Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, teaching a new shooter the fundamentals. You hand them a rifle that’s too long, too heavy, or has a stiff, complicated action. The lesson becomes a struggle. Now imagine the opposite—a lightweight, slick-handling .22 that feels like an extension of the shooter, where the focus stays on safety, sight picture, and fun. That’s the experience the Browning BL-22 Grade II Maple is built to deliver. It’s a rifle designed not just to shoot, but to be enjoyed, especially when introducing someone to the sport.
So, what is the Browning BL-22 Grade II Maple .22 Long Rifle 20″ Barrel Blue Finish Grade II/III Maple Gloss Finish? It’s a classic, short-throw lever-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 LR. It features a 20-inch barrel with a polished blue finish and is distinguished by its high-grade, gloss-finished maple stock. This model is prized for its ultra-short 33-degree lever throw, making it exceptionally fast and easy to cycle, especially for younger or smaller-framed shooters.
Let’s talk about the core of its value—the action. Browning’s short-throw lever design is the star here. With just a 33-degree arc to cycle the action, it’s significantly shorter and smoother than traditional lever-actions. You don’t need to break your grip or move the rifle much at all. This isn’t just a gimmick; it means faster follow-up shots and less effort for everyone. It’s a feature that provides real, tangible benefits for plinking, small game hunting, or casual competition. The rifle feeds from a tubular magazine under the barrel with a 15-round capacity for .22 Long Rifle, giving you plenty of shots before a reload.
The Grade II/III maple stock is where this model punches above its weight class in the looks department. You’re getting a highly figured, glossy-finished hardwood that you’d typically see on much more expensive firearms. It’s a beautiful piece of wood that elevates the rifle from a pure tool to a handsome heirloom. Paired with the deep, polished blueing on the barrel and receiver, this BL-22 has a fit and finish that belies its accessible price point of $657.90. Here’s the thing—you’re getting Browning’s renowned quality control and a stunning stock without stepping into the custom shop price range.
From a practical standpoint, the 20-inch barrel is a sweet spot. It provides a full-length sight radius for the adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and gold bead front sight, aiding accuracy, but keeps the overall rifle length manageable. Weighing in at approximately 5.5 pounds, it’s light enough for all-day carry in the field. The straight-grip stock design and slim forearm offer a natural, pointable feel. Best of all, it’s drop-in ready—no gunsmithing required to start shooting right out of the box. It’s compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition and shares a familiar manual of arms with larger lever guns, making it a perfect trainer.
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 Inches (Approx.) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (Approx.) |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 Rounds (Tubular) |
| Stock Material | Grade II/III Maple, Gloss Finish |
| Action | Lever, Short 33° Throw |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: that legendary short-throw lever action is incredibly user-friendly, the maple stock offers exceptional visual appeal for the money, and Browning’s build quality is consistently top-notch. It’s a lightweight, reliable .22 that’s simply a joy to shoot. On the downside, the glossy stock finish, while beautiful, can show scratches more easily than an oil finish. As a lever-action, it’s not as inherently accurate for precision work as a bolt-action like a CZ 457, and the sights, while good, may eventually lead some to want to add a scope (which requires a simple, inexpensive mount).
Who is this rifle for? It’s the ideal first rifle for a new shooter, particularly a younger person, thanks to its light weight and easy cycling. It’s a fantastic small game hunter for squirrels and rabbits. For the seasoned shooter, it’s a pure fun gun—a high-quality plinker that’s satisfying to operate and beautiful to look at. It’s also a brilliant trainer for those who hunt with larger lever-actions like a Winchester Model 94 or a Marlin 336, allowing for affordable practice of the lever-gun manual of arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you mount a scope on the BL-22?
A: Yes, but it requires a separate scope mount that attaches to the receiver’s side-mounted holes. The rifle does not come drilled and tapped on top. Several companies make compatible mounts, and installation is straightforward.
Q: What’s the difference between Grade I and Grade II Maple?
A: The grade refers primarily to the figure and aesthetics of the maple wood. Grade II/III, as on this model, features more pronounced and attractive grain patterns (like flame or fiddleback) compared to the plainer wood on a standard Grade I, giving you a more visually striking stock.
Q: Is .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition safe to use?
A: The manual states it is chambered for .22 Long Rifle cartridges. While .22 Long Rifle chambers can often fire .22 Short and .22 Long, it’s not recommended as a regular practice. Stick with .22 LR for reliable feeding and optimal performance. Always consult your manual.
If the blend of classic Browning craftsmanship, practical handling, and standout good looks fits what you’re looking for in a .22, this BL-22 Grade II Maple is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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