Browning BL-22
Browning Arms Company · Rifle · In Production · 1969
Also known as: BL-22, BL22
Overview
The Browning BL-22 is a lightweight lever-action rimfire rifle introduced in 1969 and still in production, chambered for interchangeable .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle. Its signature is an exceptionally short 33-degree lever throw that allows rapid cycling while the firing hand stays on the straight-grip walnut stock. Built by Miroku of Japan to Browning's specifications, it pairs a machined steel receiver and blued 20-inch barrel with a 15-round (.22 LR) tubular magazine. Long regarded as one of the best-built lever-action .22s available, it remains a benchmark plinking and small-game rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2268 g (80.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 933 mm (36.73") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 383 m/s (1257 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 190 J (140 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 137 m (150 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, .22LR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Exposed Hammer, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Short 33 Degree Lever Throw, No Half Cock Needed, Does Not Damage Ammunition When Cycling, Tubular Magazine Accepts Mixed Short Long Lr, Grooved Receiver For Optics, Machined Steel Receiver, Straight Grip Stock
Variants
- BL-22 Grade I — Base
- BL-22 Grade II — Upscale Trim
- BL-22 FLD — Distributor Special
- BL-22 Micro Midas — Compact Youth
- BL-22 Grade II Octagon — Premium
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport shooters and small-game hunters
Production
Production years: 1969-present
In continuous production at Miroku, Japan since 1969. The line expanded in the mid-1970s with Grade II.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Browning Arms Company
Notes
Although Browning is an American brand with Belgian/FN heritage, the BL-22 has always been manufactured in Japan by Miroku. Tube capacity is 15 rounds of .22 LR, 17 of .22 Long, and 22 of .22 Short. Browning retained a machined steel receiver rather than an alloy one.
Background
The BL-22's defining feature is its 33-degree lever throw, among the shortest of any lever-action, letting a shooter cycle the action with two fingers without removing the hand from the grip. The design needs no half-cock notch, and its feed geometry is engineered so cycling does not deform the soft lead rimfire bullets.