Browning BL-22 Micro Midas - A Fantastic ** LITTLE ** Gun

[@stevendefehr4393]

Bought my first BL22 back in 1978 made in Japan… loved that rifle. Had it stolen out of my farm truck in 1998. Today I have 3 of them. One is a grade ll in limited run maple stock just beautiful unfired. Second one is a limited run octagon barrel in grade ll never fired. Third one is a grade l that I use with my son and grandsons 👍 Great investments

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for your comment. Sounds like you've got three really nice BL-22s. I hope you take those Grade IIs out every now and then and just caress them😄 Thanks for watching!

[@jimdunkle4823]

I was dealing with a friend for a bl-22 in 1974. My wife and I stop at his house to look at it. And when my wife saw it. She said I WANT THAT! He just smiled. On the way home I told my wife you don't deal like that!!!! By the way she still has that little gun!!

[@TargetSuite]

What a story. I'm glad it resulted in a lasting relationship . . . wife to gun that is😉

[@Leverguns50]

The 9422 Winchesterholds the bullet secure in the bolt as it moves the bullet forward and almost exact same manner

[@TargetSuite]

I don't know if I told you, but I have a 9422m coming next week. So I'll get to really see the similarities and differences between the BL 22 and the 94 22 design. I hope you got over your rough KZbin week.

[@Leverguns50]

@@TargetSuite I hope so too I was out shooting my BL 22 and 9422 getting ready for a video hopefully The video turn out as good as one of your awesome videos, look forward to seeing your 9422 magnum video

[@TargetSuite]

@@Leverguns50 I'll be watching for your video😎

[@alvogel3448]

It’s a cartridge, not a bullet.

[@williammccaslin8527]

I always liked the browning lever guns, cause the trigger go's with the lever, avoiding finger bite, don't ask me how I know, lol. Thx for the vid

[@TargetSuite]

You are welcome. By the way I won't tell you how I know about trigger bite either😄

[@steveb7310]

I bought a Micro Midas when they first came out (about 20 years ago) . I also have a BL-17 in 17 mach 2…very rare. Both fun and beautiful guns.

[@InGratitudeIam]

This takes me back to those halcyon days of my youth learning to shoot a .22 rifle. Thanks for bringing a smile to my not so young face, George!

[@TargetSuite]

You are welcome Tom! I think the 22 would be a finalist in that, If I could only have one gun" category😉 By the way . . . halcyon . . . what a great word that's almost never used anymore! Makes me wonder if the "civilized" youth of this Era even have idyllic days to be remembered 🤔

[@dalesearcy5734]

Back in 1996, I was looking for a lever .22. My sporting goods store had a Browning, a Winchester and a Marlin in stock. As much as I wanted to like the Browning, it was too short and I didn't like the short lever pull. The gun felt like a kids gun to me. I took the Marlin home and to this day, I'm happy that I did.

[@slickdazzler7330]

I have had a BL 22 in my collection in one form or another, in my collection since the 70s. One of the smoothest 22 lever guns out there. They are awesome shooters. 👍

[@TargetSuite]

This is my first Browning 22 and it is a smooth shooter. And it doesn't even have 200 rounds through it yet! Can't wait to see how smoooooth it gets ;-)

[@1745fred]

I still have mine that bought in 1975 it still looks new and shoots very well

[@DevinBauer]

I’m a purist for steel and walnut so a BL-22 was the natural first rifle when I was looking, sadly the 39A had gone to crud at that time

[@Highlander9740]

I used a Marlin 39 for years and it was a great squirrel rifle. I've had a BL 22 for over twenty years now and I will be using it for squirrels long after I'm done with deer hunting. It's a very good rifle even though the trigger is heavy.

[@TargetSuite]

I'm really fortunate to have both the 39a and the Browning BL-22. Both great guns. But I have a lot of history with the 39a going back to 1963. So it is my favorite!

[@Hamish_Whitehaven]

go in you he

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Very nice. Target Suite is one of the best channels. If you lived near me we'd be shooting some of my classic leverfuns and single shots.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Aaron!

[@paulcupach8196]

Very informative about the length/angle of the lever throw, I never knew that about this gun.

[@theleveractionhunter]

Great video George. The Browning BL-22 is one of my favorite lever action 22’s. I love the short lever throw and how the trigger stays inside to avoid finger pinching. Adding the block of wood to make the stock longer for adults is genius as well!!

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Clint! It took a little getting used to that short lever throw. But now I really like it. When I get back home I will fabricate a faux butt plate to go behind that chunk of cherry. That way we adults can shoot until my grandson gets a few years older.

