Browning BL-22 Grade II .22 LR 20in Walnut
About this product
The Browning BL-22 Grade II is a .22 LR lever-action rifle with a 20-inch barrel, walnut stock, and a 33-degree short-throw lever designed for fast, reliable cycling of .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle ammunition. It represents a specific execution of Browning's proven rimfire platform, focusing on practical field use with upgraded cosmetic finishes like scroll engraving and a gold-colored trigger. This model is built around a machined steel receiver that is drilled and tapped for optics, maintaining the traditional lever-action silhouette while accommodating modern sighting solutions.
What is the Browning BL-22 Grade II used for?
The BL-22 Grade II is primarily used for small-game hunting, casual target shooting, and introductory firearms training. Its .22 LR caliber and lightweight 5-pound build make it ideal for carrying afield for squirrels, rabbits, or pest control, and the smooth lever action is excellent for teaching fundamental shooting mechanics. The 20-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability and sight radius, and the ability to cycle .22 Shorts allows for extremely quiet, low-recoil operation when needed.
How does the Browning BL-22 Grade II compare to the Henry H001?
The Browning's 33-degree lever throw is mechanically superior to the Henry H001's standard 90-degree throw for speed and ease of operation, particularly for shooters with smaller hands or less upper-body strength. Where the Grade II model focuses on cosmetic upgrades and faster cycling, the Henry H001, which costs about $200 less, offers a more utilitarian brass receiver and heavier barrel profile that some shooters prefer for durability. The Browning is better for the shooter who values fast, short-stroke cycling and upgraded finish details, while the Henry is the better choice for a purely functional, no-frills workhorse rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle measures 36.75 inches long overall and weighs approximately 5 pounds (2.27 kg). The 20-inch barrel contributes to a total length that is 8.5 inches shorter than the Stevens 555 30-inch shotgun barrel, making it significantly more maneuverable in brush or tight hunting blinds. With a cartridge capacity of 15 .22 Long Rifle rounds in its tubular magazine, the rifle balances weight and utility for extended time carrying afield.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a shooter seeking a purely tactical or defensive rimfire platform, as the tubular magazine loading is slower than a detachable box magazine system. It is also a poor choice for high-volume, rapid-fire competitive disciplines like steel challenge, where a semi-automatic .22 like a Ruger 10/22 offers a significant advantage in split times. Finally, the Grade II's gloss finish and scroll engraving add cost that is irrelevant for someone who plans to use the rifle as a rough tool in harsh conditions; they'd be better served with a matte-finished model like the Stevens 334 in .308 for a purpose-built field rifle.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships from the factory with the firearm itself and a single 2-round plastic magazine block for safe transport and storage, required by federal regulations. Unlike some competitors, Browning does not include a basic optical mounting rail or a hard case, so most buyers should budget for a secure transport case, which adds approximately $40-75 to the initial investment. The manual and warranty paperwork are included, but no bore snake, cleaning rod, or additional accessories come standard.
Is the Browning BL-22 Grade II worth it at $899.99?
At $899.99, the Grade II model is worth the premium over the base BL-22 only for a shooter who specifically values the cosmetic upgrades and has a confirmed need for the short-throw lever's speed advantage. The price point is justified by the hand-fitted gloss walnut stock, polished blued steel receiver, and the mechanical efficiency of the short-throw action. For a shooter who simply wants a reliable .22 lever gun, a standard model or a competitor like the Henry H001 will save several hundred dollars; this is a purchase for the shooter who appreciates fine finish work and a specific mechanical advantage.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 33-degree lever throw cycles 60% faster than a standard 90-degree action like the Henry H001
- 5 lb (2.27 kg) weight is 1.3 lb lighter than a comparable centerfire lever action, reducing carry fatigue
- Tubular magazine holds 15 rounds of .22 LR, allowing for extended shooting sessions without reloading
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts optics with a standard #6-48 screw pattern, no gunsmithing required
Trade-offs
- Gloss walnut finish shows handling marks and scratches more readily than a matte or oil finish, requiring careful maintenance
- No factory-provided hard case or scope rail included, adding $40-$120 to the real cost of setup
- Tubular magazine loading is slower than a detachable box magazine system, adding 10-15 seconds per reload versus a Ruger 10/22
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614025481 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 024101103 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 15 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 45.6000 |
| model | BL-22 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 7.4 |
| sights | Adj Front & Rear |
| 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 compatible with a Picatinny rail mount?
- Yes. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with a standard #6-48 screw pattern, which is compatible with the vast majority of rimfire-specific scope bases and Weaver/Picatinny rail adapters from manufacturers like EGW or DIP. Installation requires a #6-48 tapscrew set, and common base lengths that fit are 3.7-inch or 4-inch models designed for rimfire actions.
- Does it fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case?
- No, it does not. With an overall length of 36.75 inches, the BL-22 Grade II will require a rifle case with an internal length of at least 38 inches to accommodate the rifle with even minimal padding. I recommend a case like the Plano Protector Series 42-inch model for secure transport and to allow room for barrel-mounted accessories.
- How long does shipping take for FFL transfers?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory ships within 2 business days of FFL verification. After the carrier pickup, standard ground transit to most continental US locations takes 3-7 business days. You must coordinate the transfer timing directly with your chosen FFL holder, as their processing can add 1-2 days upon arrival.
- Can I use .22 WMR ammunition in this rifle?
- Absolutely not. The BL-22 is chambered specifically for .22 Long Rifle, .22 Long, and .22 Short cartridges. Firing a .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) cartridge in this rifle is dangerous and will cause a catastrophic failure. The chamber dimensions and pressure rating are not compatible, and doing so voids all warranties and is a severe safety violation.
- What scope magnification is ideal for this rifle?
- For general-purpose use, a fixed 4x or variable 1-4x or 2-7x rimfire scope is ideal. The .22 LR cartridge has a maximum effective range of about 150 yards for small game, so high magnification is unnecessary. Mounting a scope requires using bases for the #6-48 holes and ensuring the eye relief is set for proper cheek weld on the walnut stock.