My first two attempts with a BL-22, though, did not end well, so once repaired, I sold/traded them and vowed never to get another one. Make no mistake, the BL-22 is a quality lever action 22, but they are known for developing feeding issues. It's not a common problem, but it is a known problem. Just my bad luck with those first two Bl-22s.
Another issue that plagues these Browning lever guns is a typically heavy trigger. When combined with the BL-22s light weight, a heavy trigger can make the BL-22 a challenge to shoot, accurately, though the little 22 lever guns are actually inherently quite accurate. This one does just fine with CB Shorts.
The good news on this 1980 vintage BL-22 is that it feeds and functions, perfectly. Action is butter smooth and sweet. It also has a relatively nice trigger for a BL-22. Putting it all, together, I enjoy loading it up with CB Shorts and having fun. Great backyard plinker.
So by now you may be asking why bother giving a BL-22 another try? Okay, the BL-22 really is a sweet handling and a fun shooting lever action 22, maybe the smallest and lightest 22 lever gun of them all. The BL-22 also has a very short lever throw of only 33 degrees and given the way the trigger travels with the lever, no finger pinch. When worn in, just a flick of your hand can cycle the action. I can go through a mag full of 22 Shorts very fast.
It may be a small thing, but I gotta say, as far as the way the you release and lock the feeding tube on a BL-22 via the tab has no equal in the 22 lever gun world. It will never work loose or move.
Scope is a vintage Browning 4x with a 3/4" tube. These were made for Browning by Redfield and are very collectible, now. Size-wise, it's a great match for a BL-22, but for the sake of shooting, I may just switch to a heavier scope to give me more leverage when working the trigger.
Yup, so far, so good.
