.22 Lever action

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Mr Bernoulli

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Looking at getting a .22 lever action. What are some that are out there, the price, how good are they, and pros and cons? I definitely prefer American made to help with your responses.

Thanks!
 
I grew up with a Browning BL-22. Run ya about 500 NIB. Its the only lever action 22 I own, but has served me well for over 20 years. The finish is nice and the rifle has been absolutely reliable. It handles and points well, is accurate, good looking. ect. I like it. However, I know Winchester and Marlin make lever 22s as well, and I've not much experience with those. They might be better. As far as craftsmanship goes, the Browning is nice. I suspect any preference for one over the others will come to personal taste.

However, its a Miroku, so not made in USA. Also, it has an extremely short lever throw. This might annoy you since it takes some getting used to, especially if you have others with long throws. Those are the only cons I can think of.
 
Marlin 39. Click on second "lever" in sig line for more about that rifle than you could possibly want to know.

Feel free to ask questions there about that rifle, and come join us when you get one. ;)
 
I have a Henry and while not as nice, or near the cost, of a Marlin or Browning, it is a superb gun. If you have the cash the Marlin and Browning are a better built but I have never had a problem with my Henry. Accurate and a nice trigger.
 
I also have a Henry, and I absolutely love it. It is a ton of fun to shoot, and has been 100% reliable despite my lackluster cleaning efforts. My only complaint is that I don't like the sights it came with.
 
I bought my boys each a henry h0001t for their birthdays. Only compliant is the painted receiver. Sure wish it was blued other than that they are great guns.
 
If looking for new USA made rifles you have three choices, Marlin 39, Henry (several models), and Mossberg 464

If used is OK then include the Winchester 9422

I do not remember if the Browning was ever made in the USA

New prices will range from the low $200's to the low $500's depending on which model and variant you select and where you buy it.

Have not heard or read much about the Mossy, but all three others have a loyal following
 
I bought a Marlin 39a thirty or so years ago. It is a supurb rifle. You cannot go wrong with one IMHO.

Having said that, I don't think there is anything wrong with the Henry or the Browning. It comes down to how much you want to spend, and which you happen to like.
 
The Marlin 39 is one of the finest lever actions ever made and will normally outshoot most similar priced bolt action rifles and semi autos. If you want a quality American made rifle in Walnut and blued steel, the Marlin 39 is one to buy. Mine will never be sold. :)
 
I have the Marlin 39A and the Henry Golden Boy. Both are reliable, and accurate. The Marlin 39A feels like a centerfire rifle, the Henry feels like a .22LR.
 
Henry got me hooked and when it was new I really liked the feel. However the plastic barrel band, pinned on barrel and crappy sights soon led me to checking out other levers ...

Over the years I've had Winchesters, Browning's, Mossberg's and a couple others but none measure up to a Marlin 39A I took pity on. It had a sewer pipe for a barrel I found in a yard sale for $50, the little old woman running the sale said it had been sitting next to the water heater for more years than she could remember. A couple years later I came across a 20" octagonal barrel on ebay for $60 ... found out it was from the Marlin Century model, then Gunparts had correct slender hand guard for it put it all together, refinished the wood and its my favorite 22 lever!

P2130007.jpg ​
 
I have a Winchester 9422 that I bought used about 4 years ago. Since owning this one I have no need for any of the other .22's I have.
 
Dad has a Marlin. My son has a Henry. Either would be a good choice. Depends on how much you want to spend.
 
I have the Henry H001T and it has earned a permanent place in my gun cabinet. Great gun for the $$.
 
I have a Winchester 9422 that I've owned for 16 years. It's a nice little rifle. Not exactly the most accurate .22 but it's fun to shoot. I appreciate that it doesn't spew propellant residue all through the action like an autoloader does.
 
BL-22 all the way. The short throw is awesome, I can make it sound like a

semi-auto. It is small, light, accurate, and very pretty to boot! It feeds

shorts and LR smoothly. A tube full of shorts and a golf ball in front of a dirt

pile is my kind of fun! I have handled, but not shot the henry, and its trigger

sucked. I have not shot the Marlin, but it felt nice. Just heavier than what I

wanted. Everyone should have at least one lever 22.:)
 
SkyDiver Post #12--I love the look of a 39 with pistol grip stock and 20" barrel.

I have a 39 Mountie with straight grip and 20 inch barrel.

My cousin has his grandpa's 39 rifle with pistol grip and 24 inch barrel.

Both are great shooters and all one could want in a .22 rifle.

Except maybe a 39 that copies the look and length of a 336.
 
The Henry gets my vote. Though, I have never used a Browning. I prefer the styling of Henry over that of Marlin, but that is purely personal. If you are looking at a Henry Golden Boy, be sure that you try it out first. For me, its comb is too short and I have to lift my head to use the sights.

Regards,
Spencer
 
Henry got me hooked and when it was new I really liked the feel. However the plastic barrel band, pinned on barrel and crappy sights soon led me to checking out other levers ...
Click to expand...
You bought the cheapest model of Henry, the one I have. They run just over $225 new, mine was on sale for $200. What do you expect? You can even call Henry and order replacements for the plastic parts plus a few choices on sights, including a nice tang.
 
I have a Henry Golden Boy. I outfitted mine with a hooded front sight and a Pedersoli rear tang sight. This rifle is by far the smoothest working lever gun I have ever handled....there is NO lever slop at any position, while working the action, and the trigger is smooth also. With the tang sight I can shoot 1/2" groups at 20yrds. Styling is superb, and its a real eye catcher at the range. You can also get a brass barrel band and a large loop lever for the Golden Boy, making it look even more authentic. You will not be disappointed with the Golden Boy.
 
In the 1950's by brother went in the woods with my Savage 24v & a bottle.
When he came out he did not know who or where he was or where my rifle was.
I raised so much hell he gave me his Marlin 39A--this also kept my mouth shut.
It has been a great rifle & I use it often--I like it better than any of my other 22's.
 
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