Best lever action .22lr

[andym79]

Hi guys, I am looking to buy my first lever action in .22 cartridge!


I would prefer a new rifle!

This is the list I have, can anyone who has these rifles tell me the pros and cons of using them and if possible post photos of groups achieved by them! Accuracy is my primary concern!

Browning BL22
Henry H001
Marlin 39A
Ruger 96/22*
Winchester 9422*


* No longer made!

 

[6x6pinz]

The only other lever action 22 that can compete with the accuracy I get out of my Henry is my old Itahaca 49 single shot.

 

[glockgod]

I'd love to see all the critters I've "vaccinated" with my 9422 in one pile. If I were to choose a lever 22 currently in production it'd be a tough call between the Browning and the Marlin. Marlin makes a classy looking rifle but the short lever throw of the Browning is SWEEEET!!

 

[epijunkie67]

Paper accuracy or practical accuracy? Because the difference between a .25" group and a .32" group at 40 yards is real, but also irrelevant in real world practical terms.

As a general rule I think most people rank the Marlin as the most accurate rifle out of the box. However, I've got a Henry in .22 mag and love it. It's less expensive than the Marlin and the accuracy will be almost as good.

Now if money is no object then get the Marlin and know you are getting the best.

/In my opinion of course.

 

[Baba Louie]

Nowadays, best bang for the buck-wise new, probably the Henry.

Older and used, Marlin 39A or Win9422 if you can find a deal that your wallet allows.

I cannot speak as to the Ruger or Browning from actual shooting experience.

If you run into a Nylon 76, snag it. Only lever action made by Remington IIRC. Mine is minute of ground squirrel accurate out to 35 yds or so w/ open sights.

Best... always subjective. Favorites..., I can qualify. As always, YMMV.

 

[CaliCoastie]

Don't have actual numbers in front of me but my 39a with just bulk ammo I can fire a full mag at 25yds as far as I can in one hole. Plus if you look around you my be able to find some used, I passed on two that went for 175otd(friend bought them). Also got an 1894m(22 mag) for the same price. Good luck with your choice.
PS I'm shooting peep sights, so things should get better with a scope if that was your choice.

 

[Clipper]

My first BL-22 would, with a decent 4-power scope, produce sub-MOA groups @ 100 yards with the old 29 grain 1500 fps Stingers. I could easily head shoot squirrels at 50 yards. The light weight (5 lbs) made it easy to lug around the swamp hunting snowshoe hare (I don't use a sling, so the small action was easy to hand carry), and the 33 degree lever throw let me cycle the action with just a flick of the fingers. My thumb never left the stock. I swear you couldn't fit a cigarette paper between the wood and metal, and of course there's that beautiful Browning finish. I traded that gun off in a moment of need 20 years ago, but the pain was just too much to bear any more, and I bought another one this summer. I'm glad to say the accuracy, fit & finish and quality are the same as that first one.

Before I bought that first rifle, I looked at all the others, Glenfield, Marlin, Winchester and Erma, and simply wasn't impressed. When the man opened the Browning box I didn't ask price and hadn't even handled the gun yet, I just said to wrap that baby up. Shoot one and carry one around the woods all day and you'll throw rocks at the others.

Far as I'm concerned, I wouldn't contaminate my gunsafe with any other lever .22.

 

[JohnM]

I've gone through a lot of 22 lever actions in the past 60 years.
I think my favorite was always the Marlin 39 followed closely by the Browning.
No real scientific reason, just personal favorites.

 

[wankerjake]

I like both the Marlin 39A and the Winchester 9422. Both fine rifles.

 

[LOLBELL]

I'll have to agree with Clipper. I have a Browning thats 40 years old. I have both Marlin 39A and a Winchester 9422, neither are as accurate as the Browning. I can, and have for 40 years been able to get sub .5 " groups @ 50 yds with the BL22. The other guys won't do that. When it's time to get out and have some fun with a 22, the BL22 comes out of the safe and the others stay in........... way back over younder in the corner.

 

[jmr40]

Marlin or Winchester would get my votes for "Best". With the Browning a strong contender. The Ruger and Henry are good, serviceable guns. If I just wanted something to shoot and not worry about long term value either the Ruger or Henry are good.

 

[JSNAPS]

39a, preferably mountie. They cost more but are totally worth it. If you like the rifle better buy one without the cross bolt safety. Put some skinner sights on that sucker and you are set for life!

 

[gordy]

I would never sell or trade my henry

 

[anthonywelsh]

new too forum

BL22 all the way.

 

[DM~]

If you are buying new, the Henry is the way to go...

If you want to buy something older, then you probably can HAND PICK a rifle that's all, or mostly all steel.

Personally, as long as they are reliable i like my 22's lighter than that, so i chose to buy Henrys and i'm happy with them.

DM

 

[mshootnit]

has anybody tried the new Mossberg?

 

[andym79]

Can't find much out about the Mossberg!

As I suspected, try and get hols of a second hand Marlin pre 21st century!

Its a dam shame the new ones are so S**T!

Does anyone have photos of groups shot with any of the above rifles?

 

[DM~]

has anybody tried the new Mossberg?

The ones i looked at looked pretty cheeep! Not even close to the fit and finish of the Henrys.

DM

 

[Wishoot]

Didn't vote. I have the Henry and it's been 100% reliable and accurate. I would recommend it in a heartbeat.

 

[BP44]

I voted for the henry, i Have ownde most and shot all and i think the Henry is the best abng for the buck and the smoothest cycling one to boot

 

[T.R.]

This is my Henry and I love it! Very accurate at 50 yards with extra smooth action.

TR