Lever action .22?

[parsimonious_instead]

I was interested in the Henry lever action .22, until I saw a YouTube video of someone firing it.
Here's why - I don't like the fact that you have to unscrew a block and pull out a tube in order to load the rounds in.
I have a Rossi .45 Long Colt, and love popping the rounds into the side-loading gate, as a proper levergun should work.
Is there a .22 lever-action that loads the "normal" way?

 

[Abel]

Nope.

 

[Clipper]

Doubt it...I don't think the .22 with it's heel-seated bullet would stand the strain of the side-load imposed by a real loading gate anyway. And if you want a fast, light and handy lever-action .22, do yourself a favor and handle a Browning BL-22 first...You'll probably throw rocks at all the other lever .22s after that.

 

[eastbank]

after you have handled a browning,go buy a marlin model 39. eastbank.

 

[jmr40]

I've never seen a 22 lever with a loading gate like the centerfires. I like the Marlin, Winchester and Brownings much better than the Henry. But for a plinker they are not a bad gun.

 

[SGW42]

I thought loading from the muzzle end of the mag tube was "normal" the side-loaders were "newfangled."

39A owner myself. I was not super excited about having to load from the front either but it is not so bad. Considering the capacity, you don't have to do it often.

 

[ArmedBear]

after you have handled a browning,go buy a marlin model 39.

+1 if you want a rifle that feels like a real gun.

 

[winchester '97]

Marlin lever .22 will outshoot the others, and probably outlast.

 

[tactikel]

+2 on the marlin 39. I have owned 6 .22 rifles over the years and the 39 was my absolute favorite. I bought mine in '72, I know they are now expensive but for a lifetime of superior service they are worth it.

 

[22-rimfire]

No lever action 22's made that do not have the under barrel tubular magazine. I prefer it.

 

[Racktracker]

The henry isn't even in the same class as the winchester, browning or marlin. i tried them all then bought the winchester. My second choice would have been the browning. I think the marlins are good guns as well, I just preferred the winchester.

I wouldn't recommend the henry. Some of the internal parts are plastic. Plastic wears out then you have a gun that no longer feeds.

 

[gunsandreligion]

Way back when, marlin made one of the 39's predeccesors with a gate for about 3 years, but it screwed up the case/nose of the bullet way to bad if not loaded exactly right, and even when done right it didnt work great.

 

[CraigC]

I don't think the .22 with it's heel-seated bullet would stand the strain of the side-load imposed by a real loading gate anyway.

What he said!

I'd recommend handling them all and making an informed decision. Bear in mind that the Henry has a pot metal receiver with a painted cover along with plastic parts. The Marlin and Winchester (I prefer the 94/22) are all steel and the 94/22 is a better made rifle than its centerfire counterparts have been in a very long time. It has the edge in fit and finish over late model Marlins. The Browning is a good rifle but has an aluminum receiver. Handle them all, weigh your options and decide if you're willing to pay more to get more.

 

[Boxhead]

The Browning does not have an aluminum receiver, at least none I have ever fiddled with and came darn close to buying. I have an old aluminum receiver Mossberg Palomino that is still chuggin' along just fine. If I were searching today the Browning would be my hands down choice.

 

[ArmedBear]

A Skinner sight makes the difference between a cool toy and a really fun rifle. The open sights on any of these guns aren't worth a damn by comparison.

 

[ArmedBear]

the 94/22 is a better made rifle than its centerfire counterparts have been in a very long time

Was. It hasn't been made for a while now.

The Browning is all-steel. It just feels like a toy.

 

[seanie!]

I wouldn't recommend the henry. Some of the internal parts are plastic. Plastic wears out then you have a gun that no longer feeds.

The only plastic parts on Henry .22 rifles are the front site, barrel band, and follower in the tube. Henry will send you a metal front site and barrel band if you ask for it, and I've never had a problem with the plastic follower. I can't say they're not prone to wearing out, as I honestly don't know.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I can't imagine trying to force those tiny rounds into a side gate with my adult fingers. Much easier and faster to drop 'em in a tube.

And another vote for the Marlin 39A.

 

[Red Cent]

Brass, walnut, steel. The same size as the 1866 Winchester but with a small hole. Outstanding!

 

[Red Cent]

The rear sight is a V notch or it pivots up and becomes a ladder sight. Remember Gus flipping up his ladder sight to take the "Cock-a-doodle-do" guy?

 

[Armored farmer]

Marlin 39a for certain!!! Give it to your great-grandkids if you make it that long.

 

[Tommygunn]

Red Cent, who makes that very nice looking .22 lever rifle you have there in post #20?
Are they still made?

 

[toivo]

I can't imagine trying to force those tiny rounds into a side gate with my adult fingers. Much easier and faster to drop 'em in a tube.

+1 on that. I only have one thing to say:

Spee-D-Loader!

Red Cent, who makes that very nice looking .22 lever rifle you have there in post #20?
Are they still made?

Looks like a Henry Golden Boy to me. Definitely still made.

 

[offthepaper]

Another vote for the Marlin
I have 2 of them . A '79 with very nice wood and a new, 2009, which while nice is not as well fitted or finished as the older model. But I love 'em both.
But that Cross bar safety $ucks.

 

[CTPhil]

I love my Winchester 9422.