Cleaning a Browning BL-22
I'm hesitant to disassemble this gun because of the complex internals. Has anyone used 'brake cleaner' to cleanse a lever gun and if so how would it be accomplished.
There's plenty of youtube videos on taking this gun apart but they all caution that it's a real bear.
ppkny

Brake cleaner--I would be afraid it might damage the wood finish.

Do NOT be afraid of taking it apart for cleaning.
Watch this video and see how easy it is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSwNQyMstQY A one screw take-down.
The awkward (he says PITA) part is the ejector and spring, but if you pay careful attention to his description, it's really not that hard.
Great rifles, BTW. Especially the 24" octagon. Love mine.

Okay, thanks for the support, I guess I'll try a tear down and cleaning. The video looks straightforward enough even with the PITA comments.
I also have the 24inch octagon barrel, bought about 3 years ago and very happy with all aspects of this gun.
Not sensitive as to what way your holding it when your going through the insert/eject-cycle like some other lever gun are.
ppkny

When I don't want to take the time to break them down, I remove the wood and run lighter fluid into the action, work the action, repeat until all the gunk, grey and black comes out. Lighter fluid has lubricating properties as well as being a solvent, so you don't dry the metal out like brake cleaner does. This method works well for me if I don't want to go into a detailed break down and clean.

Of course, it's flammable, I do it outside and away from flames and sparks and all that.

I do this with a lot of lever guns, and I don't like to break down Browning centerfire lever rifles, and this method works very well with them.

I don't own a Browning BL-22 but I do this with my 39 and my wives Winchester lever 22 rifle.

ywltzucanrknrl,

Thanks.I just might try this before I really have the need for the tear down.
Pete

I use Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner spray (not the case lube spray) for the same purpose. It's not cheap but I have never had it harm plastic and it leaves a little dry lube behind. Turn the rifle upside down, blast out the receiver and let the excess run back out of the ejection port. It is good for getting cruddy semi-auto .22s back running, also.