Browning/Miroku BL22 Grade I 22 S/L/LR 20” Lever Action Rimfire Rifle 1969
SOLD FOR: $1,279.00
LSB#: LSB251108WM076
Make: Browning/Miroku
Model: BL-22 Grade I
Serial Number: 69B18972
Year of Manufacture: 1969 -C&R
Caliber: .22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight, with a white triangle aiming reference, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is grooved for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, gloss finished, walnut stock set with a straight grip, straight comb, plastic buttplate, and a banded forend. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show little to no wear. There are light scratches and compression marks. The gloss finish is largely intact throughout both the buttstock and the forend. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no wear. There are a few light scratches. There are light scratches down the barrel. The bluing is mostly deep and dark. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the serialized box and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Browning BL-22 Grade I is a compact lever action rimfire rifle introduced in the late 1960s, developed to provide a smooth-handling and mechanically refined alternative to traditional American .22 lever guns. Manufactured by Miroku in Japan, the BL-22 is distinguished by its short throw lever, rack-and-pinion operating system, and solid receiver design, features that set it apart from earlier toggle-link rimfire actions. By 1969, this model reflected Browning’s shift toward high-quality overseas production while maintaining classic sporting form and function. Chambering for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle further underscores the model’s versatility within the rimfire category.
This example is configured with a 20 inch barrel, beaded front sight, adjustable flip-up U-notch rear sight with white triangle reference, and a grooved receiver for optics, all finished in original blue. The rifle retains approximately 98 percent of its original metal finish, with only light scratches and minimal wear visible, and the bluing remains largely deep and uniform. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9 out of 10, while the gloss-finished walnut stocks show only minor handling marks with no cracks or chips and fit tightly to the frame, overall rating Fine. The action functions correctly and the rifle is accompanied by its serialized box and paperwork. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P
