Age of a BL22?

[Cedarstrip]

Just acquired a BL22 and can't figure out the age of it. The serial # on top of the receiver is: 37B20441

Doesn't jive with any Browning serial numbering system I've been able to research.
Can anyone help me?

 

[3screwsloose]

It was made in 1973. Enjoy it, I have found the earlier produced ones have better triggers.

 

[Cedarstrip]

Appreciate your knowledge, but how did you find that out?
BTW it DOES have a beautiful trigger!

 

[Geoff B]

Browning age

Just acquired a BL22 and can't figure out the age of it. The serial # on top of the receiver is: 37B20441

Doesn't jive with any Browning serial numbering system I've been able to research.
Can anyone help me?

Go to Browning's website and they will show you how to find the date of manufacture.

 

[Cedarstrip]

Go to Browning's website and they will show you how to find the date of manufacture.

That was the obvious first place to go, and I did. What I'm saying is that the serial # on this gun does not jive with their numbering system. Or am I just missing something?

 

[bearkilr]

That was the obvious first place to go, and I did. What I'm saying is that the serial # on this gun does not jive with their numbering system. Or am I just missing something?

Yup, missing something.

From Browning website:


In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture:
B=BL-22
This was preceded by the serial number beginning with 1000.
Example: 100069126 = A 1969 BL-22 Grade 1 rifle with a serial number of 1000

In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it followed until 1998.
1. Serial Number
beginning with 01001
at the start of each year.
2. Date of Manufacture
is a two digit code Z=1
Y=2
X=3
W=4
V=5
T=6
R=7
P=8
N=9
M=0
3. BL-22 Type 126=Grade 1
226=Grade 2

I had a 1976 model that I sold . Neat little guns.

 

[3dmark]

So how do you come up with the year of his gun with the serial number he provided ?

I'm missing something as well.

Yup, missing something.

From Browning website:


In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture:
B=BL-22
This was preceded by the serial number beginning with 1000.
Example: 100069126 = A 1969 BL-22 Grade 1 rifle with a serial number of 1000

In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it followed until 1998.
1. Serial Number
beginning with 01001
at the start of each year.
2. Date of Manufacture
is a two digit code Z=1
Y=2
X=3
W=4
V=5
T=6
R=7
P=8
N=9
M=0
3. BL-22 Type 126=Grade 1
226=Grade 2

I had a 1976 model that I sold . Neat little guns.

 

[Cedarstrip]

Thanks 3dmark. I was beginning to think I'm pretty stoooooopid or something. I presume that the first two numbers are just reversed in their system?

 

[3screwsloose]

numbering

For some reason their numbering system posted on their website doesn't match all of the rifles out there. I was confused about this as well initially. My 1974 BL22 I just sold started with a "47" hence just a reversed '74. My friend's 1971 BL22 starts with a "17". Not everything posted on the internet is gospel folks.

 

[3dmark]

At least now we know how you figured it out .

Thanks

Mark

For some reason their numbering system posted on their website doesn't match all of the rifles out there. I was confused about this as well initially. My 1974 BL22 I just sold started with a "47" hence just a reversed '74. My friend's 1971 BL22 starts with a "17". Not everything posted on the internet is gospel folks.

 

[Truck]

Thanks for helping me also. Mine is a 1973.