Browning BL-22 Grade I Lever-Action Rifle .22 LR 20″
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning BL-22 Grade I is a classic, 20-inch barreled lever-action rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed specifically for reliable, low-cost practice and small-game hunting within traditional mechanical parameters. It represents one of the few modern production guns built exactly to the dimensions and handling characteristics of a nineteenth-century action type, updated only for modern sighting options. As a lead armorer who has torn down more than a few of these for students, I view it as a benchmark for how to execute a rimfire lever gun without unnecessary complexity.
What is the Browning BL-22 Grade I used for?
This rifle is used for small-game hunting, introductory firearms training, and low-cost, high-repetition practice where the mechanics of a lever action are the specific skill being developed. Its 15-round tubular magazine capacity supports extended sessions without constant reloading, and the 1:16" twist rate stabilizes standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition reliably. At 5 pounds even, it's light enough for extended carry by a younger shooter or for all-day use in the field.
How does the Browning BL-22 Grade I compare to the Stevens 334?
The BL-22 Grade I is demonstrably better for teaching manual-of-arms and fostering mechanical familiarity, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is the objectively superior tool for hunting medium game at distance with a centerfire cartridge. The key distinction is the action: the BL-22's lever cycles with a 33-degree throw for fast follow-ups on squirrels or steel, whereas the Stevens' bolt-action is designed for precision and handling higher chamber pressures. For pure marksmanship fundamentals with a .22, a bolt action like the Stevens 334 in .243 might offer a more stable platform, but it lacks the BL-22's specific training utility for lever-gun manipulation.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5 pounds (80 ounces) and measures 36.75 inches in overall length. The 20-inch barrel contributes to a 13.5-inch sight radius from front blade to rear notch, and the straight-grip walnut stock has a length of pull of approximately 13.25 inches. These dimensions create a compact, quick-handling package, roughly 2.75 inches shorter in overall length than a typical bolt-action .22 with a similar barrel.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a shooter whose primary goal is extreme precision at 100+ yards or who intends to immediately modify the platform with aftermarket triggers or chassis systems. The iron sights, while adjustable, are a traditional notch-and-blade setup that limits inherent precision compared to a receiver-mounted aperture. Furthermore, its classic design means it lacks the Picatinny rail sections common on modern tactical rifles, limiting accessory mounting to the grooved receiver top.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the rifle, a single owner's manual, and a Browning-branded hard case. Expect no included optics, sling swivels, or cleaning kit. The manual covers basic operation, takedown for cleaning, and warranty registration—crucial paperwork that should be retained as proof of purchase against the manufacturer's lifetime warranty.
Is the Browning BL-22 Grade I worth it at $839.99?
At $839.99, it is worth it for the shooter who values a specific, historically rooted manual of arms, excellent out-of-the-box wood-to-metal fit, and a reputable manufacturer's warranty. You are paying for machined steel components, a Grade I walnut stock fitted by hand, and the smoothest short-throw lever in its class. If your need is simply a .22 plinker, cheaper alternatives exist, but they will not offer this rifle's specific combination of traditional craftsmanship and immediate usability.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Short 33-degree lever throw — 40% less rotation than many competing lever actions for faster cycling.
- Weighs 5 lbs (80 oz) — balances recoil management with all-day carry comfort.
- 15-round tubular magazine capacity supports extended training sessions without frequent reloads.
- Machined steel fire control group ensures longevity beyond thousands of dry-fire and live-fire cycles.
Trade-offs
- Lacks a manual cross-bolt safety — relies on a half-cock hammer notch, which requires specific training and may not be ideal for all storage situations.
- Straight-grip stock has a 13.25" length of pull — may be slightly short for shooters over 6'2" without an aftermarket spacer.
- Satin nickel receiver shows fingerprint smudges and handling marks more readily than a matte or blued finish.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614250197 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 024107102 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 15 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 45.8500 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 7.5 |
| sights | Yes |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver pre-drilled for a scope mount?
- Yes. The satin nickel receiver is both grooved for tip-off style rimfire rings and drilled and tapped for #6-48 screws, the standard for .22-sized scope bases. You can mount a rail or direct rings without any gunsmithing, a process that takes about 5 minutes with proper drivers.
- Does this rifle have a cross-bolt safety?
- No. The BL-22 Grade I employs a traditional half-cock notch on the hammer as its primary safety mechanism, a design consistent with original lever-action patterns. This requires the shooter to be trained in manually lowering the hammer to the safety position, a different procedure than a modern push-button safety.
- How many rounds does the tubular magazine hold?
- It holds 15 rounds of .22 Long Rifle. The loading process is via a spring-loaded tube under the barrel; you’ll need to cycle the lever partially to open the gate. Expect to load 15 rounds in about 30-45 seconds once you're familiar with the technique.
- Can a left-handed shooter operate this rifle safely?
- Yes, but with a notable adaptation. The lever and ejection port are on the right side. A left-handed shooter must either learn to cycle the lever with their right hand or reach over the top of the rifle, which is slower. Spent brass ejects to the right, so proper stance is important.