[@garyK.45ACP]

Thanks for the video! These are really nice and good quality rifles. My father bought one in the 70s. (not the micro Midas) He wasn't too fond of it because he felt the receiver was too short for proper scope mounting and he thought the short throw lever was not very "smooth". These are not really legitimate complaints, but personal preferences. He was one of "those" gun guys. You know the ones, George. Not like me and you. Or at least not like me (not so sure about you 😜) When Winchester came out with the Model 9422, he gave the Browning to my youngest brother and bought the Winchester. When he passed away, the Browning went to another brother and is still in use and still just as good as ever. I always liked the Browning and it was very accurate, fed any kind of ammo and was obviously a very well built rifle. PS I also always liked the magazine tube latch Browning uses.

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! I could learn to live with all of the idiosyncrasies of this fine little gun. But I will admit the lever is at a mechanical disadvantage with the short throw and is a little stiffer than other lever guns I have shot.

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@TargetSuite As a mechanical engineer I knew you would appreciate the reason why. The fact is a .22 rifle doesn't need all the mechanical advantage of a longer lever throw. Yes, they are great rifles.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I've used a 20" version. It's a sweet shooter. Super short lever throw.

[@TargetSuite]

If I were buying for me, that 20-inch version would probably be the right answer. Thanks!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@TargetSuite The length of pull is too short, cheek weld may be too low if someone wants an optic, and the stock sighting system is too diminutive to see. There's things that could be improved but the bones of the rifle are excellent.

[@royseifert3078]

My favorite youth rifle is a Rossi 62 SAC Gallery Gun. It's a pump-action .22LR copy of the Winchester 62. What a great, fun, little rifle to shoot. At first I thought I didn't want to keep it, but now it's one of my favorite rifles. The stock is just long enough for me to shoot, but fits my wife comfortably. I enjoyed the closeup of the feed cycle.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Roy. I appreciate your comments as always. I've been looking online at the Remington model 121 pump. I shot one of those when I was a kid and it really stuck with me.

[@royseifert3078]

@@TargetSuite I used to shoot .22 shorts from the Winchester gallery guns at the shooting gallery at the county fair. I lost plenty of money there!

[@billdye3530]

Great video with a favorite Browning. Liked that last shot. I never liked orange soda unless it had vanilla ice cream added. I still love shooting my little Ithaca 49 with its short 12 inch rear stock. Appreciate your time.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks. I appreciate your comment!

[@billdye3530]

@@TargetSuite It's a good way to start an argument over which 22lr lever is best Marlin , Winchester or Browning. All great.

[@TargetSuite]

@@billdye3530 I may weigh into that argument down the road😉

[@billdye3530]

@@TargetSuite Be like watching Ali vs Frazier vs Tyson. Can't wait.

[@theguyinmaine]

Another great video. Have to admit, I never knew it existed. Did pick up a H0001 Henry, never have fired it but the action is the smoothest I have ever worked. I believe the 99 is control feed. You don't have to rack it much to pick up and eject the ammo. Nice when unloading a few rounds in a tube or top loader, you don't have to cycle the lever hardly at all.

[@TargetSuite]

I've been thinking about getting one of the Henry Garden guns. I believe they are the same action as your H0001 and are supposed to shoot rat shot very well. And by the way, you are right about the control feed on the Savage 99.

[@gunmike6072]

Love a lever gun! Those CB longs are remarkably quieter than the standard velocity 22lr rounds.

[@TargetSuite]

Yes. I started to take out my ear plugs.

[@ronbloomberg]

And their quietness makes them the perfect round for shooting cans of soda pop; you can easily hear the can go POP! when it's hit.

[@TargetSuite]

Yep. I just love those CB Longs!

[@jerryreynolds8151]

I've used CB shorts for years. Great early season squirrel round when shots are close and won't spook the game as bad.

[@cw2a]

My fav 22 Lever!!

[@TargetSuite]

Awesome. Then you probably know more about the BL 22 than I do😉 thanks for your comment!

[@comiketiger]

These are a beautiful little rifle. And I am a grown man and yes, I'm smiling. God bless all here.

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! It's hard not to smile over a little rifle as fine as this one!

[@terryschiller2625]

Hi George, that lever gun has my grandson drooling for one. LoL he's 11 and does have a youth bolt action,but wants a lever so when shoots with me we both have lever guns. I lived that music during the slow- mo of the levering. Made me start tapping my foot. Never thought that one shit would splatter enough to poke holes in all four cans. That was sweet.

[@TargetSuite]

Terry, I hope I didn't cost you too dearly😉 But I'm sure he is worth it!

