BL-22 Trigger Pull Data

[dbuffington]

UPDATE (May 16, 2019): The discussion of -- and complaints about -- BL-22 trigger pulls has been greatly affected by the introduction of an effective aftermarket trigger pull kit. For more on that, read https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forum...d.php?t=826922. Enjoy! Dave

Hi Folks!

Over the years, there's been occasional discussion (here, for example) about whether older BL-22s have lighter trigger pulls than later BL-22s.

Well, let's try to settle the debate ...

If you own a BL-22 and have some way of measuring the pull weight, measure that pull weight and post the following data in this thread:
- Serial Number (partial, if you wish)
- Year Made (from http://www.browning.com/customerserv...tail.asp?id=21)
- Pull weight

If you have the time and skills, please also post a photo of your BL-22 with the data. (That will address another common question -- whether earlier BL-22s have nicer wood than later BL-22s).

Thanks!
Dave

P.S. I'll post my info when I get home.

[dbuffington]

Here are results from my BL-22s:

70B22603 - 1970 - 5 pounds, 9 ounces
(By the way, this is an early "Patent Pending" version.)



47B40688 - 1974 - 5 pounds, 6 ounces



Enjoy!
Dave

[lashlaruhe]

My BL22 (purchased Oct. 2012, New, from Cabelas) 5 lbs 10oz, measured with Wheelers Trigger pull gauge
My Winchester 94/22, Legacy, grade "E" not shot much, only taken apart and put moloy on trigger. Measures 5 lbs
My Ruger 10-22, 1993 and only has Power hammer no other mods. Measures 3lbs 8oz.

[kixonrt66]

Hello dbuffington,

Here are my current BL-22's All of these rifles are first year production.

Here are mine in descending order by pull weight:

Browning BL-22 Grade I SN: 8B04216..........4.91 lbs Made in 1968





Browning BL-22 Grade I SN: 70B29053.........4.42 lbs Made in 1970





Browning BL-22 Grade II SN: 69B17826 4.11 lbs. Made in 1969





Browning BL-22 Grade II SN: 69B18880 4.06 lbs Made in 1969





Browning BL-22 Grade II SN: 70B29726 4.01 lbs Made in 1970





I included the pictures to address the wood quality question. Bear in mind that the finish on first year BL-22's was a hand applied shellac finish, very different from the urethane finish used after about 1972. Also many of the first year production rifles were made with beautiful reddish French Walnut, especially the Grade II rifles. This was also discontinued after about the end of 1970 to the beginning of 1971. All of the rifles pictured say "Patent Pending" on the barrel near the rear sight. Obviously most of the Grade I rifles will typically have fairly plain wood. The Grade II rifles vary widely in wood quality...most are very good, a few are rather plain, and some are truly exceptional. I hope this helps!

Kix

[pump .22s]

My '77 model = 4.25 lb.



and my Grade II Classic Field Octagon = 5.5 lb.

[dbuffington]

Wow! Nice guns!

Thanks to all who have noted if (or if not) any modifications have been made to the fire control system. Even if you've just applied some moly lube, that's helpful to know.

Thanks again!
Dave

[dbuffington]

Not a modification, but an interesting factor ...

Earlier in the thread, I posted a 5 pound, 6 ounce pull weight for 47B40688 (1974).

I only recently purchased this gun, and while it's impossible to know for sure, I strongly felt that very few rounds had been fired in the gun.

So, today, I took it to the range for some quick sighting in, and put about 50 rounds through it.

Then, I brought it back home, and checked the pull weight again. The result?

An average 5 pound, 2 ounces. That's a small, but significant, but drop. (A 4 percent decrease, to be precise.) And yes, I repeated the three pull test to be sure.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Dave

[M2HB]

Anywhere in the low 4# range isn't bad for that type of a field rifle.

[dbuffington]

Originally Posted by pump .22s

and my Grade II Classic Field Octagon = 5.5 lb.

Thanks! What year is the Octagon?
Dave

[kixonrt66]

There is no doubt that use over time combined with a good lubricant like lithium grease will improve the trigger on BL-22 rifles. The bearing surfaces begin to get smoother with use and certainly there will be less "gritty" feel and eventually a lighter trigger pull. This will vary much between individual rifles, but the pull will get better with use. I don't know about the newer models from 1998 and after, but this is true of older rifles.

Kix

[dbuffington]

Originally Posted by kixonrt66

There is no doubt that use over time combined with a good lubricant like lithium grease will improve the trigger on BL-22 rifles.

Where would you lubricate? Thanks!
Dave

[johNTO]

2010 grade 1 Nickel finish. Trigger's not as heavy as my revolvers(in double action)...shameless plug
[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

[dbuffington]

Originally Posted by dbuffington

Where would you lubricate?

I cannot believe I said that

[kixonrt66]

Originally Posted by dbuffington

I cannot believe I said that

Haaahhaahhahah!! LMAO!!!

Put a little dab of grease on the little triangular linkage component on the lever when it is open. Lubricate other moving parts of the trigger with a needle oiler.

The Grade I 1968 rifle at the top of my previous post is for sale on Gun Broker right now. Check it out:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=329435244

Kix

[pump .22s]

Originally Posted by dbuffington

Thanks! What year is the Octagon?
Dave

Made in 2008. No lube added but a little Remoil added to the Grade I. I was surprised the Grade I was over four pounds....it doesn't feel that heavy in actual use.