Can anyone tell me approx. how old the Browning DL-22 is that I have.
Serial # 37B17XXX
Thanks
RobD

Rob,

It could be me, but the serial number you posted doesn't seem to fit the Browning system. Here's the Link to date your rifle.

I know, I found the sight you suggested, thats what made me wonder...I can't figure it out...is it possible rifles sold in Canada had a different numbering system?...Also strange is the serial number is stamped just ahead of the lever housing UNDER the rifle, not on the side where it should be...
RobD

Are you sure you don't have the "1" and "7" transposed? If so, that would make the rifle a 1971 and follow the Browning system.

The order is correct...I'm wondering if the "1" after the "B" means grade 1, then the "71" following means the year 1971?
Rob

RobD & JOG,
This thread got my curiousity up and I had to look at my BL-22's. Both of mine follow the Browning link. The first made in 1983 is XXXXXPX226 and the second made in 1990 is XXXXXNM226. I looked at other Browning serialization schemes to see if anything matched RobD's and came up empty handed. Interesting isn't it. Maybe an expert in Brownings will step in and help you out. The BL-22 is a neat little rifle isn't it?

I just bought a BL-22 at a gun show last week. After reading this post, I had to check the SN on my rilfe. It also has the same serial number scheme as RobD's - 72B86XXX, under the rifle, just in front of the lever. After I got it home, I noticed is said "Made in Japan" on the barrel right under the Browning Arms Company address. I couldn't see this at the show as the lighting was too poor. Does this have something to do with the different SN scheme? I paid $275 which was more than $100 cheaper than another BL-22 at the same show from another dealer. No matter what, the gun shoots great and is a lot of fun.

I have one that doesn't fit the dating pattern either:
47B53XXX

I always suspected the 4 and 7 got reversed somehow, as 1974 would be about right for mine.

Het Cretch mine has the made in Japan thing as well but the serial numbers match the scheme on the link above,mines a 79.I also bought mine in Canada.