[@terryschiller2625]

@@TargetSuite yes Sir he is worth it! Been kicking around the idea of getting him a good lever gun. 😀 And the fact that I'm building a small shooting range for 22-38 special think it's about time.

[@TargetSuite]

@@terryschiller2625 Oh, what a lucky kid!

[@johnnapier1707]

Browning always did make beautiful firearms

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@410mossberg]

I have the 20" barrel version. Nice to shoot. Easy to take down, but a bear to put back together. Thanks for the video.

[@TargetSuite]

I was going to post a segment on disassembly reassembly because it is hard the first few times. But I dedicated hours getting to know this little rifle and have a pretty good way of getting everything back together. Maybe I'll still make a video about that.

[@410mossberg]

@@TargetSuite That would be very helpful. Thanks.

[@ericsissenwein3601]

George, I love older .22’s and have levers, bolts autos and pumps. That Remington 21 is a gem! Mine is from the 20’s -30’s with a tight action and great bore. A crescent buttplate and it takes down.

[@TargetSuite]

Great minds think alike! I've been shopping Rem 121s now for a month or so. Do you think the model 21 is a better option, or just older?

[@ericsissenwein3601]

I found the 21 by accident at a show. I grew up with the shooting galleries also and it just called my name with the old fashioned design from that era. I also have a 62 repro from Rossi and a “modern” Remington Fieldmaster. Love them all. The 121 would be just as good in my opinion. I’d love to find a peep sight for my 21 that is original to that model. 😉 Awesome videos, keep it up!!!

[@TargetSuite]

@@ericsissenwein3601 thanks

[@steddyk]

Awesome .22 lever. The wife and I went on a road trip to pick up a new puppy, she got the puppy and well we passed a small hunting shop and I got a new BL 22 Micro Midas. I ordered the regular BL 22 stock so I have the proper length of pull with the shorter barrel.

[@TargetSuite]

That's awesome. Where did you order the full stock from?

[@steddyk]

@@TargetSuite Reliable gun in Vancouver Canada which may not help you much. Wood was a darn close match too. I may have seen them at Brownells during my search but don’t quote me on that. There was a U.S. vendor that offered them.

[@TargetSuite]

@@steddyk Thanks!

[@atomross13]

That is the first box of 22 long I have ever seen. Seen and shot tons of short and long rifles but never have seen a long.

[@TargetSuite]

When I was a young boy, 22 long was very common. But up until this last year I have never seen any available either in the store or online. I just couldn't resist and bought several boxes😉

[@toddjohnson271]

Only have a Henry.....but I hear the 22 holy trinity is Winchester 9422, Browning BL22, and Marlin 39

[@TargetSuite]

Interesting you mention the 9422. I'm leaving in a couple of minutes to go pick up a magnum version of that rifle. You'll see it on the channel soon. But I have thought about doing a video with all four of the guns mentioned including the Henry. But I'll need to borrow one of those.

[@shalininaicker]

Identicle to the Miroku ML22 that I own down here in Australia.

[@HD-J.R.]

Although not a lever, my 90's Ruger 77/22 is controlled feed. It's a Mauser style bolt action, WMR. I believe there was/is a 22lr version. That is a beautiful little carbine. Would be the jewel of any young shooter. Fun for kids like us too!

[@TargetSuite]

Yes it was fun to shoot. But the sight radius is pretty short and with your face up close to the rear sight it is harder to shoot then my other 22s. By the way I think you have a real Jewel with your Ruger Model 77. I'm fixing to pick up my first 22 wmr rifle. You'll see it on the channel soon

[@JWoodcock]

Looks like a petty good way to get yourself a tiny little .22 carbine that still has a reasonable length of pull!

[@lloydshultz9645]

Cool little plinking tool..

[@TargetSuite]

Yes. And it's almost too nice to think of it as a gun for plinking

[@hettro-cv6082]

Great video! I did not know .22long were still available ! I soot .22 shorts but they are hard to find.

[@TargetSuite]

I think these CB Long's may be a fairly new offering from CCI. But I am not sure. I did recently buy some standard 22 longs that have the same 29 grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of 1215 fps.

[@regsparkes6507]

Another rifle that I regretted selling! I enjoyed this video.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for the comment. Sorry for your loss 😉

[@regsparkes6507]

@@TargetSuite Hahaha,... serves me right!

[@b79holmes]

I'm awfully certain my Winchester 9422M is also controlled round feed.

[@TargetSuite]

I will be picking up my own 9422M next week. I'll find out firsthand if it is controlled feed. Thanks for the comment, and thank you for watching!

