Really Thinking About a Browning BL-22

calicojack · Nov 10, 2019

These 22 lever guns are addictive.

Uncle Duke · Nov 10, 2019

calicojack said:
These 22 lever guns are addictive.

It gets even worse with the pistol cartridge lever guns.

calicojack · Nov 10, 2019

Uncle Duke said:
It gets even worse with the pistol cartridge lever guns.

Like - 357 mag?

Uncle Duke · Nov 10, 2019

calicojack said:
Like - 357 mag?

Yep!

ESPECIALLY like .357 mag!

fidelity · Nov 10, 2019

calicojack said:
These 22 lever guns are addictive.

Uncle Duke said:
Yep!

ESPECIALLY like .357 mag!

Man, there are so many routes that you could go down now, lol.

One is a 6-shooter single action revolver, like the Colt pictured below that is a 7/8 sized replica of their 1873 SAA.

Another is getting an out of production Winchester 9422 (in 22 LR or 22 Mag). There's one pictured below in 22 Mag next to a BL-22. Their proportions are similar (slightly larger receiver for the 9422) with the BL-22 being externally derived from the Winchester Model 94. But the 9422 is more substantial than the BL-22 (which I love) with more steel and slightly more heft, feeling much like a centerfire caliber Model 94.

And yes, another is getting a lever action in 357 Mag like the Winchester 92 at the bottom in the last picture. Shooting 38 Special out of this rifle feels not much different than shooting 22LR out of the BL-22, and is similarly grin inducing.

Welcome to the rabbit hole.

fidelity · Nov 10, 2019

calicojack said:
The BL-22 did ok. I had to get used to the buck-horn sights. These 5 shot groups are at 50 yards and I think are acceptable.

Great shooting, considering the irons. Presume it was off a bench.

calicojack · Nov 10, 2019

fidelity said:
Great shooting, considering the irons. Presume it was off a bench.

Oh yes - definitely had the bench advantage.

calicojack · Nov 11, 2019

That maple wood T-Bolt sure does look sharp. DE Guns has one for $619

fidelity · Nov 11, 2019

calicojack said:
That maple wood T-Bolt sure does look sharp. DE Guns has one for $619

Mine was maybe a bit less and a Grade 2, in 22 Mag.

Took a different 22 Mag bolt out today, a CZ 455 American. These were under $350 earlier in the year when they released the 457. A bargain given the workmanship and overall rifle quality (mine has a sweet trigger as well). The picture below (from late evening today) doesn't fully convey how nice the walnut and bluing look.

deputyG23 · Nov 11, 2019

calicojack said:
The BL-22 did ok. I had to get used to the buck-horn sights. These 5 shot groups are at 50 yards and I think are acceptable.

What ammo did you use?

calicojack · Nov 11, 2019

fidelity said:
Mine was maybe a bit less and a Grade 2, in 22 Mag.

Took a different 22 Mag bolt out today, a CZ 455 American. These were under $350 earlier in the year when they released the 457. A bargain given the workmanship and overall rifle quality (mine has a sweet trigger as well). The picture below (from late evening today) doesn't fully convey how nice the walnut and bluing look.

Walnut is "better" anyways

Maple just looks damn good.

TomisinMd · Nov 19, 2019

calicojack said:
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.

I did it on a Henry 357, and Taylor/Uberti 1873. does a fantastic job! You'll love it over the buckhorn sight.

TomisinMd · Nov 19, 2019

calicojack said:
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.

8 freaking pounds? holy crap! Any reason why its so heavy?

calicojack · Nov 19, 2019

TomisinMd said:
8 freaking pounds? holy crap! Any reason why its so heavy?

So I measured again and its more like 6.5 to 7; still a bit stout. The trigger is part of the lever and that probably contributes to extra overhead perhaps (?)

calicojack · Nov 19, 2019

I'll try using some grease on the linkage between the lever and the receiver to see how that effects the trigger.

MiddleRiverShootist · Jan 25, 2021

I picked up a grade 1 Bl 22 a few days ago new, 570 beautiful and i love it !

calicojack · Jan 25, 2021

I ended up putting skinner sights on mine; but the factory buckhorns are fine if you like that kind of sight. In order to use the peep sight you need a much taller front sight blade but not hard to do if you have a nice set of punches.

Really Thinking About a Browning BL-22

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