Description
My first rifle was a hand-me-down .22, and I’ve been chasing that feeling of a perfect, slick lever action ever since. I’ve put thousands of rounds through various rimfires, and when you ask me what the Browning BL-22 Grade II .22 LR, 20″ Barrel, Walnut Stock, Blued, 15rd is, I can tell you: it’s the grown-up version of that perfect first rifle. It’s a short-throw lever-action .22 LR rifle built for speed, smoothness, and lasting quality, featuring a genuine American walnut stock, a polished blue finish, and a tubular magazine that holds 15 rounds of .22 LR. It’s the rifle you buy when you want the heritage and feel of a classic, without any of the fuss.
Look, a lot of .22 lever guns feel like toys. The BL-22 Grade II does not. The moment you pick it up, the first thing you notice is the balance. That 20-inch barrel gives it a heft that’s steady for offhand shooting but still light enough for a long day in the field—it weighs in at a very manageable 5.5 pounds. The second thing you notice is the lever throw. Browning’s short-throw design is a game-winner; it’s about a 33-degree throw, which is less than half the travel of most traditional levers. I can work the action without taking the rifle from my shoulder, which makes follow-up shots on squirrels or steel plates incredibly fast. It’s a detail that seems small until you use it, and then you’ll never want to go back.
The Grade II trim level is where this rifle really shines for the practical shooter. You get a checkered walnut stock and forend that has a richer finish than the base model, and the blued steel has a deep, polished luster that looks fantastic in the sunlight. The rear sight is a folding semi-buckhorn, which is classic and effective, and it’s drilled and tapped for a scope mount if you want to add optics—it’s a common setup that works with standard .22 rings from brands like Leupold or Vortex. The 15-round tubular magazine is loaded through a port in the tube itself, which is simple and reliable. This rifle is drop-in ready. You can take it from the box, give it a light cleaning, and head to the range. No gunsmithing required to enjoy it exactly as Browning intended.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Action | Short-Throw Lever |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 Inches |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 Rounds (Tubular) |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Finish | Polished Blued Steel |
So, what’s the real-world breakdown? The pros are significant: that unmatched short-throw action, the timeless good looks with real wood and deep blueing, and Browning’s legendary fit and finish. It’s accurate, reliable with any ammo I’ve fed it, and just a pure joy to shoot. The cons? Well, at $751.99, it sits at a higher price point than many utilitarian .22s. The tubular magazine isn’t as quick to reload as a detachable box mag, and if you’re a lefty, you’ll have to get used to a right-handed lever. That said, you’re paying for a heirloom-quality tool, not just a plinker.
Who is this rifle for? It’s for the shooter who appreciates craftsmanship and wants a .22 that will last generations. It’s an ideal first “real” rifle for a responsible young shooter, thanks to its light recoil and manageable size. It’s for the hunter who wants a fast, quiet squirrel gun. And it’s absolutely for the collector or enthusiast who just wants to own one of the smoothest lever actions ever made. It’s a rifle that does everything a .22 should do, but does it with a level of class that’s getting harder to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the BL-22 good for a beginner?
A: Absolutely. The light recoil, simple operation, and top-tier safety make it an excellent choice. The short-throw lever is also easier for smaller shooters to manage compared to a full-size lever action.
Q: What kind of .22 ammunition does it cycle best?
A: In my experience, it’s not picky. I’ve run everything from standard velocity CCI Mini-Mags to subsonic rounds and bulk pack high-velocity ammo without a hiccup. It handles shorts, longs, and long rifle cartridges.
Q: Can you easily mount a scope on it?
A: Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped. You’ll need a Browning BL-22-specific scope base (a common accessory), and then any standard 1-inch or 30mm rings will work. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t alter the rifle.
If you’ve been looking for a .22 lever gun that feels special every time you pick it up, the Browning BL-22 Grade II is the one. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check current availability and remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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