CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Three.
9422 vs 39a
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crestoncowboy
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I have two and an ithaca from before they were Henry and I would easily agree that of the four Henry is a distant last.
I would however put the Browning right with the marlin or above it . The mag tube is great. No lining up a j notch or anything. And even though it's barely over half the weight of the marlin and the lever parts are pretty tiny, I've never seen one break.
I'm not crazy about the short stroke lever but it is definitely faster and with the trigger inside the lever, pinching is eliminated. The Browning is a finely made Japanese piece.
hawg
Member
I don't like the short throw on the Browning or how the trigger comes down with the lever either. I don't care how nice it is or how it shoots. Those are deal breakers for me.
crestoncowboy
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I don't either. But it does eliminate any chance of pinching and its faster. You never have to change grip. I see their thinking with it. All the linkage for the trigger makes it impossible to improve the pull. Not that it's bad, but it's not as good as it could be. And if it can shoot just as well at 4.5 lb as the 8 lb marlin then why carry double the weight rifle
And unlike the winchester and marlin.... you never hear "get an early one before xxxx took over production because the older ones are better". My 1968 is no different that mine up to 14.
And I'm no Browning fan. I have one and had another sa-22 that shot awful. Never saw one shoot well. I also have a t- bolt that doesn't impress.
The Henry isn't bad. I like mine. Even the old ithaca one. But it's like getting out a colt diamondback, an old woodsman, and a k17 masterpiece, then someone brings out a rough rider...... yes it works. Yes it will probably even shoot as well. It's just not in the same class. Lol
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I like them all. Shot my late brothers Erma 40 years ago and liked it. That of course became the Ithaca/Henry. 10 years ago, after talking others into buying a 39A, I bought my own finished challenged example for $250. Sure it’s bigger than it has to be but its so comfortable to shoot and I love the feel of the pistol grip. Before I had my own, I watched many of those Marlins shoot as well as bolt actions during informal range sessions. Also with CCI quiet ammo, it’s a quiet as a pellet rifle in my 1 acre back yard. The 94/22 is a takedown rifle but it needs a screwdriver instead of a coin to do that. Another fellow cowboy shooter just bought a mint 94/22 and I was impressed how well it was made and its smoothness. if compactness was more important, then the 94/22 or Marlin maurader (Texan?) would maybe be the choice over the 24” pistol grip 39A. With that said, my 39A will be passed to someone when I die.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
What pushes the 39 to 8 lbs.? Optic? Octagonal barrel?
My early '90s round barrel 24" 39AS weighs in right at 7 lbs. with a nylon sling and Williams aperture on it.
I have to admit, that if I started over in 2023 I'd probably be seeking a used middle weight Winchester. Which is fairly hilarious because I don't carry a rifle on foot like I used to some 30 years ago when I was 28 or so years old.
For the life of me, I can't recall why I bought my 39AS in the early '90s over the Winchester, but it was probably due to the Marlin being on sale. I know why I didn't get the Browning - price and it seemed so small.
One thing is for sure, when I was in my upper 20s and lower 30s, carrying a full length 7 lb. rimfire rifle didn't even phase me. It felt like a real rifle compared to the Ruger 10/22 Carbine I got rid of in the same time frame. And most importantly, that long sight radius thanks to the 24" barrel was an awesome thing with young eyes back then.
Nowadays, I'd want 16" to 20" of barrel with an optic on it.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I'd rank the Browning #2 easy. It's as well made as the Winchester but to me the design places it lower.
If all domestic Winchester leverguns were as well made as the 94/22, they'd probably still be making them.
For me, the perfect .22 levergun would be a 24" 94/22 with a full mag tube and a lighter profile octagon barrel. Nothing too heavy, like the old 1890's.
crestoncowboy
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What pushes the 39 to 8 lbs.? Optic? Octagonal barrel?
My early '90s round barrel 24" 39AS weighs in right at 7 lbs. with a nylon sling and Williams aperture on it.
I have to admit, that if I started over in 2023 I'd probably be seeking a used middle weight Winchester. Which is fairly hilarious because I don't carry a rifle on foot like I used to some 30 years ago when I was 28 or so years old.
