Browning BL-22 Grade I .22 LR 20in Blued Walnut

About this product

The Browning BL-22 Grade I is a traditional lever-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 LR with a 20-inch polished blued barrel and a gloss walnut stock, designed for controlled, rapid follow-up shots. This model uses a 33° short-throw lever mechanism and a trigger that travels with the lever, which refines the classic Henry and Winchester pattern into a more modern, user-friendly cycling motion. It’s a purpose-built tool for recreational shooting, small-game hunting, and foundational marksmanship training, not a collector’s safe queen.

What is the Browning BL-22 Grade I used for?

The BL-22 Grade I is used for small-game hunting, plinking, and introducing new shooters to lever-action mechanics. Its 20-inch barrel provides a 1,125 fps muzzle velocity with standard 40-grain .22 LR rounds, offering a flat trajectory suitable for rabbits and squirrels out to 75 yards. The 13-round tubular magazine capacity allows for extended range sessions without constant reloading, making it an efficient training tool.

How does the Browning BL-22 Grade I compare to the Henry Golden Boy?

The Browning BL-22 Grade I offers a superior cycling speed and lighter handling compared to the Henry Golden Boy. The BL-22’s 33° lever throw is 42 degrees shorter than the Henry’s standard 75° throw, allowing for faster target reacquisition and reducing shooter fatigue over a 200-round session. While the Henry features more elaborate octagonal barrel styling, the Browning is the better choice for a shooter prioritizing mechanical speed and ergonomics over pure aesthetics.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 5 pounds (80 ounces) unloaded and measures 36.75 inches in overall length. The 20-inch barrel has a 1:16 twist rate, which optimally stabilizes standard .22 LR rounds up to 40 grains. With a 13.5-inch length of pull, it fits most adult shooters, though youth or smaller-framed individuals may find the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun or other scaled platforms more suitable.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a shooter seeking a tactical or defensive rimfire platform, or for someone on a strict budget for a basic .22 plinker. The $820.99 price point places it well above utilitarian models like the Rossi Rio Bravo, and its polished bluing and walnut stock demand more care in rough field conditions than a synthetic-stocked rifle. It’s also a poor choice for someone needing high modularity or accessory mounting, as the receiver’s limited rail space can’t compete with a dedicated chassis system.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, one tubular magazine, and a standard owner’s manual—no optics, sling, or case is included. The manual details disassembly for cleaning, which takes approximately 15 minutes for a basic field strip. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a scope mount, requiring the purchaser to source separate rings and bases, a common practice for rifles in this class, similar to the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifles.

Is the Browning BL-22 Grade I worth it at $820.99?

Yes, it is worth the price for a shooter who values refined mechanics, durable materials, and classic aesthetics in a .22 lever-action. You are paying for the machined steel receiver, precise 33° short-throw action, and graded walnut—features that elevate it above budget-priced cast receivers and stained hardwood. If your primary need is a disposable-range tool, a $300 rifle will suffice, but for a lifetime of smooth cycling and reliable small-game harvesting, the BL-22 justifies its cost.