Is a BL-22 Worth its price tag?

bluemike807

bluemike807

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I've had the chance to play with two of these now (though not shoot them), one being the plain blued model with uncheckered wood, and the other with beautifully checkered wood and an engraved steel receiver. Absolutely gorgeous gun, amazing feel. A little short LOP but Im a tall guy.

I keep coming back to the idea of having one as an heirloom .22 - but are they worth the price tag? I've never owned a lever, but do like the feel of the action; would I be better off with a Henry lever at half the price?
 
Bl22

I have a BL22 and really like it, particularly the short hammer throw.
It's just a lot of fun to shoot and the cool factor is pretty high, even for a middle aged guy!!
That being said, I am not totally thrilled with the trigger and I would like to get that tweaked.
The Henry's are a nice LOOKING gun and fun to shoot, and I hear that the warranty is pretty amazing. That being said, I also hear that they have lots of plastic inside, though I can't verify that. No doubt, others will chime in here.

The 'down side' (so to speak) is that lever guns grow on you, and multiply in your gun safe.....where did that .357 and that .44 mag come from?? So.....be careful, you've been warned!!!

Have fun
Therion
 
If you want to "save" a lever for the coming generations, why not " invest " in an older Winchester carbine or rifle in one of the rarer calibers like a 38-55, 25-35 or 25-20. I use my 1905 Marlin 25-20 as a gopher gun occasionally and it is a joy to shoot. the 38-55 and 25-35 are great big game guns and have proved it over many times. Almost everyone seems to have a browning or winchester lever .22. I do not and do not miss it.
 
I would get a BL-22, Marlin 39A, or a used Winchester 9422. I don't care for some of the chintzy plastic and zinc parts on the Henry. Get what you like; the extra $200 or so is small in the long run compared with the satisfaction of owning and using something nice.

If you are looking for an "heirloom" gun, older Marlins and Winchesters tend to appreciate in value. I would expect even recent production 9422s to appreciate in the long run, given that Winchester isn't making them anymore. If you're also willing to consider a pumpgun, Winchester 62As are another fine choice if you can find one for a good price.
 
I had to work on a number of BL22s in the course of my business, and do not care for them.
If you want a quality lever action .22 get a 9422 or a Marlin.
 
I have had two bl-22's now, and have to say, "I love em". My brother has a Marlin 39A which is a more accurate rifle, but it simply lacks the 'cool' factor as far as levers go. (IMHO)
My grade I will go to my son to beat around, but my grade II will be there when I die.
Just a fun little gun, and that's what it's all about.
 
Personally, I would recommend the BL-22...costs a bit more but, yes...it's worth it.

It's an all steel receiver and the finish is top notch...from the wood, checkering and also how the mag tube functions which I like more than the Henry.

I own both the Golden Boy and the BL-22 Grade II FLD.

The Henry is fantastic to look at with the Brasslite receiver and brass barrel ring....but the other parts are cheap cast...ie: mag tube support ring cracked in less than a year.

The BL-22 is all steel with an incredible high gloss polish....wow!

Super smooth action on the Henry with long throws but the BL-22 is only 33 degs throw....smooth, but not as smooth as the Golden Boy...but very quick loads.

I find the triggers on both to be about the same.

As for sights...BL-22 is better with the modern fold down rear and bead front.

The Golden Boy has just awful old style Buckhorns...I still shoot well with them, but they strain my eyes.

You also need to drill and tap the receiver if you want optics on the Henry whereas the BL-22 is dovetail already.

Here's a pic...I have the Front Line Dealer model with satin nickel finish

BL-22-FLD-Grade-II-MID-024108-m.jpg


As for heirlooms......I'm mixed about that...
If this was the last one ever produced, I would make sure my son gets it....but I'm sure this model or maybe a better one will still be of avail 20 years from now.
So buy one for yourself to enjoy, when it's time for the kid to enjoy it...buy him a new one....yeah!!!


Have a good one!
 
The BL22 isn't all steel - the lower receiver/frame is a non-ferrous diecasting, as are the bands. Broken firing pins are not uncommon.
 
Anyone who has completely cleaned one a few times will not sing its praises. I consider myself fairly advanced when it comes to firearms maintenance and I was not impressed with the design.
I have a 9422M and my next lever will most likely be a marlin 39. They are both superior IMHO.
 
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