For the life of me, I can't recall why I bought my 39AS in the early '90s over the Winchester, but it was probably due to the Marlin being on sale. I know why I didn't get the Browning - price and it seemed so small.
One thing is for sure, when I was in my upper 20s and lower 30s, carrying a full length 7 lb. rimfire rifle didn't even phase me. It felt like a real rifle compared to the Ruger 10/22 Carbine I got rid of in the same time frame. And most importantly, that long sight radius thanks to the 24" barrel was an awesome thing with young eyes back then.
Nowadays, I'd want 16" to 20" of barrel with an optic on it.
I meant 7. And I posted a picture of one of mine with no accessories at 6lb 14oz.
But for a small bare 22 to weigh what my 257 deer rifle, ready to hunt weighs.... its a bit much.
I'll skip over my heavy marlins every time and take a lighter gun in the real world.
Riomouse911
Member
My only issue with the Browning has to do with the trigger disconnecting when the lever is downward from the stock just a bit. This happens from my ring finger-pinky relaxing and touching the lever as I shoot. The lever opening on the BL-22 is very small, and I seem to need to squeeze my whole hand to keep the lever in place rather than be able to relax my trigger hand on the gun like I can with the other guns.
Just an observation and a quirk with that design, I still think they are great rifles.
Stay safe.
Just an observation and a quirk with that design, I still think they are great rifles.
Stay safe.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
Some rimfire rifles do hit centerfire rifle weight.
Three of my rimfire rifles are right at the 7 pound mark. I've had and have lighter rimfire rifles, but their reason for being is different than these three.
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crestoncowboy
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I have heavy rimfire rifle too. But they are more accurate and wear optics. I don't mind a heavy rifle if it's better at something than the lighter ones. But the 39 is no more accurate and does nothing better than the other 3 or four.
I have an 18+ lb 338 lapua but it's heavy for good reasons.
hawg
Member
I prefer heavier guns I can control a heavier gun better but that's probably just me.
crestoncowboy
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The 94 is within a lb of the marlin. The Browning is definitely light enough to be less stable but it's a 22.... if your missing at 75 yardsthen you need practice. If your shooting a 39 or bl-22 or 94 past 100 then there were far better choices than a lever gun, in my case since I will never scope a lever gun (I may tomorrow but I doubt I ever do. Lol) the 94 and 39 are both plenty heavy. The Browning is what I drag out most often. Or the Henry since they are a dime a dozen while the others are pretty stupid priced now. But mostly the Browning not only because it was easy to teach my kids to shoot because they are light, but they are slim and easy to move around. Basically if you want a big fat heavy rifle the marlin is your ONLY choice.
7-1000 dollars for a 22 levergun is just stupid anyway when a 500 dollar cz will outperform one in any and all situations. Even a 250 dollar 10-22 will. (I DESPISE a 10-22 and have near 20 years on here bashing the 10-22 and loving the lever guns) I have plenty of the leverguns but other than nostalgia and "get one before they aren't made" I see no reason to pay double or triple for one today.
Mosin77
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Lever guns are just plain fun. I like the Marlin, Winchester, Browning on principle because they are “real” guns with solid steel and walnut, but realistically I’m glad the Henry exists so that people can experience the fun of a .22 lever without the cost of a mortgage payment.
crestoncowboy
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No doubt. And all the other Henry rifle are stupid expensive so I'm glad the 22 lever guns have stayed somewhat affordable. H001 at least
hawg
Member
In my opinion a gun doesn't have to be steel to be real. I don't like plastic guns but they're real and I'll bet you have one. BTW Henry's have American hardwood stocks and they're made here in the USA not Japan like Winchester and Browning.
az_imuth
Member
Just a couple of clarifications, but the 9422 was never made in Japan...only in the USA. I do have some Winchester M52's made in Japan and they are fantastic rifles by any standard. Also, the Browning is not made of walnut and steel. It does have walnut, but the receiver is an aluminum alloy with a steel cover on the outside. I've never really figured out how they get away with putting the serial on the cover. I'm just glad we have choices. Wouldn't be very interesting if only one company had ever made leverguns in .22, would it?
