I have 8 22s...2 are levers, a Browning BL 22 Grade II and a Marlin 39D (short like the 39 Mountie). Love both lever guns and the BL 22 is my hands down favorite of all my 22s.
Really Thinking About a Browning BL-22
- Thread starter calicojack
- Start date
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I have 8 22s...2 are levers, a Browning BL 22 Grade II and a Marlin 39D (short like the 39 Mountie). Love both lever guns and the BL 22 is my hands down favorite of all my 22s.
That's actually one of the things I reslly like about the Browning.
ok - I am SO buying one of these Browning BL-22's!
- Nov 5, 2018
- 291
Excellent choice, Have you picked what model?
I bought my son the Deluxe blue with engraving, I wanted the High Grade but none were available 10 years ago when I bought it.
Atlantic generally has a few in stock.
Grade II walnut. Might as well get the checkering. I will say the maple stock model really looks nice but I think (IMHO) walnut is a better choice for a rifle stock.
- Nov 5, 2018
- 291
I just looked on Browning website and thats the same rifle I bought my son.
but it was about 300 bucks cheaper then.
You will be happy with your choice.
I just looked on Browning website and thats the same rifle I bought my son.
but it was about 300 bucks cheaper then.
You will be happy with your choice.
wow - doubled in price in 10 years.
photoracer
Competition Shooter
I have a BL-22. I use it as a varmint repellent at the farm here in WV, loaded with either Stingers or Velocitors. I have a 1.5-4x32 scope on it. I found an original era hammer spur in the old parts Bob had at Gunrunners in Frederick. Its only a Grade 1 but its in superb shape.
A grade 2, Japanese made BL-22 was our first 22LR rifle purchase. It remains one of the favorite guns in the collection and sees range action several times a year. It’s a jewel - quality materials, steel receiver, excellent bluing, excellent fit and finish, and lightweight even if made more durably. It points easily, and has rear butt stock angle inline with many of the classic Winchester lever actions. I am lucky to have a pair of Winchester 9422M lever actions, and while the more expensive Winchesters are a bit prettier to my eye, the BL-22 can certainly hang with them. In fact, I can’t see ever selling our BL-22 given how we reflexively bring it along for new shooters or when one of us wants to have some fun. It’s one of those guns that we’ve grown attached to and know will be passed on. I could see selling the 9422M rifles one day, however.
Has anyone used the Skinner peep sights as a replacement for a dovetail? There is a skinner model that fits on the barrel (as opposed atop the receiver) and would hopefully allow for use of the factory front blade.
jstanfield at RFC is very helpful when it comes to BL-22 modifications and I think has an aperture sight on his. He might have discussed in this thread ...
https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1130125
but if not there, search for his posts on the BL-22 at RFC
https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1130125
but if not there, search for his posts on the BL-22 at RFC
If you want to use the dovetail peep, you have to put on a higher front sight. Skinner knows about this and can tell you which size to use. They may even have it on their website by now.
It's a flip-up rear with elevation gradations. Forget if it can be drifted for windage, but kind of doubt it. Fortunately ours seems to be sighted in, but we typically just shoot to 25 yards off hand and are happy with couple inch groups (and occasional 4-5 inch groups at 50 yards).
Trivia for today; the Browning BL-22 in grade II sold for $84 in 1969. That is $575 in today's dollars. According to gundeals.com, you can get one for $574.25 I would say this rifle is a fair deal for what you get.
I put a Lyman receiver sight on my Marlin 39-A, no need to replace the front sight.
Well there's always this available... At $800 it's going to cost more than the Browning but it's a fraction of a custom shop model. It's been fired so if you just want a collector model this is not it. OTOH I always get lots of complements when it gets to the range. Includes the Weaver rimfire scope. Ready to go.
Beautiful 39A. Nice American craftsmanship. Is the pistol grip typical for these models?
First Impressions
The BL-22 Grade II is gorgeous. Very, very well built. Nice attention to detail.
Initial observations:
1. Really need to paint the front sight post. I used fluorescent orange. The sight blade is very fine and for dove tail irons, I think these sights are very good. According to the manual, you can drift-adjust the sights.
2. It literally has an 8 pound trigger pull. Very crisp with zero creep, but 8 pounds none the less.
3. The short throw lever is nice.
The BL-22 Grade II is gorgeous. Very, very well built. Nice attention to detail.
Initial observations:
1. Really need to paint the front sight post. I used fluorescent orange. The sight blade is very fine and for dove tail irons, I think these sights are very good. According to the manual, you can drift-adjust the sights.
2. It literally has an 8 pound trigger pull. Very crisp with zero creep, but 8 pounds none the less.
3. The short throw lever is nice.
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