[@ronkay1573]

It does

[@brianmihlfeith7135]

CORRECTION: The Winchester 9422 has a controlled feed mechanism. It’s actually very similar to the Model 61. I never thought this was something that was important until I tried to shoot my 39A sideways under a log…..it doesn’t work. So there is at least one other lever gun in 22 that has a controlled feed mechanism. Browning does have the best magazine tube design. JMB must have been sleeping the mag design day.

[@terrell48]

Kind of reminds me of my Marlin TDS

[@TargetSuite]

The 39As are at the top of the Heap!

[@hutehund9519]

Always entertaining... You never disappoint. A controlled feed rimfire lever gun. I like it. That’s a nice piece of engineering on a fun little rifle. Good shooting!

[@TargetSuite]

Thank you! It will be interesting to see how the bl22 compares to the Winchester 9422m. I wonder if they share any DNA🤔

[@hutehund9519]

@@TargetSuite I’ve heard pretty much all positive reviews of the 9422, but never had the opportunity to shoot one. Being cousins, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if their are similarities. Nice work on that spacer too.

[@villev8844]

It seems to have the same type of "controlled feed" as the Winchester 9422, otherwise the gun looks a little smaller. Maybe it’s designed for younger users than Winchester.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for the info on the 9422. This particular model of the BL-22 is definitely offered as a youth rifle.

[@Salieri47]

Cool lever gun! You can't beat a .22 for affordable plinking.

[@louisefarley8285]

That is bloody beautiful cheers from hunter valley Australia

[@TargetSuite]

Cheers to you as well!

[@kevinruddthestudrudd0074]

Awesome 22! Great for replacing the semi autos we can no longer get in Australia though :(

[@TheBeefSlayer]

Would like to see how you did the cherry stock extension.

[@haroldborjas9138]

Nice gun my friend

[@danoneill2846]

Thanks !!

[@TargetSuite]

You're welcome! I appreciate you watching!

[@khorne1123]

what a cool little gun

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@emmettperkins844]

Hope you and family are well as can be expected.

[@TargetSuite]

We're doing great, or at least better than we deserve😉 Thanks!

[@carllind949]

You like rear cleaning. Can you teach me how do it on this rifle. I clean mine from the front with a brush & ballistol.

[@mikemccollum4521]

I did enjoy it. Thank You👍

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for watching Mike

[@WayStedYou]

I've always liked the maple BL-22 grade II but I can't really justify its price when already have a Weatherby Mk XXII from anchutz.

[@TargetSuite]

Yep. Those grade II Browning's are really pricey!

[@flintrichards945]

Nice little carbine and good shooting.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks. I appreciate your comment!

[@Charliesdad98]

Should take 15 long 22s mine does made in japan

[@caseymelick8023]

That's pretty good shooting pops that site radius is a bit short

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! Never been called that before. You are right about the sight radius. It's almost pistol like but held with two hands. A nice little gun! There's more I would like to say, but I've got to drop off now. It's time for my Geritol.

[@cbeaudry4646]

They need to make 1 of these with the short stroke lever, but with a side gate and in 357M Also, are you able to load a single round directly into the chamber with these or no?

[@khorne1123]

i have a browning auto 5 shotgun from 1963 so a light 5 i belive

[@TargetSuite]

That would be a Belgium Browning. Nice!

[@ronkay1573]

The BL-22’s I’ve shot have horrible triggers. I’ll keep my Winchester (made in USA) 9422.

[@cadamsm11]

Yeah, Love the BL-22. It’s worth the price, but still quite expensive for a .22. I think they make them in Japan now.

[@TargetSuite]

Yes this is a brand new gun and it is made by Miroku in Japan. They do great

[@scottydouglass1892]

You just found me my next gun. I bought my daughter a 39a when she was born. But it is to big and heavy for her. Now a trade is in the works.

[@TargetSuite]

Glad I could help! I'm sure she'll love it!

[@kensolberg8845]

Nice job 👏

[@TargetSuite]

👊👊

[@geradebowden3293]

I use CB longs’ in my 9422

[@julesv]

Good evening! I just purchase a BL-22 Browning. By mistake I made one dry fire. Should I be worried for damage or just one time is ok? Thank you!

[@randyadams03]

Love all levels ,Thanks. TS.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for watching!

[@dr.froghopper6711]

What a sweet little rifle! Nifty neato peachy keen! And I really mean that!

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks. I couldn't agree more. For the right size person this gun is a game changer.

[@brianmoore1164]

A great video and a fine firearm. I notice that as many manufacturers are suffering from poor quality control, Browning is still bringing the quality that made them famous.

