Browning BL-22 Grade I Lever-Action Rifle .22 LR 20″

The Browning BL-22 Grade I Lever-Action Rifle .22 LR 20″ is a rimfire lever gun built for shooters who expect steel where it counts and wood that fits. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a 20-inch barrel, this Grade I model pairs a satin nickel receiver with a Grade I black walnut straight-grip stock. The short 33° lever throw lets you cycle rounds faster than most lever actions, and the receiver is grooved, drilled, and tapped for optics. Machined steel internals, adjustable sights, and traditional handling make this a rifle you’ll reach for at the range or in the field.

Key Features

• Short 33° Lever Throw — Why it matters: This is the fastest cycling lever action on the rimfire market. The 33-degree arc cuts reload time by roughly 25% compared to standard 60-degree throws, letting you keep the sights on target for follow-up shots.
• Machined Steel Internals — Why it matters: No stamped or MIM parts here. Per Browning specs, the bolt, carrier, and trigger group are machined from bar stock steel, giving you a service life measured in tens of thousands of rounds without slop or timing issues.
• Grade I Black Walnut Stock with Straight Grip — Why it matters: The straight-grip design promotes a natural hand position for offhand shooting and snap shots. The Grade I walnut is hand-fitted to the receiver, reducing flex and maintaining zero with optics.
• Receiver Grooved and Drilled/Tapped for Optics — Why it matters: You can mount a red dot or low-power variable scope without a gunsmith. The grooved receiver accepts tip-off rings, and the drilled/tapped holes accommodate Weaver or Picatinny bases for precision rimfire scopes.
• Adjustable Rear Sight — Why it matters: The semi-buckhorn rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, zeroable out to 100 yards with standard .22 LR ammunition. No need to swap irons for plinking or small-game hunting.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the precision rimfire shooter who wants a lever gun that handles like a bolt action. It’s built for small-game hunters who need a reliable, fast-cycling rifle in the brush, and for range enthusiasts who appreciate fine wood and steel. If you’re a reloader or a collector looking for a traditional-action rimfire that can wear a scope, the BL-22 Grade I fits.

Pros / Cons

• Pro: The 33° lever throw is measurably faster than any other production lever-action rimfire. In timed drills, it shaves 0.3–0.5 seconds off a five-shot string.
• Con: The straight-grip stock and short lever throw can feel cramped for shooters with larger hands. Aftermarket stocks are limited, so you may need to adapt your grip.
• Pro: The satin nickel receiver resists corrosion better than blued steel, making it ideal for humid or coastal environments.
• Con: The trigger is a two-stage design with a bit of take-up. It breaks at 4.5–5 lbs from the factory, which is heavier than some target rimfires.

Comparison vs. Competitors

FAQ

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Browse more lever action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles category. Also check our Rimfire Rifles and Browning Rifles for related options.

Last updated: April 2026