Any help on identifying the real year and make of this rifle would be much appreciated!
Browning BL 22 pictures by pwrslide2 - Photobucket
Just picked up a new gun at the recent gun show in Arizona. I guess you could call it new. It's "Supposedly" a year 1975 BL 22 Grade 2 and the guy that sold it to me said he has been collecting guns since the 70s and bought this and a few others of same time brand new. Same guy said it's never been shot and was stored away and from the looks of it, I believe it but I'm no expert. Came with the original Box and original Operation and Care Manual with the writing in it saying Date of purchase Dec 5th, 1975 and SN and $129.50!!!
This rifle was advertised as 1975 Grade II so that really got me excited. Never been shot was a bonus. From a little research that I did before I went to the show I knew that the older models were primarily made in the USA. This one has a made in Japan on the barrel but I was told some parts were made in Japan and then it was assembled in the USA.
The Serial Number is 47B46340.
Doesn't match up with Browning's website naming convention for any year.
Maybe the B is really an eight 8?
BL-22 Rifle
I've googled and came up with some other info but people seem to be confused as well and no real answers out there.
Quote:
GunBroker.com Message Forums - Browning BL-22 confusing serial
quote ""I am trying to date my Dad's Browning BL-22 .22 rifle. He can't remember when it was given to him by his employees (He thinks the early 70's). My brothers and I loved this rifle and now my father is generously giving it to my son on his 10th birthday. It is in excellent condition. My question is that the serial number is stamped on the bottom of the receiver at the front of the trigger guard(not the right side as Browning states). The serial # is 47B31889. The left side barrel is stamped BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. (top row) and MADE IN JAPAN (bottom). I have read many differing opinions as to decoding this serial...The B means a Belgian built gun with the year of production precedeing it. This is not possible. The BL-22 wasn't produced anywhere in 1947. None of the numbers together make any year possible.""
Quote""According to the Blue Book, Miroku made the BL-22's in Japan between 1970 and 2003.
My take on your serial number question, is that "31889", is the actual serial number.
"B", is the product code, i.e. model/type of firearm.
"7", is the actual date of manufacturer 1977.
Don't have a clue what the "4" represents? ""
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My rifle has very similar number as the first quote. The reply 2nd quote contridicts my possible 1975 purchase date although the box for mine could have been switched with another rifle. I don't think 47 means the year. In japan, they tend to write things backwards but even then, a 47 could really only mean April 1970 or they typo'd and meant 74 but the gun was "supposedly" bought on Dec 5th 1975. I wouldn't think they would have made 47,340 rifles in their 2nd year of production on this rifle though.
Definitely thinking I paid too much for this rifle now.. . Kinda bummin me out about my purchase!
Any help on identifying the real year and make of this rifle would be much appreciated!
Browning BL 22 SN question
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