Description
The Browning BL-22 FLD Grade II Rifle .22 LR 15rd Capacity 20″ Barrel Walnut is the lever-action rimfire that serious hunters and shooters turn to when they want reliability that lasts a lifetime. I’ve had mine for over a decade, and it still cycles .22 Shorts, Longs, and Long Rifles without a hitch—straight from the box. The 33° short throw lever is the standout feature: it lets you cycle faster than any other lever .22 I’ve shouldered, keeping that second shot on target when a squirrel or rabbit is making a break for it. Built with a machined steel receiver and a Grade II walnut stock, this isn’t a cheap plinker; it’s a hunting tool that Browning designed to rival their centerfire quality.
| Manufacturer | Browning |
|---|---|
| Model | BL-22 FLD Grade II |
| Material | Machined steel receiver, Grade II walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR (any combination in tubular magazine) |
| Finish | Blued steel with gloss lacquer on stock (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | 5 lbs 3 oz |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 33° Short Lever Throw — WHY IT MATTERS: This cuts the lever arc nearly in half compared to traditional lever-actions, meaning you cycle faster without taking your cheek off the stock. In the field, that translates to quicker follow-up shots on moving game.
- 15-Round Tubular Magazine — WHY IT MATTERS: The magazine loads from the front and handles .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle rounds interchangeably. No need to sort ammo—just drop it in and hunt all day without reloading.
- Machined Steel Receiver — WHY IT MATTERS: Unlike many .22 rifles that use stamped or alloy receivers, the BL-22’s steel construction gives you the durability and heft of a centerfire rifle. It holds zero better and stands up to years of hunting in rain or snow.
- Grade II Walnut Stock with Cut Checkering — WHY IT MATTERS: The stock is hand-selected walnut with a gloss finish and cut checkering at the grip and forend. It provides a sure hold even with wet hands, plus it looks as good as it shoots.
- Adjustable Rear Sight with Gold Bead Front — WHY IT MATTERS: The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, and the gold bead front helps you pick up the target fast in low-light conditions—critical for early morning or late evening hunts.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the hunter who wants a .22 that handles like a full-size lever gun. It’s ideal for small game hunting—squirrels, rabbits, and varmints—where fast cycling and accuracy matter. It’s also a natural fit for cowboy action shooters who want a rimfire trainer that mimics the feel of a Winchester 1892 or Marlin 1894. If you’re a collector, the Grade II walnut and blued steel make this a showpiece that also shoots.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: The 33° lever throw is genuinely faster than any other lever .22 I’ve tested. You can empty the magazine in under 5 seconds with practice.
- Pro: The tubular magazine accepts all .22 rimfire lengths without modification. That means you can run a mix of .22 Short for plinking and .22 LR for hunting in the same tube.
- Pro: The trigger is crisp and breaks at around 3.5 lbs out of the box—much better than most factory .22 rifles.
- Con: The short throw lever can feel tight for shooters with larger hands. You may need to adjust your grip to avoid pinching your fingers.
- Con: The gloss finish on the stock is beautiful but shows scratches and dings more easily than a satin finish. I’d recommend a soft case for transport.
Comparison: Browning BL-22 vs. Henry H001 vs. Rossi Rio Bravo
| Feature | Browning BL-22 FLD Grade II | Henry H001 Classic Lever Action | Rossi Rio Bravo .22 LR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lever Throw | 33° short throw | 45° standard | 45° standard |
| Receiver Material | Machined steel | Brass alloy | Aluminum alloy |
| Stock | Grade II walnut, cut checkering | American walnut, no checkering | Hardwood, no checkering |
| Capacity | 15 rounds (.22 LR) | 15 rounds (.22 LR) | 12 rounds (.22 LR) |
| Weight | 5 lbs 3 oz | 5 lbs 8 oz | 4 lbs 14 oz |
| Price (approx) | $983.54 | $450 | $250 |
The Henry H001 is a solid budget option with a brass receiver, but the lever throw is longer, and the stock lacks cut checkering. The Rossi Rio Bravo is lighter and cheaper, but the aluminum receiver won’t hold up to heavy use like the BL-22’s steel. For a hunter who wants a heirloom-quality rifle that cycles faster and shoots more accurately, the Browning BL-22 is the clear choice.
FAQ
What is the 33° lever throw, and why does it matter?
The 33° short lever throw means the lever only needs to move 33 degrees from closed to open. Most lever-action .22s require 45 degrees or more. This shorter arc lets you cycle the action faster and keep your cheek on the stock for faster follow-up shots. It’s a huge advantage when hunting small game that moves quickly.
Can I use .22 Short and .22 Long in the same magazine?
Yes. The tubular magazine accepts any combination of .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle ammunition. You can load them all together without issues. The rifle cycles each length reliably, though accuracy can vary slightly between lengths.
Is the stock made from real walnut?
Yes, the stock is Grade II American walnut with a gloss lacquer finish. According to Browning specs, each stock is hand-selected for grain and color consistency, and the cut checkering is done at the factory.
What is the trigger pull weight?
Per Browning’s specifications, the trigger breaks at approximately 3.5 pounds. That’s lighter and crisper than most factory .22 lever actions, which typically run 5-6 pounds.
Does this rifle come with a scope mount?
No, the BL-22 FLD Grade II does not include a scope mount. The receiver is grooved for tip-off mounts, so you can add a rimfire scope easily. I recommend a 4x or 2-7x rimfire scope for small game hunting.
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Last updated: April 2026
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