Lever action .22

[Win_SX-1]

I'm looking to buy a lever action .22 mainly for plinking - paper targets, cans, bottles etc. Typically up to 50 feet so I'm not looking for scope mounts etc.

I've looked at the websites for Marlin, Winchester, Taurus, Henry etc. Love the look of the Henry Golden Boy, but is above what I want to pay. I'd like to keep it to around $300 with $400 being the max.


Recommendations please to help me narrow my search.

 

[Thernlund]

I don't own a lever .22 so you can take this advice with a grain a salt. But if I were to buy one, it'd be this one without a doubt.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/22Rifle/Golden39A.aspx

I do own a Marlin 336, and I love it. That's what my recommendation is based on.


-T.

EDIT: I didn't compute your price range at first, so I guess at $539 MSRP, my suggestion is out. But I'm sure you could get one on Gunbroker within your range.

 

[RobertFBurnett]

Welcome to THR Win_SX-1,

I am going through some of the same questions on another thread, the lever gun bug has bit me too, one suggestion is a Marlin chambered in .357 and you can shoot .38s out of. Not quite as economical as the plinkmaster .22LR, but still reasonable. In the end I'll probably go with a 30-30 just for fun though

Also I don't know where in CO you live, but I'm in Los Angeles, and this place (Big 5) frequently has Marlins at decent prices, nevermind the offer being expired, it rotates on sale like every three weeks. Last month for Presidents Day they went down to $379, so its good for your price range. I looked em up and there are some locations in CO.

Have fun,

RFB

 

[chris in va]

You don't have to get the Golden Boy version of the Henry. Their regular carbine levers are pretty much the same thing for a lot less.

BTW I understand the 'Golden' part is just a cover.

http://www.henryrepeating.com/h001_leveraction.cfm

 

[AStone]

Win,

Welcome to THR.

Used 39A's can be had for that range. Easily under 400.
You'll need to look a while, but they're out there.

IMO, for lever .22, it doesn't get any better than 39.
(And there's a bunch of us who'd agree.)

Drop in over at 39-ville if you want more information on 39s.

Good luck with your search.

Nem

 

[jkingrph]

Go the gold standard, get a Marlin.

 

[Leadhead]

My only beef with the 39 is the long barrel....I'd rather have a 18-20 inch barrel.
I've got a Winchester 9422 and a Browning Bl-22.
The Browning has a stiff trigger that is hard to improve and is a little smaller then the Winchester. The BL-22's got a really short lever throw that is nice but the trigger is nicer on the Winchester and I prefer the feel and look of the Winchester.

I like the Henry's but I don't like the yellow receiver so I would go with the model that has the octagon barrel and better sights (like on the yellowboy) but has the black receiver....

 

[ArmedBear]

My only beef with the 39 is the long barrel....I'd rather have a 18-20 inch barrel.

I've got a 39 of each variety, and the long barrel really is a great offhand shooter. IOW I'd shoulder it before buying a Henry. I did, and I bought the Marlin.

 

[MilsurpShooter]

Henry H001. Cheaper then the golden boy but still one of the smoothest actions out there

 

[Furncliff]

I gave my wife a Browning bl22. She loves it. I bought it used for $325 and its had 0 problems. The physical dimensions make it very suitable for small adults and kids. But then again I'm 6' 3'' and I enjoy shooting it.

 

[Wolfgang2000]

Look at the Browning BL-22.

The throw of the lever is very short, basically you just open and close your hand. Real accurate. A handy little rifle.

 

[usp_fan]

Browning BL22 is what I grew up on. They are fantastic little rifles that are accurate and fast. The triggers on the two I shot a lot we very good. One of these is on my short list.

 

[Seafarer12]

I like pumps better than levers for .22's. My Remington 572 is one of my favorite guns.

 

[AStone]

If I didn't own a 39, I'd own a BL-22. Fine guns.

But, I own a 39. Fine guns.

 

[Win_SX-1]

Thank you all

I like the look of the Marlin 39 and the "non-Golden Boy" Henrys. So many gun ... so little money!

Thank you all! I guess a visit to the local gun stores is in order, but at least I have a short list to work from.

BTW - just so you know, I'm a long time lurker, but first time poster. I have have 9mm and 22 handguns and a Winchester SX-1 shotgun so I'm not new to firearms.

Thanks again for for sharing your knowledge.

 

[JohnBT]

Seeing that you are familiar with the construction of the SX-1, compare it to the Marlin 39A and get back to us after you look at everything else.

John

 

[akolleth]

Another vote for the Henry 001

You can have them brand new for just around $200

Buttery smooth action.

 

[ClemY]

I have had a Marlin 39A since 1963. I have had a 39M since 2005. As much as I like my old 39A, I find I prefer the straight grip of the 39M. And it is certainly accurate enough.

 

[ArmedBear]

BTW Mossberg is coming out with a .22 lever gun also, but price has not been announced.

The Henry is a nice rifle, even though I prefer the Marlins, and I think they're objectively superior firearms (for a significantly higher price, so it kind of evens out). The Browning is a fine little rifle (emphasis on "little").

Shoulder each one, see what you prefer. None of them is a POS. But don't buy any before you shoulder it; they all feel quite different from each other.

 

[dragn1]

Henry pump

Anyone shot one of these. Like Dislike?