Short-Throw Lever Action: Browning’s unique design requires only a 33-degree lever throw for lightning-fast cycling—no full wrist rotation needed.
- Grade II Walnut & Satin Nickel: The satin-finished black walnut stock and satin nickel-plated receiver offer classic Browning aesthetics with durable, corrosion-resistant protection.
- Versatile .22 Chambering: Handles .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges, making it perfect for everything from quiet plinking to small game hunting.
- 24″ Barrel & 15-Round Capacity: The longer barrel provides excellent sight radius and velocity, while the tubular magazine maximizes your range time between reloads.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 24 inches |
| Overall Length | 40.5 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 5.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds (.22 LR) |
| Finish | Satin Nickel Receiver, Satin Walnut Stock |
Look, I’ve put hundreds of rounds of everything from CCI Quiet to standard-velocity ammo through this action, and the short-throw lever is a genuine pleasure to operate. It’s intuitive, fast, and eliminates the awkward elbow-pumping of traditional lever guns. The rifle comes ready to go—no gunsmithing required. Just mount a scope using standard .22 tip-off rings if you want, or use the clean, open sights it comes with. At $852.48, you’re investing in a heirloom-quality tool, not just a plinker.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is the rifle you buy for a lifetime. It’s for the Missouri hunter who wants a quiet, accurate squirrel gun that feels like a part of the woods. It’s for the parent or grandparent introducing a new shooter to the fundamentals of marksmanship and firearm safety with a manageable, low-recoil action. It’s also for the seasoned collector or enthusiast who appreciates the timeless design and impeccable fit and finish that comes with the Browning name. The action is so smooth and short that it’s ideal for shooters of all sizes, including younger ones.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The legendary Browning short-throw action is incredibly slick and user-friendly. The Grade II walnut and satin nickel finish is stunning and built to last. Its multi-caliber capability within the .22 family offers great versatility. The 24-inch barrel provides a solid sight picture and inherent accuracy. It’s simply one of the finest production .22 lever guns ever made.
Cons: The premium materials and craftsmanship command a premium price point. The tubular magazine loading can be slower than a detachable box magazine, though the 15-round capacity helps. The longer 24-inch barrel, while great for accuracy, can feel a bit muzzle-heavy for smaller-framed shooters compared to the 20-inch model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the real advantage of the short-throw lever?
A: Speed and ergonomics. You can cycle the action without taking the rifle from your shoulder, keeping your sight picture and grip intact. It’s a game-changer for follow-up shots and makes the rifle much easier for shooters with shorter arms to operate effectively.
Q: Can I use a scope on this rifle?
A: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base. You’ll need a standard rimfire scope base—models designed for the Browning BL-22 or similar .22 rifles from brands like Leupold or Warne work perfectly. Pair it with a classic 4x scope and you have a supremely capable small-game setup.
Q: How does it handle different .22 ammunition types?
A: Flawlessly in my experience. The lever action isn’t ammunition-sensitive like some semi-autos. It will cycle sub-sonic .22 Shorts for ultra-quiet work, standard and high-velocity Long Rifles for hunting and target shooting, and everything in between. Just be mindful of the different magazine capacities for each cartridge type.
If you’re looking for a .22 lever-action that represents the peak of refined design and will be a trusted companion for decades, the Browning BL-22 Grade II is it. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check availability and start the simple FFL transfer process to get this classic on your rack.
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