Henry lever vs Browning

[xena]

OK, I'm thinking of getting a lever action 22 rifle. I'm impressed with the Browning BL22 but the price tag is a little high. Any thoughts on the Henry lever action 22's - especially the youth model. I'm looking for a fun rifle for me (not very tall gal) and something I can get new shooters started on as well.

Thanks.

 

[rbernie]

I've shot neither. However, the gun store that I frequent most often is staffed by a bunch of Olde Phartes who think that the Henry is The Real Deal <tm>. I'm sure that the brass body and the optional oversized hand loop has nothing to do with that impression.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I think Xena is thinking about the Henry .22lr that Walmart carries. I can't think of the model # at this time but I know she's not thinking about the Yellow Boy model since she inferred a direct comparison to the BL-22

The Browning is drastically superior to the Henry. The Henry's are competent plinkers, but will have neither the accuracy nor long term reliability of the BL-22

This is one instance of you get what you pay for.

Another perhaps less expensive alternative to the Browning would be the Marlin 39A. These two compare favorably with the Marlin slightly less expensive.

I saw a decent used m39A for sale two weeks ago for $249.00. It was an '80's vintage gun and would have made a good all-around .22.

A friend bought his son one of the Henry's about 10yrs ago right after they came out. He thought it was a pretty decent gun until he went out and shot a friends Browing.

He now owns a slightly tricked out Ruger 10/22 that is vastly more accurate.

The Henry will get 2-2.5" groups at 50yds, based on various test reports I've seen. About like a new un-tuned Ruger 10/22.

Get either the Browning or a Marlin. Two years from now you will have forgottent about the extra $150.00 you paid.

If you get the Henry, you'll always regret spending the little extra to get what you REALLY wanted.

BTDT !!!

 

[BozemanMT]

I agree, while every Henry I've seen or shot looked cool, they all shot horribly. One was off over 2 feet at 50 yards. (right, with 22lR?
bleech.
I wouldn't buy one except for a wall hanger.

 

[TheEgg]

Go Browning.

Marlin would be a decent second choice.

 

[Byron]

Having owned Winchesters and Marlin 22 lever actions, I find the Henry to be smoother and superior in accuracy.At 25 yards, my Henry will put all 22 LR bullets under an inch and that being an informal rest.I am pleased with their product. Byron

 

[Hemicuda]

I have henry repeating arms co. leverguns in .22, and .17 HMR...

I also have Winchester leverguns in .22 and .22 mag, and a lone browning and a lone marlin in .22...

i can honestly tell you that the henry's ARE as accurate as the others, and seem to hold up quite well... (I dearly LOVE that Henry Varmint Express .17, and have put literally thousands and thousands of rounds through it in the past year and a half!)

the Browning is by FAR the best looking of the bunch, and is TRULY heirloom quality, but treally doesn't shoot any better than the henry!

 

[Fatelvis]

The Browning is a quality rifle. I wouldnt even consider buying the Henry. Its garbage.

 

[Jim K]

I would go with the Marlin, Winchester, and Browning in that order, with the Henry way down below. The down side of the Browning is its non-traditional look. Same with the Remington 76.

Jim

 

[Thirties]

When I bought my Browning BL-22, I chose it over a Marlin 39A because the BL-22 is a much handier rifle than the heavy Marlin. I don't regret my choice.

ps: Now in a .357mag lever gun, the Marlin 1894C is a wonderful gun.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I have to agree with Fatelvis's assessment.

 

[P. Plainsman]

I wouldn't call the Henrys "garbage." Perfectly decent little guns, from an American company that is obviously trying hard to improve and is fanatical about customer service. The action is like butter.

That said, I sold my Golden Boy within two months after I got my Marlin 39A, which should tell you something. What a great .22 rifle the Marlin is. I love its solidity, its accuracy, and its smooth, sure action (quite a bit better than my 1894C). Chambering that first round in the 39A is a sweet feeling, with 18 more behind it.

The 39A's only flaw is a heavy trigger. You can get it worked on by a gunsmith, or go the cheap route and buy a reduced power hammer spring from Wolff for around $9.

I have nothing to say against the Browning or the Winchester. No experience with either; two good gunmakers.

 

[clown714]

my henry is one of my favorite plinkers.

smooth action,not to bad of a trigger.

only negative, is the cheapo plastic front sight,that i heard you could
replace w\one of the yellow boy FS.

half decent accuracy w\ remmy bulk .22lr
shoots and cycles CB caps also.

not a bad rifle for $150.

just my $.02

clown

 

[slugcatcher]

The Henry can't compare in quality to the Browning. Go to a shop and put hands on as many .22 levers as you can. I chose Winchester over the Browning and Marlin with no regrets. It had the smoothest action of the three in the shop that day. The Marlin felt clunky. The Browning was the highest priced and was slightly less clunky than the Marlin. The fit and finish of the Browning was absolutely gorgeous though.