[@chrisgabbert658]

That’s got to be handy little carbine cause the rifle is. 👍😊🎯

[@TargetSuite]

Yep. But I'm guessing the rifle would be a better fit for me. The sight radius on this little carbine is too short and my face is still too close to the rear sight😎

[@chrisgabbert658]

@@TargetSuite I did that stock extension to a NE youth light 243 plus a little lead for balancing weight.

[@tominva4121]

I wonder if the standard BL-22 Buttstock wouldn't fit on the BL-22 Micro Midas??? Do they use the same size Lever?

[@TargetSuite]

I believe the guns are identical except for the stock and Barrel and maybe forend.

[@markchambers2812]

Luv this !

[@TargetSuite]

It is a sweet little rifle for sure. Thanks for your comment

[@Pedenzo]

Love it! Thank you!

[@TargetSuite]

Thank you for watching!

[@Delta922]

Does it shoot CCI stingers bruh?

[@TargetSuite]

Yessir!

[@callawayken650]

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Just when I thought I had enough 22 rifles.

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! Let you conscience be your guide 😉

[@callawayken650]

@@TargetSuite I swore off of Browning a few years back due to their lack of support for their product. I had a small finish issue with my rifle and when I went to them they told me they would not work on the gun because they no longer made that rifle. They recommended that I take it elsewhere so I did, including my business. Thank you for braving the heat this week. Hoping the MO rain would stop and now we have near record breaking heat that kept me in the shade this week. Back to more normal weather next week.

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@terrell48]

Regular old longs had more velocity than the CB longs

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Beautiful gun. looks like a fun plinker.👍

[@TargetSuite]

Handy is the term that comes to mind. Did your wife watch the vid?

[@PracticalAccuracy]

@@TargetSuite Yes, she watched it with me.

[@larryparson9609]

Wonder how many shorts would fit and how it would process in shooting?

[@TargetSuite]

16. And it Cycles them beautifully. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@jtee9548]

My friend offered my one of those BL-22s with one big dent in the forearm for $125 in the mid 1990's. Yep, turned him down, the wood is very light in color, they use ninja technique to dye the wood darker in the actual finish, normal stain won't do it, and the damp towel & steam iron wouldn't do it either. Yeah, I'm an idiot.

[@TargetSuite]

Every "seasoned" gun guy, if he was honest, would say, "yea, me too"😉

[@locksbog4270]

Great stuff 👍😃✌️🇺🇸

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks!

[@lanedexter6303]

Looks like a fun 22! What kid doesn’t want a lever action 22? 👍

[@TargetSuite]

Fun is right! Thanks for watching and thank you for your comment!

[@easttexan2933]

Never have seen that rifle at a gun show. Pretty sweet though. Is it yours? You did a remarkable job of fitting that temporary butt pad to the rifle.

[@TargetSuite]

Hi Max. It is my rifle but I bought it for my grandson. Turns out I gave him my old and refurbished Remington 510 for his sixth birthday. This Browning will still be his when he gets a little bit older.

[@easttexan2933]

@@TargetSuite excellent.

[@acatnamedscoop7718]

I have been asking Browning for Years to make a bl-22 with an oiled stock and ditch that terrible Heavy poly finish the micro looks like they may have Finally done that but I cant really tell from here

[@Blando7887]

I like it

[@TargetSuite]

Me too!

[@poppy2394]

Nice, Not The Size That Matters. At Lease That's What She Said!

[@nunyabeezwax1413]

Better than a henry

[@ChuckTruitt]

Hmmm, not too impressed with that short stock nor the wood to metal fit and finish! -Gunny T sends

[@TargetSuite]

It is a youth gun. But I thought the wood to metal fit was outstanding. The wood is just the right amount of proud to allow for refinishing down the road.

[@ronbloomberg]

I wonder what ever became of the original butt stock.

[@TargetSuite]

I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear in the video, but that is the original buttstock. I just took the original butt plate off and replaced it with this cherry wood extension. I saved the original butt plate for when it winds up in the hands of a young shooter . . . like one of my grandkids😉

[@ronbloomberg]

@@TargetSuite - No apology necessary. The mistake was mine. I made the assumption it was a replacement stock because the color and grain appeared different than the fore end. It almost looks like the original finish was stripped off and then had a hand-rubbed oil finish applied without restaining the wood. I followed you perfectly fine about the extension replacing the original buttplate. Cheers and God Bless....

[@TargetSuite]

You are very observant. I did rub out that high gloss polymer finish that Miroku puts on these guns. I just used bronze wool to dull the sheen. I probably should have explained that in the video. In any case thank you for your comments! I appreciate them!

[@dondavis2546]

My pumps the same way

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