Browning BL-22 Grade I .22 LR Lever-Action Rifle, 20 Inch Barrel, 15+1 Capacity, Blued/Walnut, 1970s Miroku-Japan, Simmons 4x32 Scope
This Browning BL-22 Grade I is a classic 1970s Miroku-made rimfire lever gun with the fast 33° lever throw and Browning's trigger that travels with the lever. It features a 20 inch round barrel, smooth high-gloss walnut furniture, and a blued finish. The receiver is grooved for 3/8 inch tip-off mounts and comes outfitted with a Simmons fixed 4x32mm scope in Weaver-style cross-bolt rings on two-piece adapter bases.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are handling and use marks present.
What’s Included
- Simmons Fixed 4x32mm 1" Duplex Scope (installed)
- Weaver-style cross-bolt scope rings on two-piece adapter bases (installed)
The BL-22 Grade I is a lever-action rimfire with a 20 inch round barrel and a tubular magazine rated at 15+1 in .22 LR. It also accepts .22 Short and .22 Long, giving it flexible ammunition compatibility for plinking or small game. Right-side ejection and a lever loop make cycling intuitive and fast.
A hallmark of the BL-22 is its very short 33° lever throw paired with a trigger that moves with the lever. This design keeps your finger in position through the stroke and contributes to the rifle's quick handling. The exposed hammer provides straightforward operation and status at a glance.
The rifle wears smooth, straight-grip walnut furniture with a high-gloss finish and a matching walnut forearm. A steel buttplate marked "BROWNING" completes the traditional profile. Length of pull is 13.25 inches, offering a balanced fit for a wide range of shooters.
For sighting, the receiver is grooved for 3/8 inch tip-off scope mounts. This example is set up with a Simmons fixed 4x32mm 1" Duplex scope mounted in Weaver-style cross-bolt rings on two-piece adapter bases, providing a clear, simple sight picture for rimfire distances. Factory-style open sights were standard on these rifles, though configurations can vary.
Manufactured by Miroku in Japan for Browning during the 1970s, it carries period-correct markings: "Made in Japan, Morgan, Utah & Montreal P.Q." The blued metalwork and walnut furniture reflect the durable, refined build quality associated with this era of BL-22 production.