ThomasT
Member
I have a 39A I bought in a pawn shop 25+ years ago. It has a walnut stock and heavy 24" barrel. It shoots like a target rifle. I paid $225 for it back then and it also had a Williams 5D receiver sight on it. It will shoot groups at 50 yards under an inch with a 4x scope on it. I would love to have a Winchester 9422. My bud had one in 22 mag and it was a damn nice gun. Very solid and smooth. He sold it and I think its the gun he misses the most.
I can't justify what a Winchester 9422 cost now. I remembered how much I liked my buds 22 mag, a round I really enjoy shooting so I bought a Henry 22 mag with 20" barrel. When I first got it I thought I just paid $500 for a $350 gun. But after I shot it I changed my mind. It shoots like a laser. I like the gun a great deal and wouldn't think of selling it even for a $100 profit. Its mine and its staying mine. I have even thought about getting another Henry in 22lr to go with it.
No the Henry isn't in the same league with the Winchester. Not in quality and for sure not in price. But I now feel I got my monies worth. If anyone remembers Denis Prisby who used to post here before he passed away he was a big fan of Henry rifles. He stated he shot one of the Henry 22lr's for 20,000 rounds before one small internal part broke that Henry sent him free of charge and he was back up and running. He posted a DPris if you want to search for his post.
I do agree the center fire Henry's seem to be over priced. I wouldn't pay what they want for a 30-30 lever action. I am on their email list and I get emails telling me how much money they donate and I can't help but feel that if they stopped giving away so friggin' much money they could maybe lower the price of their guns a little. Then I might buy one.
I can't justify what a Winchester 9422 cost now. I remembered how much I liked my buds 22 mag, a round I really enjoy shooting so I bought a Henry 22 mag with 20" barrel. When I first got it I thought I just paid $500 for a $350 gun. But after I shot it I changed my mind. It shoots like a laser. I like the gun a great deal and wouldn't think of selling it even for a $100 profit. Its mine and its staying mine. I have even thought about getting another Henry in 22lr to go with it.
No the Henry isn't in the same league with the Winchester. Not in quality and for sure not in price. But I now feel I got my monies worth. If anyone remembers Denis Prisby who used to post here before he passed away he was a big fan of Henry rifles. He stated he shot one of the Henry 22lr's for 20,000 rounds before one small internal part broke that Henry sent him free of charge and he was back up and running. He posted a DPris if you want to search for his post.
I do agree the center fire Henry's seem to be over priced. I wouldn't pay what they want for a 30-30 lever action. I am on their email list and I get emails telling me how much money they donate and I can't help but feel that if they stopped giving away so friggin' much money they could maybe lower the price of their guns a little. Then I might buy one.
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crestoncowboy
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The first year it was actually on the frame in the bottom instead of on the side
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hawg
Member
It does hold that record now.
Hokkmike
Member
Owned both. The 39a is the clear winner. It is a man sized gun in .22 caliber. Cycling and accuracy are superior.
I prefer the appearance of the Winny and its handling.
Out of 10, Marlin = 10; Winny = 8.,
I prefer the appearance of the Winny and its handling.
Out of 10, Marlin = 10; Winny = 8.,
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Still trying to figure out how the Marlin is "man sized" but anything else is not??? All of the guns in question have a received scaled to the cartridges they chamber and a full size LOP. Always thought the 39A was goofy looking with its dinky receiver and 336 buttstock.
Is not the Zamak being used because it is cheap and easily injected into a mold? Then a little machining here and there and then dress it up with a painted or plated cover to hide the Zamak. If Henry were to machine the entire receiver from an aluminum forging or a brass forging or better yet steel or stainless steel, then I would purchase one straight away. But as long as that faux cover is over a Zamak inner workings I am a solid pass. They got every other kind of version of the rifle, why not a premium version made of something solid. Brass can be injection molded and then a blued or stainless cover, that might be a nice looking rifle.
